Ellis Faas Milky Lips L201 (Ellis Red)

This completes the series of posts based on my recent Ellis Faas order--at least for now. I saved the best for last. Today's post is about Ellis Faas Milky Lips L201 ($35), shown in the center photo below. (I posted about Creamy Lips L101 a few weeks ago.)

Image from Ellis Faas

Milky Lips L201 is a liquid lipstick dispensed through a sleek, chrome pen. It is my favorite red lipstick of all time (so far). Deeply pigmented, it is smooth and moisturizing without bleeding or feathering. It fades evenly all over the mouth and leaves behind a rosy stain. The color is exactly the same as the Creamy Lips L101, a true blood (blue) red, but the Ellis Red lipsticks do not turn fuchsia on my lips the way some other blue reds do (Julie Hewett and Besame).

Milky Lips have the brush-end applicator, which I find less problematic than the showerhead, felt-tipped applicators.

Like all the other Ellis Faas products (except for the powder and the new foundation, which is available in a bottle), you have to prime the pen the first time you use it. I own around a dozen of the pens, and I find the initial priming always requires many clicks, sometimes a hundred or more, but the same is true for other click systems, like Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat. So consider priming at a time when you are not in a hurry. That said, I usually go a little click crazy with a new pen (I am impatient), and if too much makeup comes out, I do my best to use it up that day or the next. But if you end up wiping some of it off on a tissue, you're not really wasting that much. I say don't worry about it; just get the product out and things will be easier the next time. I mean, who ever uses up an entire item these days anyway?

Heh, the following image makes me think I forgot to wash the barbeque brush. Ribs anyone?

An Ellis Faas bonus: No lip pencil is required. The brush is tapered at the edge so it lets me follow the shape of my lips and then bring the color inward. I also like that I can wear this deep red quite naturally, which makes my lips look very flushed, or I can apply it quite strongly for more drama.

Here's Milky Lips L201 blended out to a stain. No lip pencil, no special prep work. And, yes, I used the brush end to achieve this look, but I "finished" the surface with my fingertip:

And here's what the Ellis Red looks like on my lips applied full strength:

If you go for the more dramatic look, make sure your lips are in good condition (flake free), and it might be helpful to tone down the skin around your mouth, because you don't want any facial redness competing with the red of this gorgeous lipstick. You can also clean up your application after with a concealer brush dipped in the barest amount of concealer, so the edges are quite crisp. I did not do any special prep work for the image above, not even lip pencil.

A single application lasts 4-6 hours with minimal fading. The finish is kiss proof, but it will transfer to a coffee cup if I apply gloss or balm on top.

From the Ellis Faas web site:

The only lip colour that comes in all three textures is ELLIS RED L101, L201 and L301. The classic red lip is surprisingly hard to come by since most red lipsticks are either too blue or too orange for many complexions. ELLIS RED is a universal, versatile red that is flattering on all women. A new classic from ELLIS FAAS Human Colours, ELLIS RED is sure to suit any complexion.

For ELLIS RED, Ellis was able to reproduce the colour that Snow White's mother wished for the lips of her child: blood-red. This red is probably the most 'human' of all the colours – and therefore the most versatile.

ELLIS RED can be used to achieve a classic image, a sexy look or any number of styles, in fact.

Image from Ellis Faas

I agree about this lipstick's versatility and universal appeal. I have not read one bad review about it (other than about the pens themselves). If you are a red lipstick fan like I am, this is not one you want to miss.

Bottom line: Ranks among my top 3 reds. Ever.

Ellis Faas Milky Lips ($35) are exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman and Space NK (€25.00). I purchased mine from the ellisfaas.com web site.

All photos mine except where noted.

Bioderma Crealine H2O Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Face and Eyes Cleanser

When it comes to makeup, I can be very fickle, but with my skincare, I don't like change. I realize that some of you look forward to the evening ritual when you treat yourself to a two-step washing process, put on a masque, add a toner, and then apply treatment, serum, and finally moisturizer. I envy that kind of pampering, but 1) I am lazy and 2) I work a lot, so by the time I wash my face I just want to dunk my head in a bucket and be done with it.

Enter Bioderma Crealine H2O Ultra-Mild Non-Rinse Face and Eyes Cleanser. Such an imposing mouthful for a product that is so unassuming and simple.

Prices vary by size and how it's packaged (I pay $57.95 for two 500ml bottles). It is a little pricey but worth every cent. With a full face of makeup, including water resistant mascara and eyeliner, I apply the watery cleanser to a Swisspers Facial Cleaning Pad and gently wipe all over my face, including my eyes and lips. Then I turn the pad over and use the clean side to go over my face again and remove any last traces of makeup. No second wash, no facial redness (so I could reapply my makeup immediately after), no eye stinging, and no skin irritation.

I never imagined it would be so effective because it's like pouring water onto the cotton pad, but it performs the job of three products (wash, tone, moisturize) and has the bonus of being extremely cooling to the skin. In fact, when hot weather rolls around, I will keep a bottle of this in the fridge.

I have been using this cleanser at least four times a week for the last three months. I often alternate nights with another favorite (Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, reviewed here), and I have experienced no breakouts or rashes or milia.

Bottom line: Favorite cleanser.

I buy Bioderma Crealine from FrenchCosmetics.net. They order directly from their distributers in France every Sunday evening, so the products they send you are the freshest. (Unaffiliated.)

Ellis Faas Creamy Lips L102

As part of my recent Ellis Faas order, I received two new lipsticks. This review is for Creamy Lips L102 ($35).

On the Ellis Faas Web site. L102, looks like it might be a black-cherry red, similar to Julie Hewett Sin Noir or perhaps Chanel Rouge Noir 18 (Vamp).

source

When I tried the S304 blush from the same order (reviewed on Monday), it became disappointingly clear that product swatches are sometimes nothing like they appear online, not even close. So I was very encouraged when the product that emerged from the primed pen was what I'd hoped for.

Deep blackberry goodness!

Here is is swatched on my skin in natural light on an overcast day. On the left, I applied the color directly from the pen, and on the right I blended it out to a stain.

Here's a swatch in incandescent indoor lighting.

Below I applied the color directly to my lips from the pen and then blotted it down to a stain. I'm not wearing lip pencil, so the edges are quite soft. Even blotted it is still very moist.

I'm quite pleased that L102 is so versatile. I can wear a deep berry, dramatic look for evening (not that I ever do anything dramatic in the evening), or I can achieve a lighter berry stain for the office by putting a dot on my fingertip and blending it in well. I love that I don't need lip pencil for such a pigmented shade. Try that with one of the Julie Hewett 'Noir' lipsticks! Based on the several Ellis Faas lipsticks I already own, they do not feather or bleed, and a single application lasts up to six hours with minimal fading.

Ellis Faas lipsticks are relatively kiss proof (though I wouldn't get anywhere a white collar), but they will transfer to a coffee cup if I apply a glossy balm on top, which isn't actually necessary if my lips are well prepped first. (I use a very thin layer of Julie Hewett Camellia balm.) Though matte, Creamy Lips are not drying in the slightest, and when the color fades, it fades relatively evenly and leaves behind a faint stain. I even experimented with using it as a blush, and it looked pretty good, but I had to work super fast and use a very light hand.

Bottom line: Absolutely gorgeous!


All photos mine except where noted.

Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in Night Romance

I recently picked up my second tube of Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick ($32) in Night Romance. Yes, that's right--I actually used up a tube, or I very nearly did before it disappeared into that Land of Lipstick Limbo or wherever it is lipsticks run away to.

The first thing I noticed (quite happily) was that Night Romance is still in the round metal packaging. Yay! Although I was pleased to purchase Edward Bess's new cool-toned lipsticks introduced this past Fall, I did  not care for the new square, lightweight packaging.

Night Romance is a creamy, smooth blue raspberry and slight brown undertones. It has plenty of slip while maintaining a good amount of traction. It is one of the coolest lipstick in Bess's collection, but unlike the cool-pastel Blush Allure and Rose Demure, or even Forever Yours, Night Romance is one of the deepest colors. I rarely repurchase any makeup item, especially lipstick because I. Am. Fickle.But this lipstick has been in my top 5 for more than a year.

I did not find out about this brand until early Fall 2010, after he'd already launched the three berry-toned lipsticks (Tender Love, Forever Yours, and Night Romance). I am glad I discovered him late because had I not started with the cooler trio (Tender Love was my first), I might have found his collection less enticing for being too warm--outside the two reds, Midnight Bloom and Eternal Passion.

Upon opening the tube, I was greeted by the familiar burst of wild figs, which quickly dissipates, and the formulation is as moisturizing and comfortable as always. In other words, no changes were made, but there is no need to improve on perfection. All of his lipsticks feel incredible on my lips. I can wear them all day every day and never experience dryness or discomfort. Color lasts between 2-4 hours, and never smears. It even has the tiniest bit of gloss to it.

Night Romance can be vivid on me because I have somewhat pigmented lips with a fair amount of mauve in them. To tone down the blueness, I swipe a latex sponge across the top of Vincent Longo Water Canvas Cream-to-Powder Foundation and erase my lips before I apply the lipstick. Although the color is mid-toned to deep, I never find a lip pencil is required.

Bottom line: In my top 5. One of my most reached-for roses.

Edward Bess products are available at Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus stores, as well as at the Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, and Edward Bess online stores. In the UK, Edward Bess is sold at Zuneta.

All photos mine..

Ellis Faas Blush S304

A couple days ago, I excitedly ripped open the box containing my newest Ellis Faas order. As my friends know, I am a huge fan, even enough to deal with notorious pen-clog issue. This recent order contained blush in S304, Creamy Lips L102, and Milky Lips L201.

This review is for Ellis Faas Blush S304 ($32). I'll review the other two items at a later date.

I own two other Ellis Faas blushes, S301 and S302. Blush S301 is a beige-peach, with an emphasis on beige. It does not flatter my skin tone, so I never wear it as blush, but it looks pretty good as an eyeshadow. I like S302, a rosy peach, very much--even if it is a hint too warm for me. For months, I have wanted to try S304. Based on the online swatch on the Ellis Faas Web site, it looks cooler than the others. Doesn't the following swatch look like a cool-neutral plummy rose?

Image from Ellis Faas

I was disappointed that the S304 blush is neither cool nor plummy; in fact it is the warmest and darkest blush I now own. It is a russet bronze color. Normally I would not bother to write a review for a product I don't love for color alone, but since I have never seen a review or blog post for S304, I thought I'd put it out there, just in case it helps someone with skin tone similar to mine (fair, pink porcelain). Or maybe this color is exactly what someone is looking for.

Like the other Ellis Faas blushes, S304 has the showerhead applicator. I have never had problems with the blush pen clogging, but I have had issues with Creamy Lips and Milky Eyes pens. (I wrote tips on dealing with clogged pens in the Ellis Faas Products overview I wrote a couple weeks ago.). Here's what a virgin applicator looks like. If you enlarge the photo you can see shadows from the little holes beneath the felt:

The color number is stamped at the base of the pen (the part you twist-click):

Here's what it looks like when the pen is primed and ready to apply (I overdid the clicking just a bit):

And here it is swatched on my hand. On the left, I applied it straight from the pen, and on the right, I blended it out. The texture is smooth and blends very easily. Color lasts all day.

Unfortunately, S304 is not the best color choice for me. The day I took the pictures, it was overcast so the photos are not shown in the best light, but it's too dark and warm for me to wear as blush, so I tried it on my lips.

Not bad but not ideal. I worry that since it's meant to be worn on the cheeks, it won't be moisturizing.

Ellis Faas colors mirror colors in the body, and while all colors are supposed to be universal, they aren't all necessarily what I would say are my best colors. Or perhaps they are universal for women with warm-toned skin. To date, there is a disappointingly small selection of products for those of us who are cool with undertones/overtones of blue and pink. I would love to see some blush options in clear pink. Or a rosy blush or even a clear red, you know, the color many skins turns when we really truly blush. (Hmm ... thinks about trying Ellis Red Milky Lips or the S203 color on my cheeks tomorrow.)

Bottom line: Blush S304 is pretty, but not on me. I am sure someone out there loves this color--perhaps a redhead with warm, deep coloring who tans well.

As far as I know, Ellis Faas products are exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman and Space NK. I purchased mine from the ellisfaas.com web site.



All photos mine (except where noted)

Edward Bess Luxury Face Brush

source

You know how Christmas shopping goes: Into the cart goes one for you, and into the cart goes one two three for me. Hopeless. It is at that time of year, more than any other, that I discover all the things I had no idea I wanted. Normally I plod along blissfully ignorant, but shopping for other people really does a number on me. And last year the Christmas Eddie Elves visited my house in droves (thanks to a detailed list I provided for Mr. Petals).

On Christmas morning, I savaged the wrapping paper to get to a small bracelet-or-watch-shaped box that was either from Tiffany's or ... suddenly a familiar shiny black box emerged with the white EB initials. My heart skipped a beat. Screw jewelry, I've got Edward.

As I opened the black lid,  I half expected the hinges of hell to creak and the object to leap out and bite me on the neck. But no, it was just the cutest little brush I ever saw ensconced in its own wee coffin.

Bwuaa haa haaaaa

Thus began my love-at-first-sight affair with the Edward Bess Luxury Face Brush ($56). I had read many great things online about this brush, but I didn't want to make the investment in yet another face brush.

That said, this brush fits the hand perfectly—no long handles to poke the mirror, and I could tuck it into a makeup bag for later, if I were so inclined. (I don't carry brushes that don't have their own carrying pouch.) With its weighted metal base, the bristles are fairly soft, tight, and tapered at the end, so when I use it to apply bronzer or blush, I don't get a big splat of color down the side of my face, and I can apply the perfect amount of product across the bridge of my nose without it going up my nostrils or stabbing my corneas.

Now that spring imminent, I tested this brush with the Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer in Daydream, which I reviewed last week (here).  

Bottom line: A beautiful presentation and a worthy addition at a semi-steep price, unique in its metal base.


Photos mine

Becca Enigma Palette

The Becca Enigma Eyeshadow Palette ($49) is a limited edition compact of pure taupey goodness. The product comes in a tiny, portable case not much larger than a deck of cards and half as thick. Here it is in front of an Edward Bess lip gloss for comparison:

The palette contains three full-sized pans, along with a mini eye brush that does a fairly decent job for on-the-go touch ups. The colors are:

• Armure Demi Matt (fawn)
• Silesia Demi Matt (smoke)
• Surah Shimmer (mushroom)

Pigmentation is excellent, and the texture is what you'd expect from Becca: silky and smooth and not overly powdery. The matte shadows are not flat. Even though it says "matte" on the bottom of the compact, the Becca web site lists Armure and Silesia as demi matt, and I have found that to be the case. Both have a satin finish.

Enigma is a cool-toned taupe lover's delight. With just these three colors you can do natural or dramatic. Note that there is no highlighter color--all colors in this palette are mean to stand on their own.

It would be easy to create a subtle, work-appropriate look using Surah on the lid, Armure in the crease, and Silesia to line. Silesia also works well along the lash line, smudged up, with Armure in the crease and Surah in the inner corners.

Armure is called "soft fawn" by Becca, but when I think of a baby deer, I think of red brown. Armure is more like a soft dove grey, purely cool in tone, maybe the color of  baby field mouse

Surah is a neutral taupe, and mushroom is a good adjective to describe it, greige with hints of mauve. Surah is the only color in the trio that contains shimmer, but the shimmer is extremely subtle. I took the below photo outside in indirect sun so you could see the subtlety of the shimmer.

Silesia is a mid-toned smokey grey, unlike any other deep grey in my makeup collection. It makes a gorgeous liner and a very pretty crease color that blends out quite well.

I postponed making this purchase, mostly because I assumed it would not be unique. It is possible that some of these colors can be duplicated, but I own nothing like any of the trio, so I am glad I bought it.

The Enigma Palette, though limited edition, is still available on the Becca Web site, as well as at other retailers, like Dermstore.com.

Bottom line: Highly recommended for anyone who likes cool taupes.

All photos mine.

Ellis Faas Makeup (How To) Videos

For those of us who love the Ellis Faas brand, I thought I would share her how-to videos, since a moving video is far more fun to watch than reading instructions, and Ellis Faas appears quite charming, like someone it might be fun to know.

Ellis Faas Holder:

Ellis Faas Skin Veil:

Ellis Faas Concealer:

Ellis Faas Powder:

Ellis Faas Blush:

Ellis Faas Milky Eyes:

Ellis Faas Creamy Eyes:

Ellis Faas Mascara:

Ellis Faas Milky Lips:

And here's a video of Lisa Eldridge testing out her New Ellis Faas canister with products;

I'd love to read comments on what you think about her makeup line. I really like it. A LOT. And will be reviewing some additional colors in the next few days.

Liebster Blog Award

Many thanks to the lovely and generous Jeanie at Makeup Merriment for choosing me for the Liebster Blog Award. I can't describe what a pleasant surprise it was to make the blog rounds this morning and see Everyday Beauty tagged for this award.

The Liebster Award is designed to bring recognition to bloggers with fewer than 300 followers. Not only is this an award you receive, but it is also one that you give. If you receive a Liebster Blog Award you are asked to choose three other bloggers and send them an award as well.

I would like to thank Jeanie again, and recognize the following blogs, all of whom I have had bookmarked for ages and read regularly:

• The Unknown Beauty Blog. "Unknown" is a reference to Olivia's desire for privacy, but her blog should certainly be more widely read and followed. Not only does she write great reviews and take incredible photos (she measures brushes and posts the dimensions!), she has a side blog (Into the Palette) where she offers her readers amazingly detailed tutorials. I blame her almost entirely for my Julie Hewett collection.
• Visionary Beauty. I was surprised this blog does not have more followers. She has a lovely writing style and reviews a lot of the products I enjoy wearing. In fact, some of her reviews helped me decide. She takes great pictures and posts swatches to help readers take the guesswork out of shopping--especially for those of us who don't have ready access to some of the items she's reviewing.
• Diva Debbi. DD writes about everything, high and low. She's always looking for the greatest anti-aging skincare, and she writes with a great sense of humor.
• How to be Chic. Who doesn't want to look chic and be surrounded by chic?  I admire Fiona for trying to slow down the pace of her life and appreciate all the beauty that surrounds her. I blog mostly about makeup, but I also place a great deal of importance on how my home and yard look and feel, and love reading Fiona's blog, which shares beautiful insights and photographs.

Every day I learn anew how the blogsphere is filled with wonderful, kind, and generous people, and I am honored to be able to participate in and pass on a little blog love.

Chantecaille Les Pétales Lumière de Rose Highlight

Image from Chantecaille

I originally purchased the limited edition Les Petales Lumière de Rose Highlight ($36) from the Chantecaille Web site because it looked so gorgeous in the promo picture, a soft cool pink. But when I received it, I pouted. The color in the pan was darker and warmer that I thought it would be; in fact it looked like a muddy mid-toned bronzed rose, whereas I was hoping for something along the lines of Becca Pressed Shimmer Powder in Angel. Disappointed, I put it in a drawer, unused, thinking I would return it. But I completely forgot about it until a few weeks ago.

When I rediscovered it, I decided I might as well try it before giving it away, so I swirled the tip of the Make Up For Ever kabuki brush into the pan, applied it to my cheekbones, inspected myself in the mirror, and saw absolutely no difference. I decided I had wasted $36 and went about my day.

An hour or so later, I caught a glimpse of my face in the mirror and I did a double take. My cheekbones looked amazing. I've always had a round face and yet suddenly I had cheekbones. And they glowed with warm pink health. The next day I put it over Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Bronzer in Daydream, and I liked it even better. Not giving it away. Nope.

Here is a picture of it in the compact. Not much to look at, eh? Erm ... did Hannibal take a nibble at lower right?

Here's an image swatched (heavily) on my skin. You can see how subtle it is. Or maybe you can't because it's so subtle and my my camera doesn't quite capture its glowiness:

I don't usually mind spending a bit more money on Chantecaille products. The packaging is gorgeous, and I admire their philanthropic pursuits. But at 2.5 g, the highlighter is the exact same size as a Chantecaille eyeshadow compact, which sells for $28. Is the gold rose compact worth another $8? Maybe. I noticed it tarnishes over time, so I leave it in the little blue silky pouch it came in (no box).

It does seem frivolous to spend so much on such a tiny item, but it is worth it. I don't know how Chantecaille does it, but the micronized pigments impart such a fresh, pearly glow to my cheekbones, down the bridge of my nose, and at the outer edges of my eyes, and I have been wearing it every day. And on no- or low-makeup days, it looks great dabbed on the eyelids.

It lasts all day, too. Unexpected but true.

I like the Chantecaille highlighter so much better than other powder highlighters I have tried (e.g., Becca). Even if I overdo it (and that's hard), nothing grabs onto what are normally invisible blonde facial hairs, so it never looks powdery or sparkly. In fact, there is no powdery fallout because it applies almost like a cream.

Bottom line: Currently, this is the nicest highlighter I own, a great look for summer.

Sold out at Neiman Marcus, it is still available online at chantecaille.com, but probably not for much longer.  I am really glad I picked this up and would definitely buy it again if I ever used it up.

Photos mine except where stated in caption

Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush

Image from Edward Bess

I had been reading great things about the Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush ($40), but I put off my purchase until last November. I thought how special could it be? When the package arrived and I opened the cardboard container, I didn't know what it was at first. I tried to remember if I had purchased a watch or bracelet from Bergdorf Goodman because what I saw inside was a long, slender jewelry-type box.

I am quite certain I have never purchased a brush so elegantly packaged. It would make a perfect gift, sure to delight even your most discriminating friend who already has everything.

The first thing I noticed when I removed the brush from its padded satin bed was its weight. The handle is shiny black metal (like the lipstick tubes), not wood, and it is weighted at the base. It's so sturdy I feel like an OR nurse needs to slap it into my palm each morning. "Brush." I'll demand. "Brush!" she'll reply with a hearty, reassuring thwack. Carry on.

The Luxury Eye Brush's bristles are natural, so they are intended for powder shadows, and that's where they truly shine. Just a quick swipe across any eyeshadow picks up the perfect amount of product. I have also used this brush with cream shadows, and it provides an almost airbrushed finish, though I won't do it often. I am afraid if I wash the brush too frequently (more than once a week), it will wear out more quickly.

This brush is very soft with no prickly feeling. Some reviewers have said the thick head is too fluffy for contouring, and I agree that it is too thick for detailed contouring, but I am able to get the perfect amount into my socket. Since the bristles are hand tied, perhaps they are all shaped a bit differently. My brush has a slightly tapered end, so I can either apply a wider swath of color in the crease or I can direct the tip into the fold for more detailed shading. This is not a brush for packing down color.

I I used the same 2-3 eyeshadow colors every day, I could easily see using just this one brush to apply base/highlighter, lid, and crease color. This is currently my favorite blending brush, and it was totally worth it.

Here's an excellent video (The Edward Bess Day Look) where Bess demonstrates how to use just this brush to apply his Nude, Intimate, and Mystery eyeshadows:



Bottom line: Well worth having, especially because I can use a single brush to do my entire eye.

Edward Bess products are available at Bergdorf Goodman and select Neiman Marcus stores, as well as at the Bergdorg Goodman, Neiman Marcus and Edward Bess online stores. In the UK, Edward Bess is sold at Zuneta.

All photos mine except where noted in the caption.

Edward Bess Platinum Concealer in Soft Beige

I wish I didn't need concealer. I can sometimes get away with bringing my foundation up underneath my eyes to cover shadows, but since my foundation is powder, this is not always ideal. Plus the area between the inner corner of my eyes and the bridge of my nose needs brightening. It's not a good look for anyone to walk around looking pinched and angry.

I have tried and rejected so many concealers, but when I do shop for a new one, my preference is liquid (tube) or cream (pot) to keep the fragile tissue around my eyes from looking like rumpled sheets. So even though I would never buy a stick foundation, something made me want to try the Edward Bess Platinum Concealer ($38).

The Platinum Concealer comes in only four shades and is housed in a chubby, squat, twist-up case:

I chose the color Soft Beige. The texture is smooth and is easy to blend flawlessly into my skin. It works equally well under my eyes as well as to conceal freckles and the occasional spot that pops up.

In the photos below, I swatched the concealer heavily to get it to show up, but the color blends fairly well into my skin. Soft Beige is a little darker than my skin, but I don't like under-eye concealer that's too pale.

Bottom line: A good all-purpose concealer with a ton of product in a deceptively small tube. So easy to toss in your makeup bag and go.


All photos mine.