MAC Fluidline Brow Gelcreme ($15.00 for 0.10 fl. oz.) is a new, limited edition brow gel that’s supposed to be long-wearing, waterproof, and sets quickly. It comes in three shades: Dirty Blonde (soft taupe brown), Redhead (muted golden brown), and Deep Dark Brunette (rich brunette).
Dirty Blonde is an ochre-toned brown with a gray cast; it’s a bit yellow-brown to be a true taupe, but there’s a definite grayness to it that give sit a taupe-like coloring.
Redhead is a warm, yellowed, medium tan-brown.
Deep Dark Brunette is a dark brown with subtle, warm red undertones.
Ooh–I really like these. They have the same consistency and feel of MAC’s Fluidlines, which is a fantastic formula. It’s creamy, pigmented, smooth, and it sets efficiently–not so quick that you have no time to fix mistakes, blend, or the like, but not so long that it has time to move around. I used Deep Dark Brunette to fill in my brow using the 208 (which is the brush promoted with this launch), and it was lovely. The creamy consistency allowed for a really crisp line and edge along the upper and lower edges of the brow. The color wasn’t too harsh against my skin tone and with my brow color, so on dark brown (with a bit of black) brows, it’s an appropriate color.
All three shades had incredible pigmentation; the color payoff in a single pass was opaque and didn’t skip or drag. When I tested the shade closest to my brow color, it lasted all day long. I had no problem getting a full eight hours of wear, and even after twelve hours, 90% of it remained. Mere water did not smudge or cause it to run, either, so it holds up to the waterproof claim as well. I will be curious to see how suitable Dirty Blonde and Redhead are for those with lighter brows. I wish this formula was permanent, and I could see a few more shades being added to round it out more.
Long-wearing, waterproof, creamy, and fully pigmented, there's nothing not to like about these. These are the Fluidline formula and consistency at its best, but for brows, and whether it's worthwhile for you will depend on whether your brow color suits one of the three shades.
Product
10/10
Pigmentation
10/10
Texture
10/10
Longevity
10/10
Application
5/5
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!
Where to Buy
This product can be purchased at the following retailers:
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!
Quick Review: Le Metier de Beaute Urban Dweller Nail Lacquer
Le Metier de Beaute Urban Dweller Nail Lacquer ($10.00 for 0.14 fl. oz.) is described as a “rich chocolate plum with golden effervescence.” It’s a dark, reddened chocolate brown with copper and teal micro-shimmer. Urban Decay Barlust is very similar, just not quite as red-toned.
This was nearly opaque in one coat, but I’d still recommend two for full opacity. It had a very nice consistency that allowed the polish to apply fluidly without streaking, bubbling, or pooling along the sides. Le Metier de Beaute, generally, has a lovely formula and interesting shades. Now, they have full-sized bottles, but in the past, they released small bottles. These smaller bottles can make for a more challenging application if you have longer fingers or larger hands, since the caps are so small. It contains just over a fourth of a full-sized polish (average size of full-sized polish is 0.50 fl. oz.) but is priced at $10, which is more palatable than say Dior or Chanel’s $20+ price tags (and you get around 0.34 to 0.40 fl. oz. with those). I typically get a week of wear out of the brand’s formula with no chipping and very minor tip wear.
** A Note on Quick Reviews: In an effort to be more on-the-ball for 2013, I’m digging through my photo folders and getting as much posted as I can. These are not full-length, in-depth reviews, and instead, I’m writing brief reviews. For dupes, I highly suggest checking out The Swatch Gallery; it’s my first stop whenever I am looking for possible dupes. All of the swatches in this post are automatically added to the gallery, so you can compare them for yourself.
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!
Quick Review: Le Metier de Beaute Dynasty Nail Lacquer
Le Metier de Beaute Dynasty Nail Lacquer ($10.00 for 0.14 fl. oz.) is described as a “deep, shimmering fuchsia.” It’s a rich, deepened ruby red with darker, ruby red shimmer–very fine shimmer that’s still noticeable in natural light but has a thread-like appearance. Illamasqua Charisma is very similar–perhaps a little darker, less red. Zoya Karina is brighter, redder.
It’s fully opaque in two coats, and it dries down to a naturally shiny finish–you don’t need a top coat. I didn’t have any problems with application or the consistency, and it really applied quite nicely. Le Metier de Beaute, generally, has a lovely formula and interesting shades. Now, they have full-sized bottles, but in the past, they released small bottles. These smaller bottles can make for a more challenging application if you have longer fingers or larger hands, since the caps are so small. It contains just over a fourth of a full-sized polish (average size of full-sized polish is 0.50 fl. oz.) but is priced at $10, which is more palatable than say Dior or Chanel’s $20+ price tags (and you get around 0.34 to 0.40 fl. oz. with those). I typically get a week of wear out of the brand’s formula with no chipping and very minor tip wear.
** A Note on Quick Reviews: In an effort to be more on-the-ball for 2013, I’m digging through my photo folders and getting as much posted as I can. These are not full-length, in-depth reviews, and instead, I’m writing brief reviews. For dupes, I highly suggest checking out The Swatch Gallery; it’s my first stop whenever I am looking for possible dupes. All of the swatches in this post are automatically added to the gallery, so you can compare them for yourself.
It's fully opaque in two coats, and it dries down to a naturally shiny finish--you don't need a top coat. I didn't have any problems with application or the consistency, and it really applied quite nicely.
Product
10/10
Pigmentation
10/10
Texture
10/10
Longevity
9.5/10
Application
5/5
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!
Where to Buy
This product can be purchased at the following retailers:
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!
Quick Review: Le Metier de Beaute Anatolia Nail Lacquer
Le Metier de Beaute Anatolia Nail Lacquer ($10.00 for 0.14 fl. oz.) is described as a “rich plum illuminating with bronzy, golden shimmer.” It’s a darkened, slightly muted, red with golden shimmer. The finish is almost foil-like, but it’s not quite as reflective as a true foil finish (nor as naturally matte but reflective). Dior Apparat was the closest dupe I could think of, but it is a richer red and has finer gold shimmer. Zoya Alegra is lighter, pinker.
The color coverage is fully opaque after two coats, and the consistency wasn’t too thick or too thin. Le Metier de Beaute, generally, has a lovely formula and interesting shades. Now, they have full-sized bottles, but in the past, they released small bottles. These smaller bottles can make for a more challenging application if you have longer fingers or larger hands, since the caps are so small. It contains just over a fourth of a full-sized polish (average size of full-sized polish is 0.50 fl. oz.) but is priced at $10, which is more palatable than say Dior or Chanel’s $20+ price tags (and you get around 0.34 to 0.40 fl. oz. with those). I typically get a week of wear out of the brand’s formula with no chipping and very minor tip wear.
** A Note on Quick Reviews: In an effort to be more on-the-ball for 2013, I’m digging through my photo folders and getting as much posted as I can. These are not full-length, in-depth reviews, and instead, I’m writing brief reviews. For dupes, I highly suggest checking out The Swatch Gallery; it’s my first stop whenever I am looking for possible dupes. All of the swatches in this post are automatically added to the gallery, so you can compare them for yourself.
The color coverage is fully opaque after two coats, and the consistency wasn't too thick or too thin. Le Metier de Beaute, generally, has a lovely formula and interesting shades.
Product
10/10
Pigmentation
10/10
Texture
10/10
Longevity
9.5/10
Application
5/5
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!
Where to Buy
This product can be purchased at the following retailers:
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!
Quick Review: bareMinerals The Cocktail Hour Eyeshadow Palette
bareMinerals The Cocktail Hour Eyeshadow Palette ($24.50 for 0.28. oz.) is a holiday palette from last year, but it’s actually still available through bareMinerals at a discounted price of $24.50–it originally retailed for $40.00–and it is a truly fantastic palette. I’m a huge fan of the Ready eyeshadow range, and this palette is and was excellent. This palette contains these shades: Black Tie Optional (black velvet), Icebreaker (pink pearl), Swanky (dazzling plum), Spiked (copper blush), Elixir (luxe lilac), Invite Only (taupe slate), Libation (sugared cinnamon), and Shaken Not Stirred (jeweled envy).
Black Tie Optional is a dark charcoal black–there’s a hint of gray there. It has cool undertones, excellent color payoff, and has a mostly matte finish.
Icebreaker is a pearly pale pink with subtle warm undertones and a frosted finish. Super soft, smooth, and intensly pigmented.
Swanky is a red-toned medium-dark purple with a satiny finish. It had nice color payoff and was soft and smooth to the touch.
Spiked is a warm, medium orange with a hint of reddish-copper and a frosted sheen. Good pigmentation and smooth texture.
Elixir is a pink lavender with a frosted finish. It was very soft and had good pigmentation.
Invite Only is a soft, metallic finished taupe–a great balance of gray and brown. Nice color payoff, smooth finish.
Libation is a beige-copper with a champagne metallic sheen. It has a very, very reflective finish with good pigmentation.
Shaken Not Stirred is a darkened navy blue with fine navy blue shimmer over a matte base. This had good color payoff, especially when applied, but the shimmer isn’t very noticeable on.
This is a fantastic palette, and at $24.50? a total steal. The quality is excellent across the board; there are no duds in this palette. These wear well, apply beautifully, and blend out easily. If you love soft, buttery eyeshadows with rich color payoff, this palette has your number.
** A Note on Quick Reviews: In an effort to be more on-the-ball for 2013, I’m digging through my photo folders and getting as much posted as I can. These are not full-length, in-depth reviews, and instead, I’m writing brief reviews. For dupes, I highly suggest checking out The Swatch Gallery; it’s my first stop whenever I am looking for possible dupes. All of the swatches in this post are automatically added to the gallery, so you can compare them for yourself.
This is a fantastic palette, and at $24.50? a total steal. The quality is excellent across the board; there are no duds in this palette. These wear well, apply beautifully, and blend out easily. If you love soft, buttery eyeshadows with rich color payoff, this palette has your number.
Product
10/10
Pigmentation
10/10
Texture
10/10
Longevity
10/10
Application
5/5
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!
Where to Buy
This product can be purchased at the following retailers:
bareMinerals, $24.50 (retailed for $40 originally)
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!
The Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss (whew! that’s a mouthful) is supposed to be a color-rich, non-sticky, and high-shine. Merveille applies easily with opaque color–and lots of shimmer. The size of the shimmer is fine but noticeable, so it reflects and catches the light well, giving lips a very sparkling look. It’s incredibly comfortable to wear–very hydrating–and lasts for five hours. The tapered doe-foot applicator tapers on both ends, and it actually fits the natural curve of the lip well for application. The consistency isn’t too thick or too thin, and it never gets tacky.
This is one of the best-performing shades of Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss I've tried; it has rich color, beautiful application, and feels great while it wears.
Product
10/10
Pigmentation
10/10
Texture
10/10
Longevity
9.5/10
Application
5/5
Login or Register to be able to add this to your Vanity or Wishlist! Plus rate and review!
Where to Buy
This product can be purchased at the following retailers:
Sometimes products are discontinued or limited edition, which means that a product may no longer be available at one or more retailers so you may need to shop around for those hard-to-find shades! We try to update products as they become discontinued, and if you discover a product has been discontinued, please help us help others by letting us know.
Disclosure: Temptalia uses affiliate links, which give us a small commission when you make a purchase (given to us by the retailer, at no cost to you). Your purchases help to support the site!