Favorite February Lip Combo: Make Up For Ever + Buxom

One of these days I am going to post a video on some of my favorite lip combos but for now, I thought I'd share my favorite of the month with you here.  I did post this pic up on Instagram as well.

The first lip product I applied is Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick in #11.  This is a pearlized/slightly metallic finish lipstick and the color is described as a pearly rosewood.  When I swatched this lipstick alone inside Sephora I was in love with how different it was from what I own.  When I got home and tried it on, I wasn't thrilled about the color alone so I mixed it with a gloss.  The gloss I layered over it is Buxom's Full On Lip Polish in Clair.  This color is described as a diamond/moonlit mauve.  The combination together is a beautiful, warm mauve rose kind of color.  See for yourself.

Here they are side by side

 What both look like on - indoors

 Swatch of both with direct, natural light facing them

 Swatch of both with indoor lighting

Do you have any lip combination favorites? If so, please share with us down below!  

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P

Review: Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge #16

My love affair with the brand Make Up For Ever has just begun.  I have tried a handful of products from this line and have not been disappointed.  Recently during one of my shopping trips to Sephora I decided to browse the MUFE display and try something new. The color of the Aqua Rouge shown below screamed "pick me, pick me" - so I did.

The Aqua Rouge is a liquid lip color that offers long lasting power and intense color.  The packaging is dual ended with the color on one end which will act like a lip stain and the clear gloss on the other to give your lips a luscious shine effect and help lock the color in.

Shown:  MUFE Aqua Rouge #16 - Fuschia


How to use it:  The best way to use this is to make sure your lips are well exfoliated.  Next apply the lip color with NO balm underneath and be sure not to smack or rub your lips together, simply apply and let it sit for a couple of minutes.  Lastly apply the clear gloss on top for shine.

My experience with this:  I applied this during early afternoon.  
4 hrs after application - I ate nachos and drank water sipping through a straw.  I checked in the mirror and my lips looked exactly the same - gloss and all.  
5 1/2 hrs. in - I noticed the gloss fading so I applied a lip balm. 
6 1/2 hrs. in - I ate dinner about an hour after that and the shine was gone, there was some transfer of color onto the straw and onto the chin a bit BUT the color was STILL there. 
8 1/2 hrs. in - I went home, applied more balm and and the end of the night, the color was lighter but still there.  

This is the first application with no gloss on top - matte finish (indoor lighting)

 First application with gloss (indoor lighting)

 Approximately 4 1/2 hrs. later (outdoor / natural lighting) 

 The end of the day - not as vibrant but still very nice.

 Other notes: 
The finish of this lip stain without a gloss is matte and leaves a very dry, tacky feeling.  This is definitely better using the clear gloss that comes with it. The gloss itself has a brush tip, gives a very high shine finish and make the lip stain color much more vibrant.  It's not a sticky gloss but it is definitely a bit more on the thicker side.

Overall, I would highly recommend this product and will be picking up more. I love how long lasting the color was with very minimal maintenance.  It will definitely hold up during an average 8 hr workday and all you need is a balm or continue to touch up using the clear gloss that comes with it.

Have you tried any of these and if not do you think you'll be interested in trying one out?  Do you have any other brands of lip stains you love? Let me know, I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for spending time with me today!

XX, P