For Fall: Pigmented Gloss

Guerlain Violine (462) Kiss Kiss Essence de Gloss ($31.00 for 0.20 fl. oz.) is a juicy raspberry pink with subtle fuchsia and light pink micro-shimmer. The color itself is nearly opaque (my lip freckle is almost covered but it still peeked through). I love that this is a pink that’s not too cool for warmer skin tones to wear with ease–it has just a touch of blue such that it is a cooler shade if I were to classify it.

The formula itself is comfortable to wear; it’s lightweight, non-sticky, and keeps lips moisturized. It does seem to de-emphasize lip lines and the color, despite the pigmentation, did not settle into my lip lines much at all. It does have a high-shine finish, so there is no mistaking it for a lipstick, as it is most definitely a gloss! I get between three and four hours of wear with it, and it doesn’t completely disappear after having a cup of coffee either–which is nice!

Essence de Gloss is housed in a “gold” rectangular case with a thin cut out where the color of the gloss shows through (it really is the gloss that shows through–it is absolutely clear until you pull the wand out once!). The packaging looks pretty, though it lacks the heft typically associated with Guerlain’s products, which may be a good or bad thing, depending on your needs.

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• Product: 29/30
• Value: 8/10
• Ease of Use: 4/5
• Packaging: 4/5

RECOMMENDATION: I love that there is pigmentation to the gloss without being entirely opaque or thick. It’s not sticky at all, too!

AVAILABILITY: Nordstrom

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Guerlain Violine Kiss Kiss Essence de Gloss

Guerlain Violine Kiss Kiss Essence de Gloss

Guerlain Violine Kiss Kiss Essence de Gloss

Guerlain Violine Kiss Kiss Essence de Gloss

Guerlain Violine Kiss Kiss Essence de Gloss

Video: Quick Look at Guerlain Fall

I’m trying to get into the habit of doing more “first impressions” kind of videos–literally me seeing the products for the first time, opening them up, swatching, etc.  They won’t always be focused on reviewing or talking about the specifics of products, particularly if I’ve never tried the product (e.g. it’s not just a new shade but a new product type).  This is a short video featuring Guerlain’s 10 Rue de Franc Bourgeois Eyeshadow Palette, Gwen Rouge G Lipstick, and Violine Kiss Kiss Gloss Serum.  The latter I hope to review soon, but I need to put it through the wear test still!

Fall Makeup:  Go Red with Neutrals

When it comes to some of the darker shades of fall lip colors, pairing them with a neutral eye is always an easy way to make them work for you without overwhelming your face.   This is the kind of look where I challenge myself:  “How many products that I need to review can I fit on my face for one look?”  It’s the epitome of multi-tasking, right?  Hey, at least it’s not my usual where I have half my face done in certain products… and the other half with something else.

All new products used will be reviewed on the blog – I’ll give you my take at that time

You will need the following…

• Eyes: NARS Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base (neutral eyeshadow base), Guerlain Rue des Francs Bourgeois Eyeshadow Palette, Bobbi Brown Chocolate Brown Eyeliner (dark brown), Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara (black)
• Face: Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation (03), Guerlain Les Voilettes Mineral Powder (03)
• Cheeks: Rock & Republic Call Me Blush (pinky coral)
• Lips: Guerlain Gwen Rouge G Lipstick (deep red), Guerlain Violine (462) Kiss Kiss Gloss Serum (burgundy red)
• Brushes: 249 (flat, firm brush), 239 (fluffy shadow brush), 226 (fluffy crease brush), 219 (pointed crease brush), 116 (dense blush brush)

For eyes, start by applying Smudgeproof as your eyeshadow base all over the eye area with the 249. Using the 239, apply the bottom left shade of the palette on the inner third of the lid and pull upwards along the inner crease. Lightly blend the upper left shade of the palette on the middle of the lid with the 239. Next, apply the bottom middle shade of the palette onto the outer lid with the 239. Define the crease with the upper middle shade of the palette with the 226. Blend the upper left shade of the palette with the crease shade and highlight the brow bone. Bring everything together by applying Chocolate Brown eyeliner on the lower lash line. Finish by sweeping lashes with Inimitable Intense mascara.

For cheeks, apply Call Me blush on the apples of the cheeks and sweep upwards towards the temple with the 116.

For lips, apply Gwen lipstick first, and then layer Violine lipgloss for a complementing lip.

Check out more photos!