Beauty in a tick: Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick

Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick

Have you ever built something up so much in your mind that the idea of it (whatever it is) proved to be more exciting than the item itself? I really have no words for the sort of disappointment and regret I feel at this moment, to the point where I feel so uninspired to even write about Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick. I picked this up last year during an adrenaline fuelled shopping trip through Ala Moana Mall -- I shopped 'til I dropped. The time I allowed to pass by since buying this lacklustre blush should've served as some sort of indication that A.) I really didn't need it and B.) it's a stinker, a bomb, a dud. I hate it.

While pretty in the pan, it did very little to brighten my cherub-like cheeks. IMHO there's certainly room for improvement as the texture is gritty to the touch and I found the finish to be a tad too powdery for my liking.

Individual swatches of Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick (left) and blended (right)

Wearing Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick on my cheeks

Blush? What blush?

If you're looking for better colour payoff, do me a favour by chucking this imposter in the bin and pick up something else like NARS Orgasm or one of Clinique's Cheek Pops.

Normally I don't like to be so negative, but I'd be doing everyone a major disservice by not saying anything at all.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Bobbi Brown's Rose Shimmer Brick:

• $72.00 AUS / $44.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 1 out of 10 bags — So happy I didn't buy this in Australia.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Not at this stage.

A glimpse at the lips: NARS Audacious Lipstick in Fanny

A star is born

Fanny's not looking back as her dreams and wishes are bigger than the small town country name bestowed upon a former unknown. Her quiet smile, cute button nose and soft ivory skin are all bursting to jump from the shadows to be see, known and heard.

"See those stars." she said.

"Yes." he whispered.

"Well, they mean more to me than you will ever know. You'll soon see."

A trail of broken hearts, scorched earth and failed false starts swirl behind this ingenue who can no longer remain contained. The great unknown was calling.

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Fanny

Francois had my ear when he posed, "who do you want to be today?" Well yesterday, I was really feeling Fanny, a warm berry. Despite the old world name, this lipstick is by no means meager -- Fanny is Norma Jean, Frances Houseman and the girl in the back waiting for that big break. Fanny is patient, but she'll take that chance when the time is right, no matter the season.

Swatch of Fanny

Wearing NARS Audacious Lipstick in Fanny

What's so great about Nars latest release? Well, for one it's creamier than a Milky Way bar. It outlasts his much-loved and highly touted existing lipsticks on offer. What you see, is what you get. No hidden agendas, just creamy, opaque goodness.

Forty colours (ten of which are exclusively sold in the US), forty ladies and forty chances to try something new or begin again. 

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Audacious Lipstick in Fanny:

• $44.00 AUS / $32.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 10 out of 10 bags — Addicted.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Your kiss is on my list. I'll be picking up a few more colours when I hit the States next month. Or, or, I could invest in The Vault.

A glimpse at the lips: Chanel's Rouge Allure Gloss in Supreme 17

Chanel's Rouge Allure Gloss in Supreme 17

Click.

Swipe.

Purse.

Smack.

Sorted.

Totes Bond-like packaging - you're either one click away from plush, kissable lips or unwittingly blowing up the likes of Nick Nack, Jaws or Oddjob. Whatever you do, duck if you should ever lock your gaze upon a flying hat.

Lippie lovers will experience a love/hate relationship with the sleek, black lacquered tube. It's fun, functional, but doesn't offer any clarity or a window into its soul. Want to know which colour you've plucked out of your bag? Flip that tube over and take a peek at the label. If you're looking for a transparent lover, Dior's Fluid Stick or Armani's Flash Lacquer might be safer bets, that's if you've got a hankering for luxe makeup. 

What Chanel has here is a gloss cross lipstick. Highly pigmented, loads of shine, a hint of tackiness (me thinks for staying power), complete with a stained finish prior to expiring around hour four.

"A gloss for women who love lipstick.

A lipstick for women who love gloss."

- Chanel

The recessed opening which features fancy, schmancy engineering

Swatch of Supreme 17

Supreme 17 is a bottled version of Strawberry Shortcake. It's as if she was set loose in the factory and left to her own devices. A blue based berry glace, sans whipped cream.

Wearing Chanel's Rouge Allure Gloss in Supreme 17

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for Chanel's Rouge Allure Gloss:

• $50.00 AUS / $34.00 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 8 out of 10 bags — A hasty choice that paid off.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Melissa lured me in with a tester and now I am the proud owner of Chanel's Inimitable Waterproof Mascara. #makeupenabler

A glimpse at the lips: NARS Gipsy

NARS Gipsy

Always hunting for the next best lipstick to brighten my day, NARS Gipsy floated into my periphery. With its jangling and come hither smile, I saw something promising.

Swatch of Gipsy

Gipsy applied with a lip brush

Gipsy applied directly from the tube

The great thing about Gipsy is that you can go from everyday gal to red hot tamale in five seconds flat. Trust me.

NARS lipstick, especially the sheer formula, is one of my personal favourites! No fuss, easy to apply, sticks around and feels great on my lips. Here's hoping Francois will release Schiap in another formula.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for NARS Sheer Lipstick in Gypsy:

• $35.00 AUS / $26.00 USD 

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

• 9 out of 10 bags — Solid.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

• Audacious Lipstick, here I come!