It layers beautifully under or over makeup, blurring the look of pores and imperfections while hiding blemishes and uneven skin tone. It does not look cakey and stays put for a full day. Also, it does not dry out my skin or the problem area, as I apply it on my blemish and it keeps the area intact without looking cakey or creasing. The ultra-creamy formula is poured into a portable stick, creating a dip on the surface that perfectly fits your fingertip for easy application.

For my combination skin which is more on the oily side during summers, I did not have any issues with this thick creamy concealer, it blends nicely into the skin with a finger, beauty sponge, or concealer brush or can be swiped directly from the stick onto the skin which I usually avoid. The warmth of the finger makes it blend seamlessly into the skin. Setting it up with setting powder is an optional step for me, but as I normally use a setting powder once I am finished with my base, I continue that which also makes this concealer last longer than usual. I have been mixing two shades to make it match my skin tone but the medium 33 is closer to my skin tone during summer. Medium 33 is for medium skin tones with a yellow undertone, Light 23 is for light skin tones with peach undertones.

The Conceal Full Cover Correcting Brush No 14 is an angled concealer brush that helps conceal imperfections. The brush is so soft and dense, applies and blends the concealer effortlessly without any streaking. I have been using it with the Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick and the pair works great together. After applying the concealer, it also works to apply the setting powder on top, just dab the brush into the powder and apply after dusting off the excess. The innovative design with asymmetrical brush head allows for easy, precise application.

Marc Jacobs Beauty is available at Sephora.ca, Sephora, Nordstrom

The post Marc Jacobs Beauty Accomplice Concealer & Touch-Up Stick – NEW appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Velvet Primer- Epic Lash Primer is the newest launch from the brand which you might have seen all over Instagram. It is defined as an ultra-plush lash primer with a conditioning base that maximizes the benefits of any mascara for lashes that look longer, fuller and more dramatic. This is an interesting product for me, I have tried many face primers, eye primers, but this is a first for me to try an eyelash primer. This primer gives full treatment for lashes that feel luxuriously soft and healthy, not brittle or dry. It also helps prevent your mascara from flaking.  I have used it a few times and it does work, it makes my long lashes even longer like I am wearing false lashes. It does not work alone but with mascara on top. The wand works nicely to apply this primer.

Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara is not something I have used for the first time but have used it in the past and I like it. With the Velvet Primer for lash, the duo gives volumized look and dramatic finish to the lashes. This lash-maximizing, curvy brush in this volumizing mascara places the most volume at the hard-to-reach centre lash line, and the defining tip styles lashes for major drama. The ultra-concentrated black pigment delivers the greatest visual impact, and the flash volume complex creates instant, smudge-free length and volume in three strokes or less. The colour is a rich velvety black which I like.

Le Marc Lip Creme is the same creamy, moisturizing, long-lasting formula which I reviewed in the past and also in the post here. The shades I have swatched are below:

202 Goddess – Classic Red

210 Blow – Burgundy Red

286 Sugar and Spice – Bold Berry Red

Eye Conic Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Fantascene 790 – Sensual Nudes and Shimmering Pops has a long-wearing eyeshadow formula as the other Marc Jacobs Beauty eyeshadow palettes, the last I reviewed here. The eyeshadow formula is very easy to work with, is very smooth, and pigmented. It blends easily, even the matte shades. The shades are buildable to high intensity.  This is one of my favourite palettes with a gorgeous collection of shades. It will be suitable for most of the skin tones and ages, to create a simple neutral to glamorous eye looks.

Under Cover Eye Perfecting Coconut Eye Primer is a luxurious, crease-proof eye primer formulated with coconut extracts to lock in colour for up to 12 hours. For my oily lids, I do enjoy this eye primer. It glides on effortlessly with a creamy, lightweight texture, and helps even skin tone, intensifying eyeshadow for gorgeous payoff in every stroke. A little dot is all you need for both eyes, dries quickly, and the packaging is so beautiful. I have noticed minimal end-of-the-day creasing on my eyelids.

‘The Face III' Buffing Foundation Brush is a brush for buffing the liquid foundation onto the skin to give a natural flawless airbrushed finish. The brush is so soft and works nicely for all creamy liquid products, it may be a primer or foundation. The innovative brush head and its blend-friendly synthetic bristles sweep foundation evenly across skin’s curves and contours for an expert, full-coverage finish. I have experienced no shedding of the bristles.

Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter is inspired by Marc Jacobs's love of coconut water and the glow of youthful, radiant, well-hydrated skin, this luminous gel-cream instantly lights up the complexion. It can be used to highlight skin directly or mix this concentrated luminizer with foundation and primer to transform them into illuminating elixirs. This gel highlighter builds for the ultimate sheen, and the sensual golden-peach hue flatters all skin tones with warm radiance.

Apart from all the glow, it does nourish the skin with some nice hydrating ingredients. For me, it is perfect for the evening parties or weekends when applying directly on top of my makeup. Mixing a drop with my primer and then applying foundation over it gives a glowy base which does work out for the day application. And for sure I can not wait to take this highlighter with me on my next holiday.

The products are definitely worth checking out, be their formula, comfort and ease of use or the packaging. Marc Jacobs Beauty is available at Sephora.ca, Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty Eye-Conic Frost Multi-Finish Eyeshadow Palette in Flamboyant is an eyeshadow palette in a leopard-print compact, featuring new metallic frost finishes—to layer and dress your eyes. The palette has seven high-impact shades with a mix of icy finishes and creamy mattes are sure to get you spotted.

‘The Eye-conic eyeshadows are inspired by textiles and layering, and come in multiple fashion finishes. This leopard-print palette features more metallic lamé shades than ever before. ‘

The eyeshadow shades include Hey Girl Hey, You Slay, On The Runway, Serving Up, Eleganza, Extravaganza, For Your Life

The eyeshadow formula is very easy to work with, is very smooth, and pigmented. It blends easily, even the matte shades. The shades are buildable to high intensity. I really like how all the shades give a vibe of frosty winter days. There is cool grey-blue shade and on the other hand, there is a pop of bright color, overall a beautiful curation. The shades are very rich, both in the palette as well as on the eyes.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Le Marc Frost Lip Creme is a rich, creamy lipstick a metallic frost finish. The color-rich, indulgently shimmering lipstick is housed in a sleek leopard-print case. Le Marc Lip Frost Lipstick delivers metallic shine which is not glittery. The color payoff is really nice and is long lasting, lasts for over 4 hours which I have tested. The formula is lightweight, does not dry the lips but is moisturizing despite the long-lasting color. It has a subtle vanilla taste and scent mimic a decadent dessert.

The lipstick is the perfect balance of pigment and translucency to give a subtle dose of frosting this winter. It is comfortable to wear.

It comes in five shades, all with metallic finish:

Sugar Sugar 500 – Pinky Nude Frost

Diva 502 – Pale Pink Frost

Just Peachy 504 – Peachy Copper Frost

Cherished 506 – Warm Bronze Frost

Detox 508 – Cool Taupe Frost

Marc Jacobs Beauty – Leopard Frost Collection is definitely an eye-catching mix of shimmering and metallics finishes, creamy mattes. Marc Jacobs Beauty is available at Sephora.ca, Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow

See-quins Glam Glitter Eyeshadow is described as the first-to-market sequin finish eyeshadow in a pot adds super-shimmery dimension to any look. The innovative demi-pressed process allows pigments to apply more vividly and gives the glitter maximum sparkle. The formula is all intense glitter, it can be blended out for a soft wash of sparkle either alone or layered on top of other eyeshadow for a shimmer finish.

This sequin-finish eyeshadow in a pot has a lid on it keep it pressed and to avoid fall-out or separation of the glitter particles. I do put the black lid first and then the main golden lid on the pot. The innovative, demi-pressed process allows the pigments to apply more vividly and gives the glitter maximum sparkle.

The formula blends smoothly and easily on the eyes. It does work well on its own but I recommend using a primer to hold the intense shimmer in place all day and which it does. I have used the eyeshadow with the coconut eye primer from the brand. I can use my finger to apply this, works perfectly well for me or with a flat synthetic eye brushing gentle pressing motion for a high-intensity look and finish.

I do prefer to apply with fingers due to the loose, crumbly texture but once they’re on, they seem to set fairly well and I haven’t had any fallout. I have the shades Flashlight (Icy Opal) and Topaz Flash (smoky bronze), both of them work nicely alone or on top of other eyeshadow. It is going to be my go-to for the parties, especially the holiday parties.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss

Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lipgloss is described as a unique triple shine complex that delivers maximum color and brilliance with a blend of high-performance ingredients that provide unstoppable wear and shine like '30 coats of lacquer.' the brilliant shine contributes to the look of plump, cushiony lips that never feel sticky.  This limited edition glitzy gold shade with pink shimmer, shine a light, is the newest addition to the best-selling enamored lineup, of the brand, which is known for giving lips lasting color and unbelievable glossiness with a touch of creamy mint flavor.

The gloss is very comfortable to wear, gives a beautiful shine to the lips which does stay on for a nice amount of time. The gold color sheers out clear and does not look yellow or orange on the lips. The pink sparkle is very fine and does shows in the light and is very subtle yet pretty. It is moisturizing and does not makes my lip uncomfortable or dry. It works well alone or over another lip color.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Make Your Le Marc 3 Piece Mini Liquid Lip Crayon Set

Make Your Le Marc 3 Piece Mini Liquid Lip Crayon Set is a trio of minis of solid lip crayons from the brand. The crayons are easy to apply, glides on nicely on the lips, melts into the lips with a soft, liquid sensation. The formula is pigmented and one-swipe of color gives a bold color to the lips.

The trio of mini had one new, exclusive shade red-y to go, and two best-selling shades night mauves (soft pinky mauve) and plum n get it (rich plum). The formula sets in pretty quickly and is comfortable, creamy, and lightweight on the lips.

From the packaging to the range of products in this collection, it is truly a gorgeous holiday collection. Marc Jacobs Beauty is available at Sephora.ca, Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus.

*Press samples

The post Marc Jacobs Beauty Holiday 2018 Collection appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Skincare

For skincare, I am very choosy in my cleansers and have been wanting to try something specifically for my congestion and hormonal acne that flares up few times in a month and leaves those marks for many more months to come. I have used Kate Somerville Exfolikate cleanser and now bought the Kate Somerville Eradikate Cleanser along with the Kate Somerville Eradikate Solution. I opened these both products last week the same day I got it, I have been using them every day and like them both. I will review them in detail in my upcoming posts. Another cleanser I was eyeing since last few months was from La Mer, I bought the La Mer Cleansing Foam for the summers and I have high hopes for it. Perricone Md Nutritive cleanser is a repurchase, I really like it, never dries me out but makes my skin clean and fresh. Another product from Perricone Md I bought is the Perricone Md Chloro Plasma, it is everything you need for detoxifying, cleansing, anti-aging, and what not. I will keep you guys posted on how I like it. Tatcha Lip balm was also on the wishlist for a long time, finally splurged.

Bodycare

For Bodycare, there are mostly the repurchases. Loccitane has been my go-to brand for the body products for many years. I purchased my backups for Loccitane Shower Oil with Almond Oil, Loccitane Lavender Shower Gel, Verbena Body Lotion, Loccitane foot cream for dry skin, Loccitane hand cream for dry feet. Kopari coconut melt is a favorite of mine, for myself and also for my kids, it is so gentle and so hydrating. Fresh Brown Sugar Body polish is a repurchase for the coming season, I need all the exfoliation and glowing skin for the spring and summer dresses.

Haircare

For haircare, I have loved the Drybar The Chaser Shine Cream I purchased last year during the Sephora sale. I wanted to try more from the brand, so got this Drybar Hot Toddy heat and UV protectant for hair. Olaplex has been on all social media and magazines, I had to buy this one, as my hair needs some extra care as they are dull, damaged, falling and I am getting aged obviously. Bumble and Bumble tonic lotion have been in my stash since some time, wanted to buy the invisible oil but I suspect it would be heavy for my medium hair, so got this Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser's Invisible OilHeatt/UV protecting primer.

Makeup

For makeup, I really controlled myself into not overspending as there are many products which I am testing and some which I purchased during the last sale and didn't get a chance to use. I got my backup of the Tatcha Luminous dewy mist, Tatcha blotting papers, Beauty Blender. Bobbi Brown foundation stick is a cult favorite, so I wanted to try it since last year. Marc Jacobs Omega Bronzer I bought last year but I gifted it to a friend, so got one for myself now. I have not tried anything from Agave yet, so got the lip kit which has deluxe sizes of lip balm, lip scrub to try out the brand.

Two more things I bought are from Surratt Beauty which I am most excited for, the brushes. I did not click the picture as I opened them last week and they were in my brush case. I will click the pictures and post on my Instagram in this week. I will keep you guys posted on the products which I have not reviewed on the blog before, whether they are repurchases or first time buys.

I tried to give you a quick round-up of the products I purchased from Sephora this month. Did you buy something from the Sephora sale or are you planning to? Which products from my Sephora sale would you like to hear about first or want me to review first?

The post My Sephora Haul – April 2018 appeared first on The Velvet Life.

Since the time I got the sample of Le Marc lip creme with purchase from Sephora, a few years back, this brand has been in my good list, then I purchased the Air Blush Soft Glow Duo, the formula and the staying power impressed me. Then came the Mega Bronzer which was just as good and so my love affair with this brand started. I am not going to write about these in this editorial but the products I have been using for last few months and loving. The products include Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able full cover foundation concentrate – Shades discussed are 33 Beige and 36 Beige Golden, Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 3 – 110 The Shoe Gazer, Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, Marc Jacobs Highliner – Gel Eye Crayon in 82 Femme (Violet) and 42 Blacquer, Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer in 312 Sugar Sugar, Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme  in 254 True.

Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate

Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able full cover foundation concentrate (CAD $64) is described as an innovative foundation that delivers instant full coverage in a single dot. This revolutionary formula is described to offer twice as much pigment as a leading full-coverage foundation, but in an oil-free base that blends instantly across the complexion to completely cover pores, blemishes, and other imperfections with the thinnest possible layer that lasts up to 24 hours. All foundations are composed of two parts: pigment and ingredients to carry the pigment to the skin. Re(marc)able innovates by filling its formula with as much pigment as possible, leaving little room for non-essential ingredients, including water. Not only does it contain twice as much pigment as standard, full-coverage foundations, but these pigments are made of patented golden mica to give the complexion a more radiant, natural-looking glow. The pigments are wrapped in lecithin – an ingredient with a texture that feels similar to the skin—to blend effortlessly and meld with the complexion for a smooth, soft-matte finish.

I heard great reviews about this foundation before I started using this and I must say I am impressed, the foundation is medium to full coverage, I take a dot and apply on my forehead, cheeks, chin, and nose, then start blending it. It gives a beautiful natural medium coverage which can be build to full with an extra drop of it. The packaging as you see in the pictures is in a beautiful heavy glass bottle and the product is dispensed with the dropper kind of wand. The consistency is not runny and not thick, good enough to blend and glide easily. It does not cake or emphasize my problem areas. It feels very lightweight on the skin and the staying power is amazing, I have tested it for over 14 hours and it stays on quite well. As the formula is very pigmented, a small amount is what is required for full coverage. I am totally in love with this foundation and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for full coverage with lightweight and smooth natural finish. This is suitable for most of the skin types, especially normal, combination, and oily. As in the swatches, for my medium tan skin tone with yellow undertones, I am 33 Beige in winters and 36 Beige Golden in Summers, mixing both the shades also give me that healthy glow kind of look.

Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 3

Marc Jacobs Style Eye-Con No. 3 – Plush shadow (CAD $49) is a petite set of three plush eye shadows that harmoniously provide a creamy, sumptuous finish. It is a mini palette of shimmery metallics, buttery mattes, and lustrous sheens which are made with advanced pigments that allow true, instant color payoff and long-lasting, plush performance.

This eyeshadow palette in The Shoe Gazer 110 has peachy-bronze sheen/ matte taupe brown/ light turquoise blue sheen shades. The formula is very smooth, finely milled and glides on easily on the lids. The staying power is very good, without primer it did not crease or fade for over 7 hours and with primer, it was good enough for a whole day for around 12 hours. The formula is highly pigmented, and the packaging is so beautiful. This would be great everyday shadow palette or can be used for a dramatic look when the last turquoise blue shade is used. I have been using the peachy bronze and matte taupe on regular days and it looks beautiful, not overly shiny. To make it more dramatic and intense, a little spray of the makeup setting spray on the eyeshadow brush does the trick.

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara

Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara (CAD $33) is described as an ultra-volumizing mascara that delivers instant dimension for epic lashes. The lash-maximizing, curvy brush places the most volume at the hard-to-reach center lash line, and the defining tip styles lash for major drama. The super-concentrated black pigment delivers the greatest visual impact, and the Flash Volume Complex™ creates instant, smudge-proof length and volume in three strokes or less. Velvet Noir gives you the thickest lashes in one sweep. Apply Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara on its own, or layer with O!Mega Lash Volumizing Mascara (sold separately). Pair it with Feather Noir Ultra-Skinny Lash-Discovering Mascara and Lamé Noir Ultra-Glittering Mascara (sold separately) to style your lashes for every occasion.

I have naturally long lashes and always look for products that do not make the finish gunky or smudge. I have been using this regularly along with my favorite Givenchy Mascara. This mascara lengthens, adds volume, and separates my lashes. It gives an intense finish and my lashes look fuller without any smudging throughout the day. One more thing I noticed is my lashes are soft with volume and not brittle like with few other mascaras. I go for one stroke for the day and two to three strokes for the night, it makes a great difference.

Marc Jacobs Highliner – Gel Eye Crayon

Marc Jacobs Highliner – Gel Eye Crayon (CAD $31) is described as a gel pot eyeliner in a crayon that delivers intense color and 12-hour waterproof wear and amazing glide in shimmer and matte finishes. This is extreme-wear, waterproof eyeliner that glides on effortlessly to deliver an instant color payoff. Exclusive to Marc Jacobs Beauty, the super-malleable formula offers the versatility of application. Apply Highliner for flawless, precise lines, or smudge immediately after lining for an instant smoky eye. It’s formulated with innovative gel ingredients, as well as conditioning vitamin E and rosehip seed oil. Its intense color payoff is available in an array of richly pigmented shades with two finishes: original shimmer or high-impact matte.

This has been in my makeup stash since ages, I just love this eyeliner so much, it is not new to me but I am reviewing it here with my favorite black shade which I have been wearing since a long time along with the shade 82 Violet which is new to me. This eyeliner never irritates my sensitive eyes and the staying power is really good. It does not fades or smudges. I swipe it on one time for a light definition of my eyes and for the intense definition to the eyes, I swipe it few times on the waterline to get the desired intensity. The formula is very smooth and glides without effort, it is one of my favorite eyeliner no doubt. The Violet Femme 82 – Orchid Shimmer is a shimmery violet and Blacquer 42 is a dark black.

Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer

Marc Jacobs Enamored Hi-Shine Lacquer (CAD $35) is a high-shine lip gloss in covetable shades with lasting brilliance. It delivers maximum color and brilliance with its unique Triple Shine Complex, a blend of high-performance ingredients that provide unstoppable wear and shine like “30 coats of lacquer.” The brilliant shine contributes to an optical plumping look. And, Enamored feels cushiony on the lips, never sticky. This mint-scented lip gloss collection features a profusion of creamy pinks, shimmering lavenders, and iridescent brights that give lips a lush look with lasting color and unbelievable shine.

This lip gloss in 312 Sugar Sugar is a champagne gold shimmer. The formula is non-sticky and very comfortable to wear. It can be wear alone or as a top coat over a lipstick. The formula is not overly shimmery and can be used for daily routine. For me, it looks like a nude shimmery lip gloss, it did not dry my lips and is moisturizing. The texture is thick creamy but not sticky, the staying power of other products I talked about in this post is amazing. It is available in more shades which are beautiful.

Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick

Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick (CAD $38) is described as a rich, creamy lipstick that redefines luxury with instant indulgent color while providing 10 hours of wear. In just one sensual swipe, Le Marc Lip Crème Lipstick delivers indulgent color that lasts all day long. The unprecedented color payoff comes from concentrated color-boosting pigments that are triple-milled and enriched with hydrating ingredients—imparting ultimate long-lasting color and moisture. Your lips will feel instantly plumped and nourished from powerful peptides, antioxidant-rich seaberry, and natural humectants, including meranti and cocoa butter. Its subtle vanilla taste and scent mimic a decadent dessert. Just snap the case shut and hear a satisfying click, which Marc Jacobs describes as “the sound of luxury.”

This lipstick in 254 True is a beautiful nude and the formula is very comfortable to wear. The texture is very creamy and does not dry out my lips. The staying power is good, for me, it is around 5 hours. My lips stayed soft and smooth all day, even after the lipstick was worn off. I have few other shades in this lipstick and this formula is amazing. There are more shades from this line worth checking out when you are in store.

Marc Jacobs Beauty is a brand worth checking out and everything I have tried from them yet has never disappointed me, be it the formulas, shades, or packaging. These products are available at Sephora and Nordstrom.

*Press samples

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