YSL Fusion Ink B10

I'm going to attempt to keep this short and sweet since I'm kind of tired.  I do want to share my thoughts about trying the new YSL Fusion Ink foundation, though, so TA-DA!  Here it is and here I am and I'm happy to say that overall I am quite pleased with it.

I'm wearing B10 here and have applied it using my fingertips.  It feels very silky and slippery, much like the Armani Maestro does.  This one has a bit more coverage, though, and also takes a little longer to dry down, which gives you a good amount of play time to blend and move about.  The finish is very velvety smooth, but not dry or flaky.  Keep in mind that my skin is relatively normal, but I do have a dry skinned friend that is loving this formula as well (and I am surprised at that, really).  I think with good skincare underneath, even dry skinned folks could potentially enjoy this formula.

It did not emphasize pores or texture issues for me (and it's worth noting that I'm having all kinds of texture problems right now).  The coverage is light to medium in my opinion.  And the wear is really decent.  I chose not to blot my nose today to give it a sturdy test, and only toward hour eight and beyond did I notice any real shine on my nose.  It wasn't obnoxious shine, either, and the foundation beneath had not disintegrated, separated, or otherwise misbehaved to any significant degree.

The color match is ridiculously nice on me, would you agree?  It seems to be a very neutral shade and I'm liking that.  Any extra pinkness to my skin that you see is really just my naturally pink skin showing through.  I'm going to wager that B10 is similar to an N10-15 in "MAC" terms.

Here's a full break down of products, if you are curious.

Face:
Laura Mercier Radiance Primer
BECCA Ever Matte primer (just on nose)
YSL Fusion Ink Foundation B10
MUFE Full Cover 1 (spots)
BareMinerals Stroke of Light Luminous 1 (under eye)
Nars Light Reflecting Powder Loose

Cheeks:
Dior Aurora 01 Bronzer
Stila Custom Color Blush Coral
BECCA Gypsy
Holika Holika Highlighting Blush Twinkling Kitten

Eyes:
Wet 'N Wild Fergie Eye Primer
Essence Metal Glam N'Ice Frosting (lid)
Stila Rain (crease) and Air (brow bone) from In the Know palette
Stila Stay All Day liner in Paradise Pink
Stila Stay All Day liner in black (tight line)
Sephora Contour Eye Pencil in Blonde Ambition (inner lowers)
Kat Von D Immortal Lash mascara
UD Perversion mascara
Tarte Brow Architect Taupe
Milani clear brow gel

Lips:
Holika Holika Twinkling Kitten (cupid's bow)
Guerlain Rouge Automatique Reflex

I leave you with one last thought about the YSL foundation, and I think this goes without saying, but I'm going to say it anyway.  The applicator is absolutely bone chilling and a giant faux pas for me.  I just can't handle the thought of slapping that little wand onto my face and then plopping it back into the bottle.  ICK SQUIG help us all!!!  If I end up getting this foundation I will absolutely not be using that cray applicator to apply it, which makes the whole thing slightly inconvenient and awkward for sure.

As per my usual, I'm going to test this out a little further and see if I'm still liking it so much.  I'll be sure to update here if my initial thoughts change.

Zodiac Birthday

Intensely pretty - trying too hard!

It's my birthday!  So, look at my pretty face (from yesterday - but we can pretend I look this good today, as well).  :)

I was wearing the Ardency Inn Americana Custom Coverage Concentrate in Fair Pink mixed with Laura Mercier Radiance Primer, Benefit Rockateur, Laura Geller Cantaloupe, a black Jordana jumbo eye pencil as a base, UD Zodiac for green sparkles, Smashbox Full Exposure mattes to blend out edges, and Lipstick Queen Hang Ten lipstick.  Also, loving the new Lancome Grandiose mascara!

I have no major makeup plans for today, but I am okay with that.  Hope you all have a great day!

The Usual Vampy Stuff

Face:
BECCA Ever-Matte primer (just on my nose)
Ardency Inn Americana Fair Pink mixed with LM Radiance Primer
MUFE Full Cover 1
BareMinerals Stroke of Light Luminous 1 (under eye)
Nars LRP Loose (under eye mostly)
MUFE Super Matte Loose 12 (around and on nose)
D&G The Foundation Powder Ivory 50 (forehead)

Cheeks:
Dior Aurora 01 bronzer (soft contour)
Benefit Hervana
BECCA Gypsy

Eyes:
WnW Fergie eye primer
Marc Jacobs black Highliner pencil
Illamasqua Precision gel liner (tight line)
MUG Corrupt
MUG Burlesque
MUG Shimma Shimma (inner corner)
Too Faced Salted Carmel (transitions)
Lorac Chic Baked Matte Satin e/s (brow bone)
UD Perversion mascara
Clinique Bottom Lash black mascara (lowers)
Tarte The Brow Architect Fair/Light (just the pencil part used)

Lips:
Stila Color Balm Lipstick Isla


I know.  It's a crazy amount of complexion products happening, especially for me!  This is me wanting and needing full coverage complexion but not wanting it to feel, look, or act heavy (read:  misbehave).  It was relatively successful, I'm happy to say!  The Ardency Inn Americana + LM Radiance primer base mix did really well for me.  Mad science has finally paid off.  :)  And using the D&G powder lightly to set my forehead (the area I'm trying most to cover), worked well, too.  I can't believe all that held up through a long day at work, but pretty much it did.  I think I only did a slight touch up around my nose and between my brows once, while on my break.  My nose was decidedly shiny by hour nine, but I can live with that, and could have done another proper blot.

Salted Caramel from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette is fast becoming a favorite crease and/or transition color.  I can't tell you how much I adore it.  Also, a huge rave for BECCA Gypsy mineral blush, which is a solid fave for blush transitioning!  Who would know that I would become such a transition freak?  I'm loving Gypsy just on top of my cheekbones paired with nearly every blush.  Sometimes I skip the highlight, sometimes I add one over top, just on the high points.

More new stuff - the Urban Decay Perversion mascara.  I really love this!!  But it's not suitable for use on my lower lashes.  Can we say smudge city?  That happens to me with loads of mascaras.  It's perfect on the uppers, though.  I like that it gives me length, a touch of volume, good separation, glides on so easily, and is very black.  On my upper lashes I have no smudging, flaking, clumping, or otherwise egregious behavior.

I hope that everyone is enjoying a good summer!  I can't believe how freaking hot it is.

A Clash

Face:
Tarte BB primer Fair
Laura Mercier High Coverage Concealer for Under Eye 1
Nars LRP Loose (under eye)
Korres Mineral Foundation Porcelain
Korres Mineral Setting Powder

Cheeks:
BareMinerals Vintage Peach
Wet 'N Wild Fergie eye primer

BECCA Gypsy
Georgio Armani Belladonna palette

Eyes:
UD Electric Palette (Revolt, Jilted, Urban)
Lorac Baked Matte Satin e/s singles in Posh and Chic
Illamasqua Precision Gel Liner (tight line)
Bobbi Brown Gel Liner Black (upper lash line)
Kat Von D Immortal Lash mascara
Mally Volumizing mascara
Chanel Inimitable waterproof mascara Violet Touch (lowers)
Anastasia Ash Blonde/Taupe brow powder duo 
Milani clear brow gel

Lips:
Georgio Armani Lip Maestro #302 Clash

Fragrance: 
Hermès Un Jardin sur le Toit

Song (on repeat, no less):
The Killers "Shot at the Night"


I feel that it's worth mentioning that I have a wee bit of fake tan on.  I am testing out the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster.  Last night I used three drops mixed in with my Ole Truth oil.  I was expecting that I'd look like a freaky version of myself this morning, after it developed, but it's really surprisingly subtle and nice.  It bumped me up maybe half a shade from what I normally am.  

Also, of note, is that I assembled this made-up face under the influence of migraine medications (which make my thought processes significantly slower and sludgier than normal - still suffering the mental delays 19 hours after having taken the meds).  I think I'm more creative and bold when medicated, though, which is ironic.  Sludgy, dolty, and unapologetically colorful!  That's me.  Now, can I have my brain back, please?  

That Mineral Glow

All I have to do to look a little sunkissed is put on my Korres Mineral Foundation in Porcelain!  It also gives me a really pretty and controlled glow.  I forgot how much I like this.  Yes, I added a little bronzer to the edges of my face and even down my neck (for once, I remembered).  It turned out to be a really nice summer look.  I'm also wearing Guerlain Turandot, Illamasqua Tweak blusher, and Fresh Sugar Coral lip treatment.

Just Spam

I am lazy.  Enjoy the spam!  This is a mish-mosh from the last couple of weeks.  Hope you like it.  :)

The Winged Eyeliner Chronicles

I cannot remember every single thing I used here, but I know most of it.  I'm going to just list it off, if that's okay!  Boscia SPF 50 (first time using it), Dr. Jart+ BB Cream V7, Nars Light Reflecting Powder Loose, Dior Aurora 01 Bronzer, BareMinerals Rose Gold Radiance as blush, MUFE Star Powder #940 as cheek and eye area highlights, Chanel Illusion D'Ombre New Moon (lid), Kat Von D Monarch palette (Papilio, Shadow Box, and Wrath), RBR Gracious Arasari eyeshadow, Physician's Formula Booster Pen eyeliner in Ultra Black, and Fresh Sugar Berry Lip Treatment.

The last picture was taken in fading evening light in an attempt to capture all the sparkly, multi-dimension goodness of New Moon.  I have not accurately captured it in any of my pictures so far, but it has iridescent sparkles that flash different colors (gold, green, red, orange - that sort of thing).  I absolutely adore it and have not had any troubles with creasing or excessive fallout.  You can see a little bit of fallout above, but not anything major for about 10 hours of wear.

The Boscia SPF was a bit of a surprise dislike for me.  I am, however, torn on it.  It's really white and makes me look whiter than normal.  I got it all in my hairline and it felt awful and sticky there until I washed my hair.  I really felt the sunscreen on my face the entire day - not very pleasant.  But, the good news is that it kept me (and more importantly my annoying nose) quite matte all the long day.  I might be willing to try it out again through the hot and horrible months here, which we are very much into now.

Shall we talk about my eyeliner here?  I think we should.  You know I'm kind of obsessed with getting better at doing winged eyeliner.  This was a specific attempt to do a shorter than normal wing length.  I used a different approach than my norm by lining from the inside part of my lid to the outer winged part.  Usually I like to do the wings first and then go back for the rest.  My verdict is that it worked out really well!  I think any shorter and my crease would have eaten up the wing.  I'd like to try them a bit thinner next go around.  Maybe.

New Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelées

 Behold!  New Cheek Gelées!  I had to have them both.

 Apparently these are Limited Edition (which explains promptly why "I had to have them both").

 Also - SUPER PRETTY colors.  I swiped each swatch here about 4-5 times to build up the color.

I had to scrub to get the swatches off my arm with soap and water.  My swatching fingertips are still really stained, most notably Vacay Rosé.

I have not tried either of these on my sex-ay face yet, so I can't comment on wear or practical awesomeness yet.  Hopefully I can do a look with them super soon and post here accordingly.

New Loves

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer SPF 15
Marc Jacobs Genius Gel 10
BECCA Bronzing Skin Perfector
Dior Aurora 01 Bronzer
Clinique Airbrush Concealer Fair
Illamasqua concealer 115
Nars LRP Loose

Cheeks:
Tarte AC Captivating
MUFE Star Powder 940

Eyes:
WnW Fergie eye primer
Marc Jacobs The Siren LE e/s palette (cloud white pearl, copper shimmer, seafoam pearl, and sea smoke glitter pearl)
Illamasqua black gel liner
MUFE Smoky Extravagant
Clinique Bottom Lash black
Hourglass Arch Soft Brunette
Milani clear brow gel

Lips:
MUFE Star Powder 940 (cupid's bow)
Edward Bess Island Blossom (patted on with fingertip)


Want to hear my rambling thoughts about this makeup?  I'm kind of falling hard for the Genius Gel foundation.  The formula is just...SO...darn...GOOD!  Really amazeballs.  It's a long lasting champion for me.  Also, it's really lightweight and comfortable.  I like the slightly powdery finish, as well.  It's powdery but not in a dry or overly matte way, if that makes any sense.  I've read where folks say they love the "dewy" finish of this but I'm not seeing that at all.  Nope.  Not on me, at least!  And granted, I always set my foundation with powder as well (but what I'm trying to say is that I see no dewiness before powdering).  If this foundation is dewy on you, speak up, I say!  Talk to me.  Anyway, that's all beside the point.  I'm trying to tell you that for me, it's a huge winner.  It does not settle into expression lines, get overly shiny, transfer, melt, fade, or misbehave in any way.  The coverage is light and I am a-okay with that.

Now, let's talk about the color of the Genius Gel.  It's really white.  10 is the lightest shade and I'm for sure that the 14 is too dark and yellow for moi.  I've worn the 10 straight up a few times, and it's definitely do-able.  But I feel slightly ghost-faced with it (darn my "tan" arms and this wicked FL sun) and was really happy with this particular mix.  I took about one part BECCA Bronzing Skin Perfector and two parts Genius Gel and mixed them in my palm, then applied normally.  If you are lighter than me, get thee a sample of Genius Gel in 10!  It's one of the lightest foundations I've owned or tried, also quite neutral in my opinion.

Can we talk about how Tarte Captivating blush (mine is from the Aqualillies palette released last year, but they just came out with it as a single) is the perfect peach on me?!  It's everything I wanted Illamasqua Lover to be on me and then some.  It's my new (but not new) favorite blush.

I'm really happy with the Edward Bess lippie, too.  It's very lightweight and long wearing.  I have a pink and red one yet to try out.

I'm sad that y'all can't see the magical iridescent grooviness of the MUFE Star Powder on my cheek bones and cupid's bow.

So, I am really enjoying doing tulip placement eye looks these days.  It's everything I like about smoky eyes but with an added technical challenge!  If I'm not a totally lazy bum and actually get back to posting, be prepared to see some more.  :)

Soft Orchid

Here's a quick post with a look from last week.  I don't recall the complete breakdown of products that I used, but I can definitely remember some of the key ones!

For base, I used Smashbox CC Cream in Fair.  The blush is Illamasqua Morale with Armani Belladonna palette as highlight.

On my eyes, I started with Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Orchid.  Then I layered on a bit of Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Impulsion (inner corner).  I used Chanel Illusion d'Ombre Diapason to darker the crease and outer corner.  Then some Stila Bliss to blend out the crease.  I added a bit of the dark charcoal shadow from the Chante Wild Horses palette to my outer corner.  And I smudged UD Psychedelic Sister eyeliner pencil into the lash lines.  I used a pastel purple Korres pencil on my waterline.

I just have some Hourglass lip oil on my lips.  Geez, they look so blotchy to me like this.  It's odd how I'm so aware of the uneven tone in photographs but don't seem to notice it in the mirror.

I got a few compliments on my eyes, so I wouldn't mind recreating this exact look or a similar one soon!  I mean.  PURPLE.  Always so good.

Thanks so much for stopping by!