Tag Archives: Make Up For Ever

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips (Review & Swatches)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips

Hold on to your keyboards… my excitement for the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips is REAL. These acrylic paint inspired lipsticks are a thing of beauty!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips

High in pigment, easy to apply and chockful of colour… the Acrylips are a wonderful addition to MUFE‘s range of products. As many of you may be aware, I am extremely obsessed with the Too Faced Melted lipsticks and these are not only on par with those… but I think they may actually be a smidge better. Oh my god… did I actually say that???

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips

Let’s get down to business. The Acrylips are a squeeze tube format with a slotted doefoot applicator. The products comes out of the doefoot and makes for extremely easy application. I especially love this style of product because I am known for constantly breaking my lipstick bullets in half and there’s ZERO chance of me doing that with these.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips

These are a liquid lipstick without that horrible dry paint feeling that you get with matte liquid lipsticks. They glide on smooth and glossy, but will eventually dry down to a more satin-like finish over the course of thirty minutes or so. Pigmentation stats strong while the dry down occurs, so you needn’t worry about reapplication any time soon.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips

The colours I chose to review are bold vibrant shades that scream my name. All three colours had incredible pigmentation. They were opaque in a single swipe and there was no “wateryness” that can sometimes occur with a liquid lipstick pigment like this.

On the lips, they do not feel dissimilar to the Too Faced Melteds, if anything, I’d say these settle down to a more satin finish a little bit faster (which is a good thing in my opinion). They are comfortable to wear, and best of all, the pigmentation stays incredibly strong for many hours (I didn’t clock it for total length, but I didn’t have to reapply any within the four hours I would wear these).

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylip Lip Swatches

Wearing 202 Coral Pink
Wearing 202 Coral Pink

This is MY SHADE. A pinkish coral with a neon vibrancy to it, 202 Coral Pink is wonderful!

Wearing 401 Raspberry Red
Wearing 401 Raspberry Red

And who can turn down a Raspberry Red (401) shade??

Wearing 500 Lilac
Wearing 500 Lilac

And lastly, Lilac (500) is a pink-tinged purple that was far more pigmented than I was expecting given that I find brands seem to struggle with this kind of shade.

Final Thoughts

I think it’s obvious that I’m in love with these. From the packaging, to the vibrant colours (there are no neutrals… yet!) to the comfort of these on your lips, the MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist Acrylips are a wonderful addition to their range. I like that MUFE chose to play on the theme of paint since the texture of these is incredibly similar to acrylic paint. It just makes the pairing so wonderful since MUFE is one of the brands I always admire from an artistic standpoint when they’re showcasing their work (for example, at IMATS). If you like the vibrant shade range, definitely consider grabbing one of these – I’m personally in love with them and I hope you will be too!

The MAKE UP FOREVER Artist Acrylips can be purchased on sephora.ca for $29 CAD each or on sephora.com for $24 USD.

The products featured in this review were sent to me for consideration.

Swatch Sunday: MAKE UP FOR EVER Artistic Palette

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artistic Palette

MAKE UP FOR EVER has thrown their offering into the holiday palette mix: the limited edition Artistic Palette!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artistic Palette
MAKE UP FOR EVER Artistic Palette

The palette comes encased in tin packaging which is entirely reusable. The shadows are embedded in a foam core which can be removed whenever you want and the tin reused for something else! For handiness, I’d recommend removing the shadows and sticking them in a Z-palette!

For those curious, there are three new shades in this palette: ME912 (orchid), D712 (copper) and ME614 (graphite brown).

MAKE UP FOR EVER Artistic Palette Swatches

MAKE UP FOR EVER - S-102
MAKE UP FOR EVER – S-102
MAKE UP FOR EVER - D-552
MAKE UP FOR EVER – D-552
MAKE UP FOR EVER - I-220
MAKE UP FOR EVER – I-220
MAKE UP FOR EVER - ME-302
MAKE UP FOR EVER – ME-302
MAKE UP FOR EVER - ME-122
MAKE UP FOR EVER – ME-122
MAKE UP FOR EVER - ME-108
MAKE UP FOR EVER – ME-108
MAKE UP FOR EVER - ME-614
MAKE UP FOR EVER – ME-614
MAKE UP FOR EVER - D-712
MAKE UP FOR EVER – D-712
MAKE UP FOR EVER - ME-912
MAKE UP FOR EVER – ME-912

The MAKE UP FOR EVER Artistic Palette is a limited edition item for the holidays and can be purchased on sephora.ca for $58 CAD or on sephora.com for $49 USD. (As I’m writing this post, it’s currently on sale for about $10 cheaper!)

The product featured in this post was sent to me for consideration.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion (Review, Swatches & Comparison)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01 Golden Pink

Don’t you love when a brand listens to their customers?! In response to the love for the highlighters from their 2015 release of the Pro Sculpting Duos, MAKE UP FOR EVER has just launched their new Pro Light Fusion Highlighters!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion

The new Pro Light Fusions come packaged in the usual sleek black compact, although there’s nothing emblazoned on the front to identify what product this is – which is a bit odd since the Pro Bronze Fusion and Pro Sculpting Duos have labels on the front. Regardless, the compact is durable and strong (and I would know… I’ve dropped these guys accidentally a few times…) and has a lovely large mirror inside.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01 Golden Pink
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01 Golden Pink

As with their previous iteration, the Pro Light Fusion highlighters are made of a gel-powder, so it has that tougher gelee texture feel to the product if you touch it lightly. Rub your finger a bit on the surface and you’ll feel what I can only describe as a “slick powder”. Some gel-powder formulas can be tough to pick up on a brush, but this is definitely not one of them!

As far as I was aware, the Pro Sculpting Duos didn’t have any names other than 01 (for light skin tones) and 02 (for deeper skin tones). However, repackaged as the Pro Light Fusion highlighters, 01 has become Golden Pink and 02 is Gold (not pictured in this review – please see Samantha Jane’s post on 02 for pictures and swatches).

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01 - swatch
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01 – swatch

Gotta say, I can’t see where they’re coming from with the golden pink side of things because I do not see gold whatsoever in that swatch! Pink sure, but definitely not gold!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion compared to the Pro Sculpting Duo (both in 01)
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion compared to the Pro Sculpting Duo (both in 01)

Since I also own the Pro Sculpting Duo, I wanted to show you the difference in pattern as well as a comparison swatch.

MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion compared to the Pro Sculpting Duo - swatch
MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion compared to the Pro Sculpting Duo – swatch

I would venture to say that the new Pro Light Fusion is a slightly more pink, whereas the Pro Sculpting Duo looks slightly more white in comparison. I find the difference is completely negligible on my face.

Wearing MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01
Wearing MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01

And here I’m me wearing Pro Light Fusion 01 on top of a red-toned blush (NARS Impudique). I think it’s one of the most effortlessly gorgeous highlighters I own and I’m always astounded at just how well it shows up in both natural and studio lighting.

Wearing MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01
Wearing MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion in 01

I notice no difference between the Pro Sculpting Duo and the Pro Light Fusion in terms of texture, appearance and longevity. This is great news for those who loved the original product, but  may not have been so keen on the contouring/bronzing component. This highlighter also builds really well – add more product and you’ll definitely be a beacon of light walking down a sunny street!

Final Thoughts

I think I’ve made it pretty clear that I’m quite a fan of this highlighter! I’ve reached for the Pro Sculpting Duo consistently over the last year that I’ve owned it, and now I’m really, really happy to have the highlighter in its very own single compact. I recommended it in my Sephora VIB 20% Off Sale Video and I stand by that completely. All summed up, the Pro Light Fusion highlighter is astonishingly pretty and it lights up my face. I really can’t ask for more than that!

The MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Light Fusion highlighters can be purchased on sephora.ca for $48 CAD or on sephora.com for $39 USD.

The product featured in this post was sent to me for consideration.

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks (Review & Swatches of C211 & M401)

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks

As with all of their launches, Make Up For Ever has gone all out with their lipstick line re-launch. With a range of 45 shades in matte and cream finishes, you’re sure to find a colour that works for you! (And they’ve got a single shade that they claim works for everyone!)

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks
Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks

The new lipsticks are called Artist Rouge (the line before was called Rouge Artist, so they’ve really just flipped the words around) and all come in similar packaging: a sleek black tube with a silver rim. That silver rim actually helps you get a grip on the tube which means an easy open/close mechanism.

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks
Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks

Once you yank the top off, the brand’s logo is embossed on the side of the brushed-metal insert wrapped around the tube. It’s a simple and yet interesting design because it keeps the brand name completely obscured until you pull that top off!

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks in C211 and M401
Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks in C211 and M401

The two shades I got to try out were a M401 (a matte red shade that is apparently limited edition) and C211 (rose wood – this is the shade they say works for everyone). Their method of identification is fairly easy to follow: M for matte and C for a cream finish (errr… okay maybe not. I’m looking at Sephora’s web site and it says it’s not a cream finish but a satin one. I completely disagree with that though. These are definitely creams).

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick with a very angular tip
Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick with a very angular tip

The Artist Rouge bullets are unlike any other shape I’ve ever seen. They come to a very angular-pointed tip which can help with initial application of the lipstick. Of course, as you wear the bullet down, that shape will disappear, but since the slant is quite sharp, you will have that shape for a long time.

Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick Swatches - C211 and M401
Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick Swatches – C211 and M401

 

Swatched out, you can see that C211 is definitely a cream with a glorious soft sheen to it. M401 is definitely matte, but there is an edge to it that keeps the lipstick from being completely flat matte.

Wearing Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge M401
Wearing Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge M401
Wearing Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge C211
Wearing Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge C211

My Thoughts

Before I get on to the amazingness that is this range of Artist Rouge lipsticks, I need to make one very small point in regards to this formula that some people may find helpful. As I have mentioned before, I am *exceptionally* sensitive to scented lipsticks. With Make Up For Ever‘s previous range of lipsticks I was so completely turned off by the scent of them that I found them utterly impossible to wear. With the new Artist Rouge lipsticks, the scent of them is definitely diminished in comparison to the old formula, but there is still a hint of some kind of plastic scent. My cream finish definitely smells a bit more in comparison to the matte. That isn’t to say it’s overpowering – it’s not – but I know some people are as sensitive as I am to this, so I just wanted to mention it.

With that out of the way, let’s get on to the good stuff! The Artist Rouge lipsticks pack an incredible amount of pigment punch. The colours I tried are luxurious and easy to wear. Obviously, the cream has more slip to it than the matte shade does, but they are both easy to apply and wear well. The matte doesn’t feel dehydrating on the lips (always a bonus), but it also doesn’t feel like those silicone-y matte formulas (which I do love, but I’m just saying that this feels different).

While Make Up For Ever does have your standard reds, pinks and nudes in this range, they also have some exciting random shades such as a midnight blue, a pale lavender, an electric pale blue and an aqua shade. Oh and a BLACK!

Let me know if you’ve tried the Artist Rouge line out! I’d also be curious to hear if you’re sensitive to scents in your lipsticks as well. 🙂

The Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks can be purchased on sephora.ca for $27 CAD or on sephora.com for $22 USD.

The products featured in this post were sent to me for consideration.

Make Up For Ever Water Blend (Review, Swatches & Face Comparison)

Make Up For Ever Water Blend in Y225 and Y245

It’s pretty rare that I like a foundation right out of the gate, and even moreso continue to like it after several weeks of testing it. But when you decide to wear that a particular foundation to your cousin’s wedding – well… that’s when you know it’s up to snuff!

And that foundation is Make Up For Ever‘s new Water Blend foundation for face and body!

Make Up For Ever Water Blend in Y225 and Y245
Make Up For Ever Water Blend in Y225 and Y245

Water Blend is a “a lightweight, water-gel, face and body foundation that provides sheer to buildable coverage with a natural-looking, dewy glow and [a] flawless finish”. It’s formulated with 80% water, so you will need to shake this thoroughly before you use it on your face.

Make Up For Ever Water Blend foundation
Make Up For Ever Water Blend foundation

Let’s cover a few things right out of the gate. This is a sheer coverage foundation that can be built up for extra coverage, but, because of the consistency, I really don’t feel like you’re ever going to get true full coverage (and really, why would you buy something labeled sheer if you wanted full coverage anyway?). For me, sheer coverage is what I look for in foundations so I was really happy to find that this not only promised that, but delivered it as well. Water Blend gives me an even skin tone without looking cakey or thick. And that’s the best part – this foundation does promise natural coverage and it delivers! (Face shots just below.)

Make Up For Ever Water Blend foundation in Y225 and Y245 - swatches
Make Up For Ever Water Blend foundation in Y225 and Y245 – swatches

Although I can appear quite pink-toned on my face, I like using yellow based foundations to counteract my pinkness and honestly I think it just brings me up to a more neutral level of skin tone. Y225 (Marble) is a winter shade for me, whereas Y245 (Soft Sand) is more of a summer colour (and I use the same colours in their Ultra HD formula as well). I found it had a bit of a gloopy/gelatinous feel when pumped onto my hand and that it applied best with a damp sponge. I also liked it best when applied without a primer, which is kind of unusual for me since I usually get “itchy face syndrome” (yes, I made that up) when I wear foundation without a primer. No such problem with this one!

Left shot: no foundation, right shot: wearing Water Blend in Y245
Left shot: no foundation, right shot: wearing Water Blend in Y245

This is one layer of Water Blend applies to my face. You can see it evened out my skin tone, but it’s still letting my freckles shine through. It won’t cover deeper redness (for example, around my nostrils) – you’d need a concealer for that if you’re looking for that kind of coverage.

Wearing Make Up For Ever Water Blend in Y245
Wearing Make Up For Ever Water Blend in Y245

Wearing full makeup with Water Blend as my foundation. Tutorial on this look coming to my YouTube channel tomorrow!here’s the link!

And this was me wearing at it at my cousin’s wedding with my shitty front facing phone cam!

Final Thoughts

On me, I feel this foundation is flawless – it really, REALLY does not look makeup at all.. It’s one of the most lightweight, comfortable foundations I’ve ever worn. (It is also *very* reminiscent of Bourjois’ Healthy Mix Serum which has been a longstanding favourite of mine.) It also lasts and entire work day (7:30 am – 5:00 pm), doesn’t make me look or feel extra greasy and it didn’t build up or cake into my forehead lines or around my nose (almost completely unheard for me!).

I was also astounded to find that it did not transfer to a tissue. One of my habits when testing a foundation is to touch my face halfway throughout the work day with a piece of tissue just to see if any product comes off. In general, every foundation has left some kind of residue on the tissue – EXCEPT THIS ONE. What kind of witchcraft has Make Up For Ever done with this foundation??Although the price is a little elevated on this foundation compared to their Ultra HD, keep in mind that you’re actually getting more than your average amount. A typical bottle of foundation is 30ml/1 ounce, Water Blend has 45ml/1.5 ounces of product!

If you couldn’t already tell – I’m in love. Water Blend has completely knocked it out of the park for me!

You can buy Make Up For Ever‘s Water Blend foundation at sephora.ca for $54 CAD or on sephora.com for $43 USD.

The products featured in this review were sent to me for consideration.