April 7, 2013

Review: Dita Von Teese Art Couture lipstick-Manslayer (631)

After lusting over her makeup line since it came out, I finally ordered a few things from burlesque goddess Dita Von Teese's cosmetic collaboration with European brand Art Deco.  First up is Dita von Teese's lipstick in Manslayer (631).

On me, Manslayer appears to be a deep berry red. It dries down to a matte finish in a few minutes, and it didn't feel drying compared to other red lipsticks I have.
Don't worry matte lip fiends-- it is much more matte in person.

 When I saw swatches online prior to my purchase, I was expecting it to be closer to MAC's Russian Red.  Besides the formulas being different, Manslayer is much deeper.  

Here's how it compares to my other red (and one burgundy) lipsticks:

Top row (L-R): DvT Muse Red (615), Kat Von D Rosary
Middle Row: MAC Russian Red, DvT Manslayer, MAC Viva Glam I
Bottom row: MAC Prolong (Pro Longwear Lipcreme)


If you've always wanted to try to wear red lipstick, I think Manslayer would be a good gateway color.  It's not bright, and looks great sheered down if you're scared to wear it full-strength.  

I suppose the only downside to the DvT lipsticks is that they have a vanilla-y smell.  Personally, I like it because it actually smells like food (unlike the plastic-y vanilla scent MAC uses for their lipsticks); but, if you're super sensitive to scented cosmetics, this may be a dealbreaker.

Also, if you are nervous about ordering something from another country, that will put a damper on things as well.  Dita Von Teese's line is not sold in the USA, but I was able to buy it from a UK site called Tender Loving Skincare.  The shipping was very reasonable (about $10), and their customer service is impeccable.

As always, you don't have to take my word for it! Dita Von Teese's Manslayer is available now at Tender Loving Skincare.

April 4, 2013

Review: Kat Von D Ladybird True Romance Eyeshadow Palette



Quick story: When Urban Decay's Naked Basics palette came out, I was pretty excited because it was a palette comprised entirely of matte shadows, but the colors were so blah.  I never ended up buying it, and boy howdy am I glad I didn't.  Dare I say it, this is my HG matte palette.

L-R: Für Elise, Vespertine, Renholdër, Siouxie Sioux



Für Elise- Matte plum
Vespertine- Matte pale peaches & cream
Renholdër- matte taupe (leans more grey)
Siouxie-Soux - Blackened blue-grey with faint blue sparkle

L-R: Unrequited, Harlow, Wolf, Cleopatra


Unrequited - Matte nude with peachy undertone
Harlow- Matte sandy brown with a hint of olive
Wölf- Matte medium brown with red undertone
Cleopatra - Matte rust (best performing shade)

Immortal Love Autograph Pencil Eyeliner

Immortal Love

Immortal Love (Autograph Eyeliner Pencil) - Slightly blackened dark brown. This had excellent color payoff in one stroke, and a creamy texture.  Once it dried, it stayed put!

Pigmentation/Product: All 8 shadows and the eyeliner are decently pigmented.  I feel like, in past KvD palettes, there's always (at least) one dud.  Für Elise was the "worst" performing shade of the bunch, but it really wasn't bad.  It was a tad dry and I had to work with it a smidge more than the other 7 to build up the swatch (2 passes instead of one!).  I've used about half the palette thus far, and of the shades I used (Unrequited, Harlow, Cleopatra, Vespertine), next to no powder was kicked up with my brush.  Pretty awesome for how buttery soft these shadows felt when I swatched them!

Packaging:  This is the same metal case of the last few palettes, and just like her other metal palettes, the lid doesn't stay up on its own.

Price:  $36.  

All in all, Ladybird is my new favorite KvD palette.  If you're into pigmented (mostly) warm neutrals, then you might love this Ladybird too.

As always, you don't have to take my word for it! Kat von D's Ladybird palette is available now at Sephora.