Day 5 - Ignite

To make up for yesterday's cheat day, I bring you Illmasqua's Ignite (reddish orange):

This lipstick formula is described as matte but surprisingly there's a bit of a slip to it. However, it was still a bit dry on the lips. I added a layer of gloss to it - Dolce & Gabbana's Lip Gloss in Secret (sheer tangerine orange. After the lip gloss topping faded, the color endured for hours. The pigment gradually faded but I didn't have to reapply till after my lunch time spin class - six hours after initial application, around 6:50 AM.

Obligatory arm swatch:

I was inspired by Bobbi Brown's Spring Neons and Nudes 2012 collection with the look I decided to wear to the office.

With lips this bright, I really kept my eyes soft so they didn't conflict each other. However, I still felt a bit self-conscious with this type of intensity at the office this early in the morning.

I'm happy I survived this challenge, with just one small set back yesterday. I think I made up for it today with this lipstick. The one thing I really enjoyed with this challenge was only spending around five minutes doing my eye makeup.

I may have to convert to colorful lipsticks just so I can have an extra ten minutes of sleep. It's a fair trade-off, right?

Illmasqua Lipstick - $22/USD (bought at Sephora)
Dolce & Gabbana Lip Gloss - $29/USD (bought at Saks Fifth Ave)

Dolce and Gabbana Passion Duo

I am a huge HOOR for glosses. This should not be late breaking news to anyone. However, what is news is that I started paying attention to lipsticks again. Especially, with Fall waiting for us this weekend I am craving something with more bite and staying power. Also, I just did some inventory on my current gloss supply - I really don't need another for a couple of years.

Lucky for me Dolce and Gabbana has introduced the Passion Duo, a gloss fusion lipstick. It's a multi-tasking product that contains gloss in the middle of the lipstick. This is like the Estee Lauder gloss/lipstick duo, Sensuous Rouge, I reviewed last week. But I think I like the D&G version a little better.

I chose the shade, Poetic, a warm toned magenta. It's very subtle, but you can see bits of fine glitter in the gloss portion. I will be wearing this with a nude eye and lots of layers of black mascara. I would guess the lipstick portion is the classic cream formula. It has a great amount of pigment - it's very creamy. I actually tested and this before going to the gym. I blotted this just to tone down the intensity. Even as a stain, I still felt moisture on my lips endure through an intense treadmill walk until an hour session of pilates. This stays moist on my lips longer than the Estee Lauder version.

I had to hold back and put down the nudes and soft pinks. I decided to go with the bold statement color.

And here it is again but this time with flash:

Here it is compared to the other bright pink and fuchsia in my current collection:

MAC Lickable, Cremesheen Formula is a cool blue toned hot pink and NYX Chloe is a red-violet fuchsia (sorry, was that redundant?).

It's a great color and but what really does it for me is the formula. As you know, I have super sensitive lips and this feels great on my lips. Sorry, but if I have to choose I'm going to have to go with this version - even though it's $6 more than EL's ($28). Plus, I love the rose scent of this lipstick - not the generic packaged rose scent you are use to but it's more like the faded scent of your Nana's sweater rubbed off on you after  spending the entire day with her.

As far as packaging - the Passion Duo tube is a bit longer and slender: I love hearing that "CLICK" when you close the lid. A sickness, I know but only the truly mad beauty addicts know what I'm talking about!

A quick note - there are a bit more ounces in the regular lipstick (.13oz) vs. 0.10oz in the Passion Duo lipstick. I will probably only pick out one more tube, because of the high price tag.

I don't think this is a limited edition - if I am wrong please correct me! There is also a total of 10 shades - I'm sure there is something for everyone!!

Purchased by yours truly at my local Saks Fifth Avenue, SF. You can also find it online if you are not anywhere near a Saks counter.

$34 USD/.10oz

WANTED!!

(from elle.com)

Must to go to SAKS now!

Pat McGrath suggest to use this on eyes as well as a traditional bronzer, highlighter. I love multi-use products.

Not sure how much this retails but I am excited to see it in person. Plus, it's been a long time since I played at the Dolce & Gabbana counter!

For the record, I only want the new D&G Animalere bronzer because I'm pretty sure I can afford that easier than the D&G leopard print maillot.

I would wear that, as well!

Have to Believe We Are MAGIC...

I am sorry but I cannot resist an opportunity where I can reference ANYTHING Xanadu!

(I think Olivia Newton John was my very first girl crush in 1979)



Okay so back to the gloss I wanted to share with you guys - Dolce and Gabbana Ultra Shine Lipgloss, Magic.

This is actually darker in the tube than it is on my skin.





(NC 42 or LM Tinted Moisurizer - Caramel for reference)



This looks like a reddish, wine with a golden sheen and very fine gold and pink shimmer. I can see myself easily wearing this about 85% for the office. I can't give up my nude pinks entirely - that's just crazy talk!

I'd say the consistency is very comfortable - not as sticky as MAC's Lipglass or some of the NARS glosses I own. Okay, why is my NARS Easy Lover gloss super sticky whereas my Orgasm gloss is thin? Just me? Figures! I would even say it's a touch lighter than a Chanel Glossimer. It has good amount of slip but you also feel it staying on your lips - I don't have to worry about the color migrating when I don't use a lip liner. Also, I think you all know how I feel about the pigment and long wear - this is my favorite. I can easily get a good 3-1/2 hours of wear time maybe longer if I didn't drink so much water and coffee. The only reason why I don't own the entire range is the same reason why I only own four Chanel Glossimers - the price! This is why I own so many NARS glosses.

D&G gloss - 0.13oz $29 vs. Chanel Glossimer - 0.19oz $27...wow, that said maybe I need to spend more time with my Glossimers! Honestly though I do love the pigment pay off more with the Dolce and Gabbana glosses, I just wish they weren't so expensive.

I apologize - this photo does not do the gloss any justice. So why bother? I love that a color that looks dark in a tube gives me a MLBB (my lips but better) pout.

Dolce and Gabbana Cosmetics is available at Saks Fifth Avenue - stores and online. As well as the Dolce and Gabbana site.

Why I Am Not to be Trusted Near a D&G Cosmetic Counter...

Seriously - I only planned to wax my brows yet I hiked up Union Square to visit one of my favorite S.A. at Saks, Mauro at D&G - LOVE HIM! I can spend hours talking and laughing with him and he lets me play with all the pretty makeup!

What I walked away with (in shame):

(L to R: Magic, Secret)

I am a sucker for Dolce and Gabbana glosses - yes, another self-imposed no-makeup ban is coming soon!


Review coming soon. I purchased these at Saks Fifth Avenue, SF