The Formula: Creamy, Sheer, and Skin-Like

What sets the Multi-Stick apart is its buttery, melt-on-contact texture. Infused with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and orange peel wax, it glides seamlessly onto the skin, blending with fingertips in seconds.

The finish is fresh, slightly dewy, and incredibly natural — more of a tint than a full pigment. It’s designed to enhance your complexion with a healthy flush rather than deliver bold, opaque color. This makes it perfect for everyday wear or that “no-makeup makeup” look.

The Shades: Four Standouts

Each shade brings a different mood, while maintaining that signature ILIA softness:

• All Of Me — a watermelon pink, fresh and bright, instantly lifting the complexion with a youthful flush.
• Lady Bird — a neutral rose, understated and elegant, ideal for everyday wear and easy pairing with any look.
• Dreamer — a warm terracotta, slightly sun-kissed and modern, perfect for adding warmth and dimension.
• Dear Ruby — a poppy red, vibrant in the stick but beautifully diffused on the skin, giving a soft, blurred statement.

What makes these shades particularly appealing is how they adapt — they can be worn sheer for a subtle tint or layered for more intensity.

Application & Versatility

The Multi-Stick is designed for on-the-go use. Swipe directly onto cheeks or lips, then blend with your fingers or a brush. It doesn’t disturb base makeup, making it ideal for quick touch-ups throughout the day.

Its versatility also extends beyond cheeks and lips — it can even be used lightly on the eyes for a cohesive, monochromatic look.

Who Is It For?

This product is perfect for those who love:

• Natural, radiant makeup
• Multi-use products
• Lightweight, skin-enhancing formulas

It’s especially suited to anyone who prefers effortless beauty over full coverage.

Final Thoughts

The ILIA Multi-Stick isn’t about perfection — it’s about enhancement. It brings color, life, and softness to the face in a way that feels modern and wearable.

If your makeup style leans toward fresh, minimal, and quietly polished, this is one of those products that fits seamlessly into your routine — and stays there.

FAQs

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

The post ILIA Multi-Stick Review: The Ultimate Effortless Glow? appeared first on The Velvet Life.

The Icons Reimagined

At the heart of the collection are several of Clé de Peau’s most celebrated formulations—all dressed for the holiday season in exclusive design. The key pieces include:

• La Crème: the brand’s iconic age-defying night cream, re-imagined in limited-edition holiday packaging.
• The Serum: the youth-generating formula that unlocks smoother, plumper, more resilient skin—also available in the holiday version (detailed review here).
• The Luminizing Face Enhancer: a highlighter/volume-enhancing powder in a special shade (“110 Radiant Peafowl”) and festive design.
• Eye Color Quad: the limited-edition palette “504 Pastel Tea Safari”, evoking a refined story of pink sparkle, lavender, golden beige and walnut brown (detailed review here).
• Lipstick: the holiday-exclusive satin lipstick shade “527 Ruby’s Spark” (warm, luminous red) in special edition packaging.

Each piece aligns with the collection's overarching narrative: journeying aboard the “Dreams Express” to unlock radiance, inspired by whimsy and refined artistry (with visuals by French illustrator Stéphane Kiehl) that adorn the limited-edition packaging.

Why It’s Special

What stands out is how Clé de Peau elevates both skincare and makeup in this collection. For skincare, you get flagship performance with festive presentation—so La Crème and The Serum are not just gifts, but potent treatments. For makeup, the pieces are designed to reflect light and enhance natural radiance, rather than scream metallic or glitter-heavy. The packaging tells a story, the textures feel luxurious, and the formulas remain top-tier.

My Experience & Thoughts

Testing through a few of the pieces, I found that the highlighter (The Luminizing Face Enhancer) gives a beautifully soft glow—“lit from within” rather than spotlight brightness. The hihlighter has a super thin grain which allows it to reflect light without looking too festive. On makeup days when I used the Eye Color Quad, I appreciated the balance of vivid yet wearable shades. The colors blend easily and always create mesmerizing looks. On skincare side, The Serum and La Crème feel like bedtime rituals upgraded—each layer feels plush, calm, and indulgent. Leaving my skin baby soft in the morning and ready for the day.

The holiday packaging adds an extra joy: the gold-flung illustration aesthetic, the sense that you’re unwrapping something singular. It’s the kind of collection that elevates the “seasonal gift” to an experience.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for gifts (for yourself or others) that fuse efficacy with elegance, the Dreams Express Collection ticks the box. La Crème and The Serum deliver skincare prestige. The makeup pieces deliver refined radiance—with special packaging that makes them collectible. My only caveat: skip this if you prefer minimalist, no-fancy-packaging edits—this is holiday glam, after all. But if you lean into beauty that doubles as ritual and art, this collection is a beautiful statement.

On a side note, the new Precious Gold Vitality serum is another favourite from the brand (review here).

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

The post Clé de Peau Beauté Dreams Express Collection Holiday 2025 Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Use code PREET20 to get 20% off

The Monograph Cream Lipsticks

This portfolio contains 16 lipsticks that come in beautiful packaging and is part of the Monograph Portfolios by the Artis. The collection includes eyeshadows and powder bushes other than lipsticks. The lipsticks are designed with inspiration from skin undertones as per the founder of the brand.

Shades

The shades in the Artis – Monograph Cream Lipsticks Portfolio cover a wide range of colours to flatter every complexion. The beautiful creative names and the range of colours are one of the few reasons to add this to your collection.

• Breathless
• Quiet
• Hush
• Topic
• Gossip
• Sharing
• Wink
• Attraction
• Romantic
• Brave
• Roar
• Thunder
• Lotus
• Champagne
• Glow
• Lastly, Coralish

Formula

When I buy a lipstick two things matter the most,

• The finish
• Longevity

All the shades in this portfolio are designed to give a beautiful satin-like finish that doesn't smudge throughout the day. The ingredients used in the making provide a moisture barrier that is responsible for keeping the product elastic. The formula makes the lipsticks last throughout the day.

The pigmentation of these shades is amazing in the following ways

• Easier application.
• Even look.
• Do not fade or mess easily. 
• Gives a naturally beautiful look.

My Review

While the brand is widely known for its quality products, the lipsticks in Artis – Monograph Cream Lipsticks Portfolio has some exquisite advantages.

• Smooth finish.
• Wide range of shades in a single package.
• Can be worn for longer periods.
• Beautiful and luxurious packaging with magnetic closure.
• Do not dry the lips.
• Lastly, different shades can be blended to change intensity and colours.

The application is extremely easy and blends perfectly. Also, it looks smooth and does not wear out the moisture from the lips. It removes easily with a makeup wipe or cotton pads. In addition, the complexion does not limit the usage of the colours as it's designed to complement every skin and stays on for the whole day.

The eyeshadow quads from the range are also worth checking out.

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. Check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

The post Artis – Monograph Cream Lipsticks Portfolio Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Bee-tween skincare and makeup

The new Guerlain Kisskiss Bee glow-tinted lip balm is sculpted from honey and naturally derived actives. When applied the balm delivers a syrup-like glow to the lips. Whilst it makes you look great it is also deeply nourishing, softening and plumping your lips. Day by day I could feel my lips getting softer and healthier.

These balms are a step closer to skincare with a rich, honey-based formula. Here's why:

-Honey: A natural restoring and nourishing active.

-Propolis: Adds comfort and plumps up the lips.

-Beeswax: Giving the product its amazing texture. It slides effortlessly on the lip.

-Hyaluronic acid & Shea butter: Offer 24h moisturization.

6 shades of honey

Guerlain released the product in 6 different shades, leaving us with plenty of choices. Three selected shades are inspired by the colour of the bee's favourite flowers. Let's take a look at the colours:

• Natural beige 309
• Delicate pink 258
• Fuchsia glow 409
• Peche glow 319
• Lavender glow 809
• Poppy glow 775 (Swatched for your reference)

All of the tints have a fine coverage that you can build up on the lip. With a shiny finish, your lips are softly tinted.

A work of art

I was so proud when I pulled this beauty out of my bag. It's gold, it's shiny, it's very much bling!

Created by a French designer, the Kisskiss case turned to gold in 2021. I adore the details brought to this collection such as the iconic bee engraving on the top. I also found these lids to be a little more protective when it comes to heat and chocs. That said, keep it well away from direct sunlight.

Good to know

When wearing the Guerlain Kisskiss bee glow you have two options:

Wear it alone. This will revive your lip colour and slight tint it. Moisturizing your lip with a glossy shine.

Under a lipstick: If you find your lipstick a little dry or have dryer lips, then this is a game-changer

Comment below if you have any questions or comments. Also, check my Bloglovin for the latest launches and products. In addition, check out exclusive discount codes for my readers here.

The post Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Review appeared first on The Velvet Life.

The two-toned lipstick bullet produces a gorgeous gradient lip which goes on very smoothly provided your lips are properly moisturized. The formula is comfortable to wear and glides on easily on the lips and the pigmentation is nice and is quite buildable. I have tried and used the bullet in both ways, like keeping the darker shade inside and lighter outside and vice-versa. Even I have rubbed the lips after the application to mix up the shades. It works nice based on how you like it, darker or lighter shade inside or outside. The lasting power of the lipstick is okay, stays on 3-4 hours before I felt the need to reapply, and that is when I did not eat or drink anything during the duration.

The gloss and matte in this two-toned lipstick give a nice finish to the lips, the dark shade is glossy while the lighter contrast is semi matte. The oblique cutting naturally blurs the color border and creamy and smooth texture completes natural gradation. To apply this lipstick, one needs to gently push down the slider to reveal lipstick. Place the darker color on the inner lips and a lighter color on outer edges for instant gradient lips or vice versa based on what your mood is.

This would be a great addition to your lipsticks if you are looking for something trendy, chic, and also if you are a fan of K-beauty trends. Laneige Two Tone Lipstick is available at Sephora.

*Press samples

I am giving 8 shades of this Laneige Two Tone Lipstick, same shades as I have swatches and reviewed here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post Laneige Two Tone Lipstick – Review + Giveaway appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lip & Shine

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lip & Shine (CAD $34) is a hydrating base and glossy top coat in one formula. It can be used as a hydrating base for lips and will leave lips supple and comfortable before applying the lipstick. As a top coat for lips, it gives ultra-shiny results when used over the lipstick. The product has a floral fruity fragrance with accents of bergamot, rose, and raspberry, inspired by the La Petite Noire delicious notes.

The formula is enriched with an emollient agent which leaves the lips supple and comfortable. It can be applied alone, as a base, or as a top coat. I have tried in all ways and really like the formula. It is very comfortable on the lips and keeps the lips shiny and supple. Over the lipstick, it stays on quite well, is not sticky. The consistency is nice and the applicator works very well.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lip Colour’Ink

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Lip Colour’Ink (CAD $34)  is a liquid lipstick with a matte finish. The intensity is buildable depending on the need. One layer of the lip color gives a nice soft color to the lips, and two or more layers give full coverage. The texture is ultra fine, the formula is weightless and does not transfer. It has a fruity floral fragrance same as the lip and shine described above. The staying power is amazing, the stain was still on my lips for after 5 hours. Also, there are new beautiful shades of lip colors in the Guerlain spring 2018 collection along with color correctors which I reviewed here.

Empowered is a must have shade and will look great on most skin tones. One layer of it gives a beautiful soft color while layering it increases the intensity. Topping it with the lip and shine gives that beautiful shiny lips. I really like the formula, matte finish but very comfortable on the lips, did not dry out my lips at all. Lip Colour’Ink is available in 15 shades.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Brow Duo

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Brow Duo (CAD $33) is a first 2 in 1 brow mascara + highlighter. On one side, the brow mascara allows to define, set in place and create visibly fuller brows, and on the other end, the highlighter with a creamy formula creates bigger better eyes. The brow mascara has a long hold gel formula which has a nice staying power and lasts all day. I use the brow mascara by brushing the brows to define their shape and repeating to get the desired thickness. I apply the highlighter under the arch of the eyebrows. There are two shades available in this brow duo, light and deep.

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum Legere

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Eau de Parfum Legere (CAD $109 – 50ml) is a floral fruity fragrance which is a lighter version of La Petite Robe Noire made with rose water. The nose behind the fragrance is Thierry Wasser. The top notes are cherry, rose water, and almond. The middle notes are rose and black tea. The base notes are tonka bean and patchouli. The packaging as you see is beautiful, the legendary inverted heart bottle is tinted with an incredibly chic, luminous purple-pink. Through the bottle, the black silhouette of a delicate crocheted dress is visible.

“I am delicate and quite simply unforgettable. I am the chic, new, stylish Guerlain fragrance. In the fragrance wardrobe of La Petite Robe Noire, I am the Hippie-Chic Dress.”

Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Collection and the new launches are available at Guerlain Boutique and Institute, Hudson's Bay, BeautyBoutique by Shoppers Drug Mart, Sephora, Holt Renfrew, Murale, and Nordstrom.

*Press samples

The post Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire Collection – New Launches appeared first on The Velvet Life.