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If you’ve been around a while, you have likely heard me reference this line of lipsticks as my all time favorite formula. I stopped using them a few years back after finding out I have a wheat allergy (the formula contains wheat bran extract). Well about a year ago, I got it into my head that since the wheat ingredient was far down on the list I shouldn’t have an allergic reaction. So I repurchased what used to be my most used shade.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick in 440 Irresistible
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After mentioning my favorite lipstick formulas in another post, I thought it would be nice to swatch any formulas or colors that I haven’t shared in the past. Up first, the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks**. I have shown swatches of both Raisin Rage and Rum Raisin previously, but I decided to go ahead and include them next to a newer to me shade (desert escape).
L to R: Revlon rum raisin, raisin rage, desert escape
As I’ve mentioned, I really think this line from Revlon is still one of the best on the market if you like a traditional cream bullet lipstick. They are comfortable and provide good pigmentation. If you like an opaque coverage, these might be a miss for you, but I wouldn’t describe them as sheer.
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Don’t let the title scare you away; regardless of skin tone, the information in this book can be helpful. The publishing of this book is a necessary addition to the few makeup guides still available in print. I found out about The Beauty Bible for Women of Colour by Funmi Fetto from Vikeejeah on Youtube. Vikeejeah and four other YouTube Creators collaborated to all cover three products mentioned in the book. Kelsee Briana Jai, one of the collaborators, created a playlist of all five videos for easy viewing.
I do want to mention that some of the write-ups in the book are more helpful than others. Some anecdotal parts aren’t that helpful in terms of how a product works, but I haven’t noticed any items that I felt wouldn’t be workable for deep skin tones. Overall, I have enjoyed reading through this book and am excited to check out some products I haven’t tried before.
I thought it would be fun to showcase some of the products covered in the book that I have tried. The book does cover skincare and hair care, but I’ll only be focusing on the makeup portion.
As for the Nars Natural Radiant Longwear**, it is still fairly new to me, so I’m still getting a feel for it. You can tell in the swatches below how matte the Estee Lauder is in comparison to the NARS’ Radiant finish. The one issue I have had with the NARS formula was that it accentuated texture really badly until I got my shade right. It looks much better on me now that I’ve switched to the shade Tahoe instead of Huahine and Syracuse.
L to R: Estee Lauder doublewear 5W2 and NARS natural radiant longwear tahoe
I decided to pick out some products to focus on this season. I don’t usually care whether a particular shade coordinates with the season, but I wanted to try something different this year. This assortment went in a somewhat monochromatic direction, which is a look I don’t mind. But I’ll see how long it lasts before I want to swap any of these out.
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For my dry skin, this is the best-looking finish on my skin that I have come across. The brand claims a natural matte finish, which I always assume means satin, and I would agree with that. I have no issues with wear time, but due to my dry skin, I hardly ever do. While it does last throughout the day, it is not transfer-proof or resistant. I have worn it on its own, but it transfers easily. So I prefer to set it with powder. The powders that I do not find to change the beautiful finish are the Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder** (reviewed here) and the now discontinued MAC Next to Nothing Powder. However, any setting powder you prefer will work if you do not mind a more matte finish. This foundation is one of my favorites that I have been using for over two years now and have repurchased.
Nikki From HR 