Loreal Sheer linen Dupe

I found a dupe!

I was so excited when I discovered MAC Jubilee Lipstick. I have been looking for a dupe for my favorite Loreal Color Riche Caresse lipstick, Sheer Linen, for a long time ever since it was discontinued. I was shopping on the MAC website with the intent to find something that might be similar but I was not expecting a nearly exact dupe.

MAC Jubilee, Loreal Sheer Linen

MAC Jubilee is described as a naked beigey-pink lustre.
The only differences that I could see is that Jubilee is a tad warmer (barely noticeable). It is also feels more like a lipstick while Sheer Linen feels more balm-like when applying it. On the lips they look and feel identical. Since MAC Jubilee is also a lustre finish, it has that beautiful, glossy finish that Sheer Linen also has.

TOP: MAC Jubilee
Bottom: Loreal Sheer Linen

I am really in love with this lipstick. It is a beautiful, natural looking nude that does not make you look washed out. It looks great with a smokey eye and works for every occasion. I have not stopped wearing it since I bought it.

MAC lipsticks now retail for $16 online.

The Frog Prince by Lipstick Queen Review

Lipstick Queen 'The Frog Prince'

Yes, it is green; bright green.

I was very skeptical about this when I first saw it. Originally, I really thought that it actually was a green lipstick and there was no way I would ever wear it. I didn't give it another thought after that.

That is, until last week. I ran across it again while I was on the Lipstick Queen's website and I saw how it looked on their models. I was pretty shocked, it was the first time that I had ever come across a lipstick like this!

Seriously, this thing is awesome!

Yes, in the tube the lipstick is bright green. However, when you apply it, it at first transfers completely clear. Then within a minute, it darkens to a beautiful and wearable sheer warm pink! It uses the heat from your skin to achieve this. I love how universal it is. The formula uses the PH of your skin to turn the most flattering shade for you!

Lipstick Queen 'The Frog Prince' swatch

The formula is very similar to Medieval. It feels light and moisturizing. The color payoff is semi sheer and very wearable.

Bare Lips

Lipstick Queen The Frog Prince Swatch

I would say that the only downside is that you don't have a lot of control over where the color goes because you can't really see it. This product defenitley requires careful application and a mirror. It also has at tendancy to cling to dry patches but it is not too noticeable.

I love this color for summer and it will be a staple in my makeup bag along side my other Lipstick Queen favorite, Medieval.

Lipstick Queen's The Frog Prince retails for $25 and is available at their website as well as Ulta, Space NK, and select department stores.

What is your favorite lipstick for summer?

I would love to read your comments!

My Makeup Must Haves

I, like many beauty fanatics have a problem with shopping. Especially when it comes to makeup. In an effort to tone down my spending habits, I have compiled a list of products that I feel are necessary essentials and basics. This is a great starting point if you are just getting into makeup or you are completely revamping your collection for whatever reason.

Face

Primer:
Everyone should be using a face primer if they are using any sort of foundation or powder. Not only will it further protect your skin from makeup and environmental impurities, it will help your makeup last longer. Many are also formulated for specific skin concerns, for example oil control, pore minimizing, tone correcting or luminosity.

Tinted Moisturizer/Foundation
I never leave the house without some form of coverage on my face. I don't have perfect skin and I feel more comfortable knowing that my skintone looks even and my face is not exposed to the elements.

Concealer
This is a big staple for me because I have horrible under eye circles. I love Nars Creamy Concealer in Chantilly.

Powder
For those with oily skin or who like to use foundations and concealers, this is a crucial product to have. It will prevent oilyness throughout the day and will set your makeup to make sure that it stays where it is supposed to. I prefer translucent powders but that is a personal preference. I have been using the Too Faced Primed and Poreless Translucent Powder.

Blush
My personal recommendation is that you should have at least one blush and if you like to change your look for the seasons up to 4. Although I have way more than that as I am sure that many of us do. Start out by figuring out what your favorite blush tone is. Do you like peach or coral blushes, rosey or bright pink, or do you prefer plums and reds? Next, decide how often you wear certain colors and pick up to your top four. Anything beyond that, probably isn't necessary even if it is nice to have. I have four must have colors; a natural pink for spring, a peach for summer, a rose/berry which is my favorite year round and a red for the winter. I recently purchased the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette which has just about every color that I need in it. There is a nice, natural pink, a beautiful peach and a gorgeous dusty rose color. For my red blush I prefer MAC's Fever.

Bronzer
Not everyone likes bronzer. I only use it to contour because I personally do not like the tanned look on me. However, I still think it is a good staple if you feel that your face could use some contour. I always look for a bronzer that has a cooler undertone, which can be a challenge as most bronzers are warm or even orangy. Two that I would recommend are NYX Blush in Taupe and Kevyn Aucoin's Sculpting Powder.

Eyes

Eye Primer
This is necessary if you wear eyeshadow. It will prevent it from creasing throughout the day. Do not forget it! I love ELF's primer and it is only $1. Better and more affordable than Urban Decay's in my opinion.

Eye Shadow

Skintone Eyeshadow
Look for a matte or satin eyeshadow that is at least the same shade as your skin, if not a little lighter. I use MAC's Blanc Type and apply this as my base color all the way up to the brow. Not only will this even out your eye area but it will provide an extra layer between your other shadows and the oils on your skin. Your eye makeup will be less likely to crease this way.

Neutral/Everyday Eyeshadow Palette
I love having most of the main eyeshadows I like to use in a palette. This is something you could even do at home with a Z Palette. My favorite for everyday is the Urban Decay Naked and the Naked 2 Basics. Your palette does not have to be neutrals, just one that consists of just about every color you wear on a daily basis.


Eyeliner
I wear eyeliner about 90% of the time. If I don't it is usually because I used a powder to add definition to the lash line or I was rushing and only had time for mascara. I am extremely picky with eyeliner and it is one of few the beauty products that I don't particularly like to experiment with, brand wise. I have a select few brands that I like and usually stick to them. My favorite is Rimmel London's Scandal Eyes Eyeliner because it is so soft and creamy.

Mascara
This is more of a must have than eyeliner. If I had to leave the house with one or the other, I would choose mascara hands down. You look more put together with mascara vs just using eyeliner. I have been trying higher end brands but I just don't like them as much as the drugstore ones. I love the Cover Girl Clump Crusher and Maybelline Lash Stiletto.

Lips

Lip Liner

If you don't wear lip liner often but still want to have one for special events, go for a clear liner. This works with literally everything. I also always recommend getting a separate red liner. When wearing bold lip colors with a clear liner, the lipstick may still wear through and instead of seeing more color, you would be seeing bare lips. When I do a red lip, I always apply it in layers, red lip stain, red lip liner, and 2 coats of lipstick, blotted in between each coat. Lip liner does not have to look old ladyish; in fact it can make you look more put together. Lip liner should not, under any circumstances, be darker than the lip color you are wearing. When in doubt, go lighter and fill in the entire lip. My favorite everyday lip liner is Rimmel's Eastend Snob.

Lipstick

There are three main categories that I go by when I purchase lip products from a new brand. I always try a nude, a pink/rose and a red. If you are looking to have a minimal but well rounded makeup collection, that is all you need. A nice nude color that does not make you look dead, a 'my lips but better' color (or your favorite kind of pink) and a classic red. Obviously you can tailor and customize this to suit your personal taste and style. Maybe you don't like red but really love the dark vampy plums or you prefer mauve instead of a natural pink. Tailor to fit your needs. My favorite grab and go lip products are Loreal's Sheer Linen, Revlon Kissable Balm Stain in Honey Amour, and Lipstick Queen's Medieval. 

Lip Gloss

The same rule applies to lip gloss. Find a clear or nude color that is flattering, a pink that is similar to your own lip color and a classic red. I love NARS Scandal.

Running Late?

I usually keep a few products in my bag that I can throw on if I really have to run out the door. I always try to get at least my primers, foundation, concealer, and powder on before I leave but sometimes there just isn't time for anything else. These are products that are similar to ones you would use every day but not so much that you would have to go into your bag for them constantly. So what is in my emergency makeup stash?

• Concealer (something easy to apply with fingers)
• Mascara
• Single Eyeshadow, Quad or Small Travel Palette (you can apply this with your fingers, included applicators or if you decide to have a small travel brush on hand)
• Small Blush (you could also use your lipstick or have a travel palette that includes this)
• Lip Liner (this should either go with your natural lip color or the color in your bag)
• Lipstick and Gloss (these are usually my grab and go products mentioned previously)

I keep these either in a section of my bag or in a small makeup bag, that way it is separated from all of the other makeup products I end up carrying around with me in between bag organizations. Let me know if this helped you and I would love to hear what your makeup must haves are! Leave a comment below!

Fall Makeup Haul and Favorites

Fall Faves!!

"It's the most wonderful time and it's Fall!" 

If you love fall like I do and you are a beauty geek, you will probably be starting to bring out your favorite fall products or trying to find new ones. I am doing a bit of both. I recently went shopping and picked up a few things to add to my fall makeup collection. I have also included some old favorites that I just cannot go without mentioning.

1) MAC Blush in Fever

Now, I have pale skin and a lot of people might look at this blush and run away. But I promise you, even those with paler skin can wear darker blushes. All it takes is a few dabs into the product and a very light hand. Fever is an extremely dark but beautiful reddish-burgundy color. The quality is great! Creamy and blend-able with good pigmentation.

MAC Fever Blush

MAC Fever Blush Swatch

2) MAC lipstick in Plum Dandy

When I was in middle school, I dressed up as Sarah Sanderson from the movie Hocus Pocus for Halloween. My mother used a lipstick that was a unique and beautiful frosty plum color. That lipstick is long gone and neither of us can remember what brand it was from. I have tried for years to find a lipstick that is similar to that color. The biggest problem I had was that everything was either too dark, too light, too warm, too cool, too opaque, or too pink/brown. 

Finally though, I think I found it. MAC's Plum Dandy lipstick is the perfect frosty plum bronze color. It is wearable and looks amazing for fall!

I also compared it to Loreal's Lipstick in Mica. It is very similar but Mica is just a bit warmer. I would consider it a decent dupe.

MAC Plum Dandy Lipstick

Top: MAC Plum Dandy
Bottom: Loreal Mica

3) MAC eyeshadow in Blanc Type

It happens all the time. Your favorite limited edition palate has started to hit pan in several of your favorite colors. For me it was a beautiful creamy off-white from NYX's Dark Shadows Crimson Amulet Collection. So I had to find a replacement. I love MAC eyeshadows, so after debating in between Gesso (a bright white matte) and Blanc Type (a creamy beige), I finally settled on Blanc Type. It is a tad darker and more matte than the color I am replacing; which is almost in between the two with a pinch of shimmer; but it works great for an all over lid and subtle highlight color. This is my perfect skin tone color.

MAC Blanc Type

MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow Swatch

4) Make Up Forever Rouge Artist Natural Lipstick in N9 Copper Pink

This was actually a part of my Sephora birthday gift. I just loved it so much that I had to include it. It is an amazing formula that is creamy and feels very moisturizing and comfortable on the lips. The color is a beautiful natural pink with a bit of copper tone. It has a sheer, gloss-like finish that is very wearable and a perfect everyday lipstick. This line has a large range of colors to choose from. This is not the full size, just the mini from the August 2014 Sephora Birthday Gift Box.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Natural Mini Lipstick in N9 Copper Pink

N9 Copper Pink Swatch

5) Jordana 12 Hour Made to Last Liquid Liner Pencils in Jade Jewel and Purple Fix.

These are amazing! They apply smoothly like liquid liner and just as pigmented. Once they have a moment to set, these will not budge at all. I swatched them on my hand and they were there all day; no fading, no flaking, no smudging. These would not come off until I scrubbed them with a makeup removing towelette at the end of the day.

Jade Jewel is a dark shimmering green that is perfect for fall. This one is particularly pigmented and very vibrant.

Purple Fix is a beautiful, sparkly dark plum purple. This is also very pigmented but I noticed that it is not as pigmented as Jade Jewel.

L-R: 04 Purple Fix, 06 Jade Jewel

6) Lipstick Queen Medieval Lip Treatment

I love sheer red lips. It is my one of my favorite everyday lip colors and this lipstick is perfect! It is a red that suits all skin tones and colors and is very wearable and build-able. It starts out fairly sheer and can be build up to a nice wearable red. Glossy, natural finish with no shimmer. 

Lipstick Queen Medieval

The swatch on the left is Medieval built up.
On the right is Medieval applied lightly.

7) Urban Decay's Naked 2 Basics Palette

I am a big fan of the Naked Palettes and was so excited when this came out. It has become my go-to eyeshadow palette. I posted a separate review comparing the original Naked Basics and Naked 2 Basics. Click HERE to read.

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette

L to R: Skimp, Stark, Frisk, Cover, Primal, Undone

And now for some old fall favorites!
Please excuse the messiness of the products. They have been well loved!

NARS Lipgloss in Scandal

This is my all time favorite lip gloss, both in formula and color. It gives color without being thick or opaque. I love the color! It is described as being a 'sheer crushed cherry' by NARS. It is very sheer but still has a beautiful red color. I love wearing it alone or pared with NARS Fire Down Below lipstick, which is actually why I bought it in the first place. This swatch is from the old formula, before they redid the packaging. I am not sure if there is a difference in the color or not. Nice creamy finish without shimmer or glitter.

NARS Scandal Lipgloss

Left: NARS Scandal
Right: NARS Scandal over Fire Down Below Lipstick

NARS Lipstick in Fire Down Below 

When I first read the description of this color, I just had to try it! Described as a 'Pure Blood Red', this was right up my ally. There are no blue or orange undertones which makes this color suitable for a variety of skin tones. It is a semi-matte formula and can be a bit drying so use a lip balm! Looks great paired with NARS Scandal Lipgloss.

NARS Fire Down Below Lipstick

NARS Fire Down Below Lipstick Swatch

MAC Lipstick in Spice it Up!

I love this lipstick so much! It is a beautiful brownish berry color. Perfect for fall! I would consider the Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle to be a good dupe. Spice it Up is a bit redder and more opaque while Pink Truffle is more sheer, however they are extremely similar.

MAC Spice it Up!

MAC Spice it Up! Swatch
  

Left: Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle;
Right: MAC Spice it Up!

              

NYX Blush in Red

I have heard that this is a close dupe for MAC's Frankly Scarlet blush. It is a beautiful blue toned red color for fall and winter. I think if you would prefer to not spend the money on higher end products you could get an almost exact look with NYX's blush at 1/3 the price. The one thing I really don't like is that the packaging is flimsy. I have several NYX products with cracked packaging. This blush is very pigmented and you only need a little bit. Especially if you have pale skin. Proceed with caution!

NYX Red Blush

NYX Red Blush

NYX Red Blush Swatch

MAC Blush in Blushbaby

This is a very light pinky beige blush. I have pale skin and it is perfect for when I want a more neutral color. I love using this for fall and it works for so many different looks. Quality and pigmentation are just as good as ever! Creamy and easily blend-able.

MAC Blushbaby

MAC Blushbaby Swatch

Please leave a comment if you like or if you have any constructive criticism.
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