Rouge Bunny Rouge Succulence of Dew Sheer Lipstick in Murmurings: A Tale of Discovery | Review and Swatches

nce upon a time there was a girl who loved makeup with great passion. One day while walking down the street, with her head in the clouds dreaming about the perfect sheer lipstick, she fell into an open manhole.

As she was tumbling, in what seemed to be an endless journey downward, she imagined that she would land in some lurid under-city catacomb of sorts- the likes of Fritz Lang's Metropolis.

She clenched her fists close to her chest and continued her descent to where she knew not.

Still from Fritz Lang’s — Metropolis, 1927 (source).

She continued falling for what seemed to be an eternity, and her watch began spinning backwards. Eventually the dark gave way to light, and soon she could see a beautiful sight, but was somewhat disoriented because things appeared upside down as she tumbled toward an oculus. It was filled with clouds, putti, a peacock, and people peering toward her as she was falling at great rates of speed toward them.

Andrea Mantegna. Illusionistic Oculus at the Camera degli Sposi in the Ducal Palace (Mantua, Italy). (source).

Once she landed, she was greeted by a lovely bunny who simultaneously (and magically) spoke in two languages. The bunny exclaimed, 

"Welcome, we have been expecting you! Let us help you get up."

"Добро пожаловать, мы ждали вас! Позвольте нам помочь вам встать."

Albrecht Dürer. Young Hare, 1502 (source).

What was the most odd was the fact that the girl wasn't at all surprised by this rather unusual encounter. She simply smiled and simultaneous said "thank you" and "спасибо."

The bunny then indicated that they, in the magical land of Rouge Bunny Rouge, were very well aware  that the girl had dreaming about the perfect sheer lipstick, and realized that they must make a preemptive move to prevent her from wandering the earth forever in search of the perfect sheer lipstick. It was then that they decided to make her fall down the rabbit hole to end her quest once and for all.

Sandro Botticelli. La Primavera (source).

The bunny then directed her to the Succulence of Dew Lipstick Trees- where she was to pick her shade. To the girl, from afar the trees appeared to offer fruit rather than lipsticks. However, once she reached the trees the oranges magically transformed into the most gorgeous sparkling tubes of lipstick.

She picked the first tube that she could reach and when she opened it the lipstick itself whispered "my name is Murmurings, and you and I are perfect for one another." The girl smiled at the tube that she held, and responded "you are the most beautiful lipstick to behold, and I love you!"

Murmurings is the perfect subtle red lipstick. It is more sheer, yet buildable- therefore it is perfect for people who are afraid of wearing red lipstick. It leaves your lips plump and juicy, and utterly kissable. It is immensely moisturizing, with the perfect amount of slip and cushion, and is simply about as perfect as perfect can get.

Murmurings is described as, "Wet effect, sheer, cool damson - Like having just eaten a bowl of cherries."

The girl, without the aid of a mirror, placed the lipstick on her lips- and then immediately found herself walking back where she came from before she fell down the Rouge Bunny Rouge rabbit hole. She looked in her hand to see that she was clutching Murmurings as though her very survival was dependent on it. After her bewilderment subsided, she exclaimed "I didn't get to say thank you or goodbye to the Bunny!" Murmurings then responded, "You did so by selecting me, and worry not- you are always welcome in our magical land-- all you have to do is think about it and you will be transported."

According to Rouge Bunny Rouge,

The easy glide, weightless formula with moisturising, lip-shaping and skin-protecting benefits comes in five delicate yet rich colours with an outstandingly sheer, glossy finish. The precise application and perfect coverage of this texture create a polished look effortlessly.

With Hilurlip™, an innovative moisturising, anti-aging and skin-protecting Sodium Hyaluronate based agent, lips are redefined, their volume is boosted, and fine vertical lines are minimised while fighting the negative effects of free radicals. Our Sheer Lipstick formula is also infused with nourishing Rosehip Butter, a natural powerhouse of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Sheer Lipstick SUCCULENCE OF DEW: transparent, juicy colour of a lip stain, wet-look finish of a gloss.

Ingredients: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Polybutene, Octyldodecanol, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Polyethylene, Trimethylsiloxyphenyl Dimethicone, Isohexadecane, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Aroma (Flavor), Mica, Bis-Peg/Ppg-14/14 Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Butylene/Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer,Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Cyclopentasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Tripeptide-1. (+/-): Ci 45410 (Red 28 Lake), Ci 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), Ci 15850 (Red 6), Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), Ci 15850 (Red 7 Lake), Ci 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), Ci 77491 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77492 (Iron Oxides), Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides).

Overall Assessment: Pure unmitigated magic. Simply best in class! It is even more magical than the aforementioned story suggests. Murmurings is absolute unadulterated perfection. I suspect that you need it in your life as much as I do. It is a timeless classic that is modern, luxurious, whimsical, and utterly stunning!

Rouge Bunny Rouge is a London-born and Moscow, London and now US-based luxury niche makeup company. This is why you see my flights of fancy in this tale include Russian text– as an homage to this lovely company's origins.This short tale/tail is a repost from 2013 soon after I discovered this lovely lipstick.

$29.00 for 3.6 g/0.13 oz. purchased from Beautyhabit also available from Rouge Bunny Rouge (Affiliate links).

Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sale on Hautelook | Two Days Left

PSA (Affiliate Links)

As a huge fan of Rouge Bunny Rouge, when Hautelook features this lovely luxury line in their beauty sales I take notice. If you need to restock your favorites, or have been wanting to try RBR at a significant savings, then this sale is well worth checking out. Take a peek at their offerings here.

Current Makeup Lust List in October 2014

Affiliate Links

In the midst of all of the seasonal color collection launches I found myself drawn to lots of shiny sparkly things, but when I narrowed my list down these are the things that I kept coming back to. Surprisingly, not all of my choices are limited edition, but the few that are will likely sell out fast because of their fetching beauty. I definitely leaned heavily into my love of blush and lip products, and if I had to get just three things from this list it would likely be the By Terry Terrybly Rose de Rose Trio Powder Blush, Sisley Paris L'Orchidée Veil and the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette. I'm utterly enraptured by these three, and feel compelled to have them all. What I will actually end up with from this list-- well, I suppose time will tell!

1) By Terry Terrybly Rose de Rose Trio Powder Blush Enlightening All-Over (Limited Edition. $115.00 from Space NK): This trio of roses blush compact flatters the complexion with a customizable flush of color. Light-reflective pigments accentuate the cheekbones to bring every skin tone to life with a healthy, natural glow. Amid a cluster of petals blossoms a matte and radiant bouquet of three universal shades which are endlessly modulate. Incredibly fine and luxurious, this blush is enriched with silky photo-luminescent polymers, micro-fused mineral pigments and high-definition light-reflective correctors to blend into skin like a perfect veil infused with delicate scent of roses. Kabuki Brush also included.

2) Sisley Paris 'L'Orchidée' Veil ($110 from Nordstrom): L'Orchidée colors and enhances the complexion with an easy to apply and endlessly adjustable luminous veil. A trio of ultra-luminous, pearly shades is specially designed to beautify and sculpt the face, refracting the light for a natural, sunny finish. In a single sweep, the complexion is revealed and unified, for a subtle, healthy glow.

How to use: Take a small amount of powder and dust off any excess on the back of the hand for a subtle make-up finish.

3) Tom Ford Beauty Traceless Perfecting Foundation SPF 15 in Linen ($80.00 from Neiman Marcus): For Tom Ford, A Flawless Complexion is the essential first step to a balanced and symmetrical face. This natural-finish, longwearing, humidity-resistant foundation hydrates and evens skin tone, creating a flawless, supple and pore-less canvas on which to sculpt the features. Its state-of-the-art formulation includes the skin-nourishing Tom Ford infusing complex to help smooth and renew skin and help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Buildable medium-to-full coverage SPF broad-spectrum sun protection shields skin from UVA/UVB damage.

4) Tom Ford Beauty Concealing Pen in Light ($52.00 from Neiman Marcus): Tom Ford believes in balance and symmetry. Designed with a unique applicator, the Tom Ford concealing pen delivers an undetectable finish as it camouflages under-eye circles and areas of uneven skin tone and redness. Its luxurious formula, which includes the Tom Ford infusing complex to rejuvenate skin from within, creates the appearance of a smooth and flawless complexion. Use alone or with Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation. Available in six shades. Twist end several times to start product flow on first use. Apply pen tip directly onto face. Thereafter, twist end once or twice to re-start flow.

5) Tom Ford Beauty Foundation Brush ($72.00 from Nordstrom): The foundation brush by Tom Ford turns your face into a flawless canvas. With its synthetic bristles, it easily smoothes and blends liquid foundation onto your skin for an even, seamless complexion without streaking.

6) Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette (Limited Edition. $58.00 from Hourglass & Sephora): A limited edition palette featuring three shades of Ambient Lighting Blush, the groundbreaking blush that creates seamless, soft-focus and multidimensional color. Features two of our best-selling shades, Luminous Flush and Mood Exposure, as well as a new shade, Incandescent Electra, which is exclusive to the Ambient Lighting Blush Palette.

7) Serge Lutens Nude Lip Palette ($160.00 from Barneys New York): Four discreetly nude shades with delicate texture. Formulated with high melting point wax and surface-treated pigments, color is exceptionally long-lasting and smudge proof.

8) Sisley Paris Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Lip Balm in Berry ($50.00 from Nordstrom): Phyto-Lip Twist Tinted Lip Balm gives your pout color similar to a lipstick but with a shine akin to a gloss. It’s formulated to moisturize, condition and plump lips for a visibly smooth, supple look that’s completely irresistible. The easy-to-wear shades are perfect for any skin tone, and because of its design it doesn’t even need a sharpener.

9) Rouge Bunny Rouge Raw Garden Chronos Eye Shadow Palette (Limited Edition. $59.00 from Beautyhabit): Hints of Darkness is one of the signature ideas of the Enchanted Garden, and one that hides a multitude of shades and shadows locked inside....On the edge of metallic and organic, the silky-soft shades of the Limited Eye Shadow Palette RAW GARDEN in ‘Chronos’ are created to beautify every eye color and each classic look that usually is created in a variety of greys and blacks. 

10) Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Empress ($28.00 from Hourglass and Sephora): A richly pigmented, silky smooth and velvety matte lip color that delivers extended wear without flaking or dryness. Empress is a stunning deep aubergine.

11) rms beauty Cream eye polish in Magnetic ($28.00 from Beautyhabit): A veil of sheer metallic hues that gives these unique shadows a glowing, light-reflective finish not seen in traditional eye shadows. They have a subtle, glossy quality, giving them a very fashion forward finish that is both flattering and youthful. rms beauty eye shadows have all the benefits of raw mineral pigments without the dryness that occurs with minerals alone. rms beauty cream eye shadows double as an eye cream to nourish and moisturize the eye area, separating them from commercial eye shadows that can accelerate aging and emphasize lines. These shadows work amazing on dry or aging eyes. 

12) By Terry Gloss Terribly Shine in Honeymoon Kiss ($44.50 from Space NK): By Terry's Gloss Terrybly Shine is bursting with antioxidant, multi-protective, replenishing active extracts to guarantee immediate hydration, extra volume and radiant glow. The 'Kiss Me Quick' extract naturally stimulates the collagen in your lips, boosting volume and plumpness, the perfect quick-fix to your look. Non-sticky texture and a subtle sheen leaving you with long-lasting radiance throughout your day.

13) Deborah Lippmann Until Your Dreams Come True 15th Anniversary Music Box Set (Limited Edition. $195.00 from Nordstrom): Dream big, aim high, forever imagine. Deborah Lippmann Until Your Dreams Come True 15th Anniversary Music Box Set is a limited-edition collection of 15 long-wearing, treatment-infused nail colors. Each shade tells a story from the brand’s hopeful beginnings to the hundreds of hurdles to the extraordinary triumphs, with Deborah’s continued passion for music as an inspirational source. Each shade is formulated with biotin and green tea extract and lasts long, dries quickly and applies evenly and smoothly.

14) ILIA Lip Conditioner in Arabian Knights ($26.00 from Beautyhabit): ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner combines organic ingredients to soothe and condition the lips. Each shade carries a sheer touch of color, that increases in intensity when applied liberally. Mix with other ILIA colors to create your own personalized shade. Nourish your lips naturally. Off in a far distant land, you wait under a warm, desert moon. Arabian Knights offers a fantasy of mystery and seduction. The deep tones of violet, and burgundy melt together forming a beautiful berry stain. An ideal shade, that is easily carried from day to night.. 

What is on your makeup lust list? Which collections or pieces have captured your imagination? Any splurges on the horizon?

Project Make-A-Dent Volume II: The Luscious Lips Edition

As you are undoubtedly aware, I launched Project Make-A-Dent in October 2013 in an effort to use and finish some of my neglected makeup. Here is what I had to say then:

In the midst of all of the current gifts with purchases, and our inherent desire to purchase even more makeup- I feel myself growing somewhat anxious given the sheer size of my stash, and my continued desire to consume more. This takes on a different level of urgency as the holiday collections are beginning to appear at counters, and the lust list continues to grow (worse still when they are limited edition). 

In fact, I have been thinking about this a great deal lately, and decided that while not an ultimate solution to consumerism, that I needed to make a concerted effort to use some of the things that I have. Then it came to me in the middle of the night- rather than putting myself on a "no buy"- which to me is like a diet where you can never eat anything yummy again- that I would choose my purchases far more carefully and selectively, and create a new post series whereby I select several products to use with some regularity. The end goal is to use them up completely, but not at the exclusion of using other things. These items will be kept together in a place that is easily seen and accessed in order to encourage their use. Then at some point-- perhaps on a monthly basis-- another picture will be taken to reveal how much has been used.

Each month following the initial reveal of my chosen items, I showed you my progress to keep me motivated-- and hopefully to motivate you to join me on this quest. This is what my first post looked like in October 2013, and this is what it looked like when I concluded the first volume of this series in February 2014. As you can see, I finished 5 out of the 9 items that I had selected! I then asked you whether you wanted me to pick all new products for Volume II of the project or add to the remaining products from Volume I. Between your comments and emails the overwhelming majority voted that I pick all new products-- so I did just that.

This time I decided to select only lip products because I have amassed a ridiculous sized collection, and neglect a good part of what I have. You can see that I chose a disproportionately large number of MAC lip products because they are among the most neglected products in my stash. Therefore, I picked a few that I liked and decided to try and use them up. I have backups of a many of these items-- namely the Chanel Glossimer in Star, the Shu Lip Liner, the Kevyn Aucoin Liquid Pen in Peonine, MAC Evolution Revolution, MAC Lip Gelée in Amber Russe and the Revlon Lip Butter in Sugar Frosting-- therefore I wanted to use them up since I have more in-waiting. I have stopped collecting back-ups, and wanted to get a handle on my stash-- so it was a logical choice picking the aforementioned products.

This is not just for me, but it is also a challenge to you to join me in Project Make-A-Dent. Everybody is welcome to participate (and you do not have to be a blogger). If you are active in social media then let's use the hashtag:#projectmakeadent, but no worries if you aren't. My Twitter handle: @lolassecret
Check the #projectmakeadent hashtag to see who else has joined this project-- you should too!

What do you think? Are you in yet?

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Muji Acrylic 5 Drawer Case for Lipstick Storage & Their New Flagship Store in Hollywood!

 Purchased by me. (Unaffiliated links)

Los Angeles was all abuzz when Muji opened a flagship store in Hollywood before the holidays in 2013, and I was among the happy people. I have wanted lots of things from Muji for quite some time, but wanted to see everything in the store rather than ordering online. I waited until after the holidays to go since the store is located on Hollywood Blvd.-- right in the tourist-mecca. The store is delightful, clean, and immaculately organized.  While there were many things that caught my eye, I was on a mission to find a few things to organize my makeup.

I had been thinking about the Muji Acrylic 5 Drawer Case (10.2" x 6.9" x 6.3") to house some of my lipsticks and lip glosses for quite a while, but didn't want to buy it sight unseen. Instead, I went to Muji armed with a pile of lipsticks to make sure that I felt it was an adequate solution. While it hardly holds all of my lipsticks and lip glosses-- it does hold many of my favorites. The drawers from this particular case are a touch too shallow to comfortably accommodate the Guerlain Rouge G Lipsticks-- you can manage to get the drawer to close, but if the Rouge G bullet moves around then the bulkier parts can trap the door shut (for this reason I don't store them in here).

 Top drawer: Tom Ford and Susan Thompson Cosmetics lipsticks and lip glosses

 Second drawer: Burberry lipsticks and lip glosses

 Third drawer: Giorgio Armani and Rouge Bunny Rouge lipsticks and lip glosses

 Fourth drawer: Le Métier de Beauté and By Terry lipsticks and lip glosses

Fifth drawer: Chanel lip glosses and lipsticks

How do you store your lipsticks? Are you satisfied, or are you looking for a better solution?

Overall assessment: We are very happy together.

$27.95 online and $23.95 in-store.

Purchased by me. Unaffiliated links. 

Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

By Request: My Current Favorite Pink Blushes!

When wefadetogray asked me to create a post of my favorite pink blushes, I really had my work cut out for me. I have a scary penchant for pink blushes, and as frightening as it may be- this represents a small portion of my blush stash! 

Top Row Left to Right: 
1) Chanel Les Tissages de Chanel Tweed Pink (reviewed here)
2) Chanel Joues Contraste Narcisse No. 44 (unbaked US version)
3) Burberry Light Glow Blush in Misty No. 08 (reviewed here)
4) Burberry Light Glow Blush in Peony No. 04 (reviewed here)
5) Edward Bess Blush Extraordinaire Filled With Desire No. 02 (reviewed here)

Middle Row Left to Right:
1) Rouge Bunny Rouge Original Skin Blush in Gracilis (reviewed here)
2) NARS Gaiety Blush (reviewed here)
3) Tom Ford Cheek Color in Wicked No. 06 (reviewed here)
4) Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush No. 02 (reviewed here)

Bottom Row Left to Right:
1) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Liquid Blush in Mim's the Word (reviewed here)
2) Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Inspiration No. 64 (overview here)
3) Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Beauty's Touch No. 03 (reviewed here)
4) Prestige Cosmetics Flawless Touch Blush in Pink Sorbet (reviewed here)

Tweed Pink is a gorgeous two-toned light blue-based pink. Half of it is a very light pink while the remainder is a bubble gum pink, but the mixture of the two is perfection. 

Chanel Narcisse (U.S. unbaked version) is a very lovely pale pink that is a touch more neutral and less cool than Tweed Pink and Burberry Misty. 

Burberry Misty is a lovely light pink that is a touch muted in the pan, but is more vibrant on the skin. It is one of my favorite and most wearable pink blushes.

Burberry Peony, on the other hand, is a richer, darker and more vibrant cool-toned.pink. Burberry blushes are so finely milled and luxurious, but they do have a pronounced floral scent that bothers many people sensitive to fragrance in makeup. 

Edward Bess Filled With Desire is a more clear and complex light cool-leaning pink with an unbelievably gorgeous sheen (the shimmer itself is pink). 

These five blushes are within the shade range that I reach for all of the time because they impart a natural healthy glow, and because the colors are subtle (but buildable). 

Rouge Bunny Rouge Gracilis is a stunning medium tone rose with a touch of mauve- RBR makes amazing finely milled blushes that are among the best on the market. 

NARS Gaiety is a decidedly cool-toned light-medium toned pink that remains one of my favorite shades. 

Tom Ford Wicked is a gorgeous mid-toned cool-leaning raspberry pink with multicolor pearl. It is very pigmented, and therefore requires a light-hand, but it is a stunning blush. 

Giorgio Armani No. 02 Pink hardly seems pink at all next to these other pinks. It is more of subtle light peach with a touch of pink. I love it and reach for it often, but really do wish that Armani would make a truly pink blush because their formula is simply outstanding. In fact, their formula is one of my very favorites.

Susan Thompson Cosmetics Liquid Blush in Mim's the Word remains one of my very favorite pink blushes of all time. It is a gorgeous cool-toned ballerina pink, and the formula is outstanding. In fact, I have never ever tried a liquid or cream blush that can hold a candle to this beauty. 

Chanel Le Blush Crème de Chanel in Inspiration is a beautiful light cool-toned pink, but seen next to Mim's the Word, Inspiration appears to include a touch of mauve. 

Milani Beauty's Touch is not just one of my most beloved blushes, but it is also one of the most affordable! This melange of different colored roses becomes a luminous cool-toned light pink that is very finely milled. In fact, the quality is so high that it rivals the quality of my luxury blushes at a fraction of the price. However, it does lack luxe packaging, but I don't care-- it is an amazing blush! 

Prestige Cosmetics Pink Sorbet, like Milani, is a high quality drugstore brand. It is a finely milled light peachy pink blush that is so beautiful and natural on the skin. I am constantly stunned by the high quality and affordability of Prestige Cosmetics.

One would think that these pretty shades would satisfy my pink blush craving, but I have a wondering eye and am always on the hunt for other beauties to join the clan. 

What are your favorite pink blushes? Do tell!

Copyright © 2013 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Summer Sale!! Up to 40% Off!

My heart went pitter-patter this morning when I got this email announcing the RBR Summer Sale, and thought you might like to know too. Click here to view the sale. (Unaffiliated link). There are some really great deals and RBR lowered their shipping costs. I must now go study their offerings and see what I "need." Happy Friday!

By Request: Gorgeous Golden Bronzy Green Eyeshadows & Pencils that are Swoon-Worthy!

When I received the request to post swatches of golden bronzy green eyeshadows and eye pencils I wasn't sure that I had enough in my stash to fulfill the request, but as it turns out I did!

1) MAC Powersurge Eye Kohl ($16.00) (reviewed here): A stunning "bronzed-brown with golden shimmer." Powersurge, which is part of MAC's permanent range, is glorious in all of her bronzy goodness. MAC describes Powersurge as a "bronzed-brown with golden shimmer"- which I think is an accurate description minus any effusive embellishments of speech. Powersurge is a bit of a chameleon in that the color modulates depending on the light that captures it. This is a creamy pencil that can easily be smudged, but it also makes a lovely base as well. 

2) Painted Earth SuperWear Gel Liner in Baroque No. 04 ($18.50) (reviewed here): A gorgeous rich golden bronze with a slight olive green undercurrent.The texture of this gel liner is amazingly smooth, and it effortlessly glides on without any pulling or tugging whatsoever. The color payoff is very impressive in this richly pigmented opaque hue. I have experienced no migration or smudging, and once it sets it stays put until you remove it. It has the ease of application associated with gel products, but with the convenience of a pencil. It is easy to create the most beautiful cat eye with no effort. It can easily deliver the precise line and flick associated with liquid eyeliners without the same need for that level skill, or a super steady hand. In that way this is a perfect product for those making their first forays into looks that require greater skill without the fear of making a mess. This is truly one of the very best eyeliner pencils that I have used, and I have used many!

3) Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Silk Eye Shadow in Khaki Pulse No. 06 ($33.00): A gorgeous rich golden bronze. A small sample pot that has lasted a long time! This product is a creamy loose powder shadow that almost applies like a cream shadow. It is very finely milled, and offers unbelievable opaque coverage, but it can likewise be sheered out for a simple wash of color. There is no fall-out whatsoever, and the lasting power is impressive. I will definitely buy this once I finish my sample because the quality is simply superb.

4) Rouge Bunny Rouge Loose Glitter Pigment Fire Drops Caress of Mink ($23.00) (reviewed here): "A scintillating medium taupe brown with pewter-plum highlights." Added to the line up because it really lets you see the true bronze and green character of the other shades. Caress of Mink is an an incredibly complex shade that certainly is a "scintillating medium taupe brown with pewter-plum highlights" as Rouge Bunny Rouge suggests. However, even their description fails to reveal the complexity of this otherworldly shade. There is no question that this lovely hue is in the taupe family of colors, but the true character of this color is unleashed when the sun dances on the surface of the skin revealing the ethereal character of this shade as it modulates from one color to the next. This is makeup magic of the highest order. It is nearly impossible to capture the essence of Caress of Mink with a camera- it really needs to be experienced first hand. Every taupe lover out there needs this in their stash, period! This product in very very finely milled, and of the highest quality imaginable. 

5) Rouge Bunny Rouge Abyssinian Catbird Long Lasting Eye Shadow ($25.00) (reviewed here): An out-of -this-world stunning "metallic bronze with golden highlights." Abyssinian Catbird, like all of the Rouge Bunny Rouge eye shadows, is ultra finely milled, buttery soft, intensely pigmented, highly buildable, and simply extraordinary to use. The quality really is as good as it gets! Simply put, I covet my RBR eye shadows and they are my most beloved eye shadows. While I have a cool leaning skin tone, Abyssinian Catbird makes my Hazel eyes sing!

6) By Terry Silky Eye Shadow Dapple Bronze No. 5 ($40.00) (featured here): A beautiful golden green that is silky smooth! This powder eyeshadow is so finely milled that it nearly feels like a cream when applied. The color and pigmentation are so rich that a single pass will deliver opaque coverage. This is a lovely eyeshadow indeed!

7) NARS Eyeshadow Duo in Paramaribo ($34.00) (reviewed here): The stunning rich golden bronze shade on the left side of the compact. This gorgeous Duo Eyeshadow is described as Metallic Brass/ Metallic Bronze, and it is crazy beautiful, velvety smooth with super-saturated pigmentation. 

The quality of each of these pencils and eyeshadows is very high, and all of them are a pleasure to use. Clearly the only one that I don't own in the full size is the Armani Eyes to Kill in Khaki Pulse, but it is so stunning, and the quality is so amazing that I will definitely purchase it once I finish the sample.

What are your favorite eyeshadows and pencils in the golden bronzy green range?

What's Inside Lola's Secret Beauty Bag? May 2013 Edition

I love seeing what people carry in their makeup bags, and nothing really satisfies the curiosity of voyeuristic makeup magpies (a club to which I clearly belong) than seeing what people love enough to actually carry with them. For me, anything that makes it into my makeup bag is a real keeper, and here is a glimpse at my latest round of keepers!

While I tend to carry far more lip products than any sensible person would need, I did pack more than usual since I was heading out of town for work. These are a few of the things about which I am currently obsessed, but this is hardly a comprehensive list. There are numerous lip products that I have yet to photograph and review that would have been added were it not for the fact that I cannot yet use them.

Here's the breakdown of the things that I am currently carrying in my purse:

1) First I want to give you a sneak preview of my new makeup bag that I am completely in love with. It is the PurseN Classic Make-Up Case in the Versie Pattern. It comes in numerous different patterns, is very affordable at $18.00, and it measures 7-1/2"L x 4"H x 1"W. I will review it soon so that you can see it close up, but it is a joy to use. The large clear window is very convenient in helping you spot what you are looking for- especially when you pack it to the brim as I did!

2) Maybelline Colorsensational Lipcolor in Born With It No. 015: This is such a delightful Pinky Nude lipstick, and with a drugstore price tag! What's not to love?!

3) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Pout Poppers in Peace (review forthcoming): This is a gorgeous golden nude that is about as stunning as it gets. Nobody knows how to make lip plumpers as well as Susan Thompson Cosmetics- they are definitely the best on the market!

4) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Pout Poppers in Mother Nature: I'm so in love with this gorgeous  "angelic pink with gold flecks" that I have been using it everyday! 

5) Le Métier de Beauté Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Palm Springs: This is a gorgeous complex light blue-based pink with the faintest tinge of a mauvey-purple kissed by subtle golden pearl. It's a unique shade, and infinitely wearable. It's just stunning!

6) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Lola's Secret Creamy Lipstick: BEST. PINK. LIPSTICK. EVER! I love Lola's Secret- it is without question the pink lipstick that I have searched for my whole life! The fact that my close friend created it just for me makes it all the more special. Lola's Secret creates the perfect pink pout, and it can be sheered out or built up to maximum vibrancy and opacity. It's amazingly gorgeous.

7) Rouge D'Armani Lipstick No. 501: A succulent beautiful rich pink that continues to charm me. Armani makes amazing lipsticks, and they are undoubtedly among the very best on the market. The Rouge D'Armani formula is simply extraordinary.

8) Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Pink Lust (LE): I love this formula- it is so moisturizing and comfortable on the lips. That is to say nothing of the fact that this is a gorgeous pearl-rich twinkling pink!

9) Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector No. 04 Petal Shimmer: I am so taken by this lip product that I may just have to add a few more colors to my stash!

10) Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Beige No. 01: The Lip Cover formula is simply amazing, and Nude Beige is an infinitely wearable nude that never makes you look like a corpse! This is definitely one of the prettiest nudes in my collection.

11) Osmia Organics Honey-Myrrh Lip Repair: Lip balm aficionados listen up: you need this lip balm because it is nothing short of amazing! It is the best friend to lips, and the mortal enemy of chapped lips.

12) Susan Thompson Cosmetics Crest Compact: I never leave home without it!

13) Rouge Bunny Rouge Forever Yours...Long-Lasting Lip Pencil in Roald: This has been my favorite lip pencil for quite some time. RBR has an amazingly creamy formula that stays put and never migrates.  Roald is a gorgeous mauve/pink and I reach for it more than any other shade in my stash!

14) Lollia In Love Petite Treat Handcreme: My friend Nicolle gave me this lovely hand cream as a part of my birthday gift this year, and I love it so much that I will most definitely buy a replacement when I finish it. It smells and feels heavenly!

What's in your makeup bag these days?

Doppelgänger Taupe Alert: Rouge Bunny Rouge Caress of Mink & Guerlain Bronze Ora No. 02- Swatches

As noted in my review of the new Guerlain Fard Métal Loose Iridescent Eye Shadow in Bronze Ora No. 02 (LE) ($35.00 for .02 oz.), it is remarkably similar to Rouge Bunny Rouge Loose Glitter Fire Drops in Caress of Mink ($23.00 1.8 grams or 0.063 oz.). When I say remarkably similar I do mean that they are nearly indistinguishable from one another.

Both shades are a taupe-lovers dream!

Top swatch Caress of Mink, bottom swatch Bronze Ora No. 02

Both are absolutely stunning, but they are so close that you can easily opt for one or the other. Additionally, if you miss out on the Bronze Ora No. 02 (LE) you can rest assured that you can always get Caress of Mink instead. Both are of the highest quality, therefore neither choice will be a concession.

Do you need both? Unlikely, but if you love high quality luxury loose eyeshadows in taupe- then you probably will want one of them.

Guerlain Summer 2013: Fard Métal Loose Iridescent Eyeshadow in Bronze Ora No. 02 (LE): This is Not a Swatch (Ceci n'est pas une swatch) Swatches & Review

Magritte. The Treachery of Images (Ceci n'est pas une pipe or This is Not a Pipe) (1929) Source.

Purchased by me

The moment that I saw Charleston Girl's swatch and review of this beauty, I knew that I had to have it. I also had the feeling that it was going to look a bit different on me than it does on her- so rather than ordering it online while I was out of town, and nowhere near my local Guerlain counter, I decided to wait and swatch it first. It was so stunning that I purchased it immediately after swatching it.

The secret for beautiful eyes this Summer? Guerlain loose iridescent eye shadow in Bronze Ora or Cuirve gives an immediate metallic result with only one light application.

No. 02 Bronze Ora, while described as a bronzed brown, is actually what I would describe as a stunning taupe. As I was contemplating this pretty eyeshadow, I kept thinking back to Pink Sith's brilliant post entitled "The Trouble with Taupes" where she demonstrates the extent to which taupes morph into very different hues depending on the skin tone of the wearer. The truth of this became all the more evident when I swatched this Guerlain beauty- only to discover that it wasn't quite the color that I had envisioned once applied to my skin. 

In fact, it got me thinking about the bigger construct of representation generally. It immediately brought to mind Magritte's commentary made manifest in his Treachery of Images (Ceci n'est  pas une pipe or This is not a pipe)- which caused me to think in terms of "This is not a Swatch." The point is, this is no more an actual swatch on my arm than Magritte's painting is an actual pipe. The pipe is a two-dimensional representation of a pipe from which tobacco cannot be smoked, and the swatch is likewise a two-dimensional representation of the original swatch applied to my arm. 

Furthermore, this isn't even Magritte's painting, but instead a JPEG from a photo of the painting itself (and likely many times removed)- that was then uploaded to my website and then projected on your computer monitor. Add to this Pink Sith's observation that taupe tends to be prone to metamorphoses, and what you are likely to end up with is a different shade. Therefore, swatches seen online generally function as a road map, but should not be taken as the final word on what this shade will look like on you. Differences in the monitors also influence how you see what you are viewing- therefore whenever possible try to see the actual product in person.

That said, this is a gorgeous finely milled exquisite quality loose eyeshadow. I like the packaging because it promotes easy application, and the built-in sponge tip applicator is quite convenient. I either apply it directly to my lid, or to my hand- from which I either use my finger or a brush. I urge you to remove the wand slowly in order to avoid the extraction of too much product at a time. This is not a matter of flawed packaging, but a preemptive move to avoid wasted product because of an overzealous hand. This lovely shadow has a gorgeous sheen that will make taupe-fanatics swoon.

To further contextualize this shade I included a few other taupes from my collection below.

Left to right: Burberry Rosewood, Rouge Bunny Rouge Solstice Halcyon, Chantecaille Sel, NARS 413 BLKR, and NARS Lhasa.

In the midst of my ponderings, it occurred to me that Guerlain No. 02 Bronze Ora (bottom swatch) bore a striking resemblance to Rouge Bunny Rouge Loose Glitter Pigment Fire Drops in Caress of Mink (top swatch, reviewed here), and it was definitely the case. I will feature this comparison in a dedicated upcoming post.

Overall assessment: A true thing of beauty. I highly recommend this beautiful taupe, but be advised that it may look a bit different on you!

$35.00 for .02 oz. from Neiman Marcus and where Guerlain is sold. Stock photo from Neiman Marcus.