In Search of Smudge:My Quest For the Perfect Eye Liner!

Is there no longer such a things as a smudge-then-set eyeliner pencil? 150 years ago (or perhaps somewhat more recently) my holy-grail eyeliner, a Victoria's Secret shade called Black Berry, was reformulated. Ever since then, I've been on the hunt for a replacement- to no good avail.

The list of attributes that I require for success on this mission:

• The Correct Color. Black Berry was the *perfect* shade. Definitely a plum-not-brown, but earthy enough that it doesn't quite read as "purple". Leans red, so it brings out the green in my eyes, but it's not so red that it made my eyes look tired or bloodshot. Deep enough for good definition. Just. Perfect.
• Smudgeable. It is essential to me that a pencil liner be smudgeable. Softening the harsh lines of a pencil is great for more natural looks, but it also lends a hand in creating dramatic, sultry, smokey eyes. A diffused line is also friendlier to those of us that have small or hooded lids- a thick, heavy line weighs the eye down and makes it appear closed and small. Not to mention, a little smudgery can virtually erase the flaws of a hastily drawn (and perhaps not quite, exactly, perfect) line. 
• Non-transferrable. As previously mentioned, I have hooded lids. That means that when my eye is open, my top lash line touches my upper lid. Too many liners stamp their imprint, leaving an arc of color just above my crease, where the two parts of my lid touch. Not sexy.
• Decent Wear. Does anyone out there touch up their eyeliner mid-day? I know I'm not going to. Just stay on there, eyeliner. 

So, really, I'm not asking for much (or am I?) Yet the perfect replacement for my old-faithful has eluded me for years now. Here are just a few I've come across in my search, and why they won't be taking that place of honor in my makeup kit.

From top left to bottom right:

1. Victoria's Secret Eyeliner in Black Berry (Discontinued): If they still made it, I'd wear it every day. I adore the color, and, as I believe the above swatches prove, the superior smudgeability. All of these strokes began as a 1/4 inch mark in the center of the swatch, which I then smudged out on both sides with my trusty Lancome #10. You can actually see that the original 1/4 inch on some refused to blend out, leaving an unsightly "line of origin", but not my Black Berry. It smudges out evenly, without disappearing, skipping over creases, or flaking. And this sample was taken with a stub that's (I'm guessing) 7 years old. 
2. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 1999 (Discontinued): This has been my go-to lately, but it's far from my favorite. The color isn't bad, but the shimmer tends to migrate when you smudge the liner. That is, *if* you can smudge it. There is a very small window of opportunity with 24/7 pencils: try too soon and you'll wipe it all away, too late and it won't budge (as evidenced by the blotch of unblended color in the center of the swatch). Oh, and when I went to add the link to this, I found out this shade has been discontinued, so I guess it's good that I didn't love it! 
3. Tarte skinny smolderEYES™ Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner in Golden Tiger's Eye: This is one of my newest acquisitions. The color is a little less vibrant/more brown than I like (which may have prevented my purchase, if the Ulta I visited had had a tester available). Of course, this isn't a strike against the pencil itself, it's just my personal preference. The liner itself smudges fairly well- evenly spreading the color without sheering out too much. My biggest gripe about this pencil is how damn soft it is. The tip broke off the first time I used it, and even after sharpening and reapplying with very little pressure, the lead was still smushed in to one side. Not totally a deal-breaker, but it definitely takes some adjusting.
4. NYX Retractable Eye Liner in Deep Purple: as you can see, this doesn't smudge at all, it simply wipes away. Color wise, I liked it, and the price is definitely nice, but if it fails the smudge test, it's not my holy grail.
5. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in Matte Black: This one is obviously not in my desired color range, but I felt it deserved comparison as such a coveted and well-known product. It's definitely intense pigmentation wise, and smudges relatively well. I recently ordered two of the plummier shades in the line, Shimmering Plum (4L) and Burgundy (18L), and I'm excited to see how they stack up!
6. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Lionfish: Again, the shade isn't at all close to what I'm looking for, nor is there really one any closer in the range. But, since this is actually called SMUDGE stick, I had to try it. As you can see from the swatch above, the name is a bit of a fib. Yes, the pencil smudges, but not at all evenly- the original line will stay in place, and blending can get flaky and patchy where color pulls away from the skin completely. Boo.

So, that's it for now. Of course, I have others that I've tried, but these were the notables. I will definitely post an update when I get my new Make Up For Ever liners, and my internet search has told tale of a Cover Girl liner that may fit the bill- that's going on my list too!

What's your favorite pencil liner? Is smudgeability a factor for you, or is something else your make-it-or-break-it trait?

Flash Swatch: L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream

I'm a big fan of BB Creams, and as they begin to penetrate the US market, I'm naturally curious about what the western brands have to offer. I've tested one or two brands in store, and the results have been less than encouraging. Most on-line reviews I've run across have reinforced my first impressions: US BB creams seem to be nothing more than a marketing gimmick; re-branded tinted moisturizers that lack the coverage, finish and benefits of their Asian counterparts.

Today, I flipped open my newly arrived issue of Allure to find a partially exploded blister pack sample of one of the new state-side offerings: L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream. Though there wasn't enough left in the pack to get a full face application, there was enough to do a little quicky hand swatch, so I thought I'd share my impression.

L'Oreal Youth Code BB Cream in Medium
Unblended Swatch with blended portion underneath

The shade pictured here is medium, so it's no surprise to me that it's too dark for my sub-MAC paleness, but the real issue is the tone. The cream is a bright peachy-orange, and I have a hard time believing it would look natural on any skin tone, though it could perhaps bring a little balance to olive skin tones that lean blue or medium tones that have issues with ashiness.

Another disappointment is the utter lack of coverage. To me the magic of a true BB cream (like my favorite, Missha Perfect Cover) is that they can provide flawless coverage while looking and feeling totally natural. This covered nothing and I wouldn't even say it evened out my skin tone, it really just added a bit of tint.

The final mark of distinction of a true BB cream is it's infusion of skin care benefits. Now, I should say, I don't rely on any BB cream or foundation for my moisture or repair- and in the case of Youth Code, that would be a good thing. Though I spied a couple of antioxidants and one of my favorite multifaceted wonder ingredients, niacinamide, on the label, they appeared very low on the
ingredient list, appearing after preservatives and irritating by-products. To me, this is a red flag that the product is simply "dusted" with beneficial ingredients but that it likely doesn't contain them in concentrations high enough to be effective. Even the sun protection in this cream is wanting- though advertised as a broad spectrum SPF 15, the combination of octinoxate and titanium dioxide is lacking in strong UVA (aging) protection.

What do you think? Have you tried BB Creams, and if so, do you prefer the newer domestic versions, or their original Asian predecessors?

April Birchbox: Instant Reviews

Birchbox is a tiny bundle of monthly love made with beauty junkies in mind. For $10 a month you receive a package filled with 4-5 samples, many of which are deluxe size, with the occasional full-size product thrown in. Deluxe size samples are plenty big enough get a good feel for the instant effects, but maybe not quite enough to judge long-term results. Instant reviews are just that- my instant impressions on the products. These installments will be based on my initial testing, swatching and, of course (you know me) a peek at the ingredients.

Befine Gentle Cleanser
Sample Size: Two .34oz "Single Serve" packets
Retail Size: 3.4oz for $24
Sample Value: $4.80

Birchbox Says:
This smooth, foaming cleanser works on all skin types. Sugar cane banishes impurities and binds moisture to skin. Oat bran extracts contain skin-soothing colloids and heal irritation, while vitamin-rich rice bran proteins boost elasticity. Finally, a refreshing dose of peppermint oil stimulates circulation and revives skin tone.

I say:
First, gotta ask: Who uses a third of an ounce of product in one use? I'm not exactly complaining- it's a generous amount for something labeled "single serve", but an odd description nonetheless. I also found the cleanser itself odd. It was thin and watery, and while it seemed to cleanse well enough, I did feel like half of the liquid ran through my fingers before it ever reached my face. Though the Befine packet makes no mention of it, Birchbox does suggest applying the cleanser to a washcloth first to combat this.

As usual with "natural" skin care lines, I think Befine over-reaches on their claims. Particularly sad is that most of the ingredients in this cleanser are beneficial- they're just not the big superstars Befine makes them out to be. Sugar is a known humectant, but the claim that it can also "banish impurities" is just marketing nonsense in my opinion. And the assertion that peppermint oil "revives the skin tone"? What exactly is a "revived" skin tone?  In fact, peppermint oil is a known skin irritant; irritation isn't generally known to improve the appearance of the skin. Finally, it bears mentioning that nowhere in the description of this product does it suggest keeping it away from the eyes. Trust me: peppermint + eyeballs= bad. Really...trust me.


Befine Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15
Sample Size: Three .34oz "Single Serve" packets
Retail Size: 1.7oz for $24
Sample Value: $14.40

Birchbox Says:
The rosemary and pomegranate extracts in this day cream are full of antioxidants that defend against pollutants, free radicals, and other skin enemies. Rice extracts boost moisture levels and improve skin’s elasticity. Finally, two skin-safe sunscreens—octinoxate and avobenzone—keep skin protected against the sun.

I say:
Again, odd "single serve" designation, especially considering the three packets I received contain 60% of the product in a full-sized bottle. Annoyingly, neither the packet, the Birchbox website nor the Befine website lists a full ingredient list, so I have nothing to talk about here but the "key ingredients" (and without a list, I have no idea how much of each additive is even in the lotion). So with a grain of salt...

Befine Daily Moisturizer is a very light-weight lotion; I was actually surprised that something so light could satisfy my super-parched skin. I love the addition of rosemary and pomegranate extracts for antioxidant protection- both have higher antioxidant values than favorites like Vitamins C and E, and have anti-inflammatory properties as well. But yet again, I find the company stretching with certain ingredient claims: I couldn't find a single study that supported the claim that rice extract in any form improves elasticity. Rice extract is classified as a skin conditioning agent, so I have no doubt that it boosts moisture levels, why not just leave well enough alone?

Even with the, erm, romanticized view of certain ingredients, it wasn't until I looked at the sunscreen agents in this formula that I had any real concerns. My first surprise was that Befine uses "chemical" sunscreens, which absorb UV rays before they can damage skin, rather than physical blocks like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (these work by reflecting rays away from the skin). Now, this means nothing in and of itself- I'm totally fine with chemical blocks as long as they're formulated correctly. The shocking thing is that this one doesn't seem to be.

All three sunscreens listed in Befine's active ingredient list are considered unstable, meaning they degrade in the presence of UV rays (seems like a deal breaker for a sunscreen, eh?) Two included in the formula, Avobenzone and Octinoxate, behave particularly badly when they get together. Studies show that when that particular combination is exposed to UV rays, both sunscreens break down, reducing UV protection and forming skin-damaging free radicals. Certain agents can be added to counteract this, but the formula's other sunscreen agent (Octisalate) doesn't seem to be a preferred photostabilizer.

Of course, even the best sun protection will break down over time, which is why one final little surprise landed my Befine moisturizer packets in the trash bin. While examining my packet, I happened to notice a little embossed code that reads "EXP2009/07". In case anyone needs translation, or you're just in disbelief, that means Birchbox sent out samples that expired 3 years ago! Now, I used this lotion, and didn't notice any signs of spoilage (rancid smell, off-color, separation of the lotion) but when it comes to my sun protection, I'm simply not willing to risk it.

MicrodermaMitt Face Mitt
Sample Size: 1 mitt
Retail Size: 1 mitt for $28.50
Sample Value: $28.50

Birchbox Says:
MicrodermaMitt’s exfoliating face mitt gives you results that are comparable to clinical microdermabrasion, minus the redness and sensitivity that can result. Made of all-natural floss silk...soft yet powerful face mitt sloughs away all forms of debris, from makeup and sunscreen residue to excess oil and dead skin cells. With regular use, your skin will look visibly smoother, and your lines, scars, and sun spots will be less noticeable.

I say:
Let's knock that first claim out right away: "results that are comparable to clinical microdermabrasion". I see no studies supporting this on MicrodermaMitt's website (as a matter of fact, I don't even see this claim on the company's site, only on the Birchbox page). There are also no studies on the product on file with the US National Library of Medicine, so I'm gonna go ahead and call BS on this one.

Moving on, I agree with almost everything else Birchbox has to say about the product. I don't know exactly what floss silk is, but it's not the luxuriously soft fabric you're probably thinking of. This mitt definitely feels a bit abrasive (not uncomfortably so) and I felt it did a nice job of lifting off dead skin. My skin tears easily. In fact, because of this, most scrubs leave me flakier after I use them than I was when I started. After using the mitt, my skin was noticeably softer, less flaky and showed no signs of irritation. Since regular exfoliation exposes newer skin, the look of scars, fine lines and spots can in fact be diminished (to some extent). Definite win!

WEI White Lotus Hydrating Face Treatment Pads
Sample Size: 1 pad
Retail Size: 6 pads for $68.50
Sample Value: $11.33

Birchbox Says:
Sheet masks are all in the rage in the Asian skincare world...Not only are they super-hygienic and easy to use, they let you achieve comparable results to pricey spa facials for a fraction of the cost. White Lotus pads soften the look of lines and wrinkles...contain a smart dose of hyaluronic acid to plump up skin.

I say:
I certainly have seen plenty of sheet masks on my favorite Asian beauty blogs, so I'm excited to try this one. Again, there's no ingredient list available, and the only ingredients mentioned are white lotus and hyaluronic acid. Of course, I have no idea what form of the lotus is used, but lotus seeds and stamens are known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, so there's some potential here. Hyaluronic acid (one of my very favorite ingredients, if you didn't know) is a Natural Moisturizing Factor that's able to hold up to 1000 times its weight in moisture. It can help maintain a healthy skin barrier, and can indeed temporarily plump the skin, relieving the appearance of fine lines.

While I haven't used the mask, I can tell from squishing the packet that the mask is well saturated with the solution. While I'm intrigued about this mask, I'm not sure I can see myself spending $68 for something that only lasts 6 uses. On the other hand, $11 is much cheaper than a spa facial, so if this mask really stands up, I could be convinced to reconsider!

Winderstruck Taylor Swift Eau de Parfum

Sample Size: .04 fl oz

Retail Size: $59.50 for 3.4 fl oz

Sample Value: $.70

Birchbox Says:
The fragrance is a gourmand floral; a charming and sparkling surprise of vibrant fruits, kissed by a bouquet of soft petals and a touch of sweet indulgence.

I say:
This fragrance may hint at being a gourmand floral, but if you're not paying attention, that hint will fly right overhead. It has none of the complexity of other famous gourmands (Mugler's Angel and Lolita Lempicka are long-time favorites of mine). The musky sandalwood base totally overpowers the delicate fruity floral notes- you really have to whiff quickly and deeply to catch them. Even the vanilla note (normally a scent that stands out to me) only lasted 10 minutes or so before fading into obscurity. It is a supercute bottle though, so there's that.

Zoya Nail Polish in Bevin
Sample Size: .25oz
Retail Size: $8 for .5oz
Sample Value: $4

Birchbox Says:
Each Zoya shade goes on opaque with just one coat and lasts 50 percent longer than traditional polishes...the vegan-friendly formulas don’t contain formaldehyde, toluene, camphor, and other toxic chemicals. Bevin (is) a sage green with faint teal undertones.

I say:
I always love getting Zoya minis in my box! This particular shade is a bit unusual; I'd call it a dusty teal (it actually reminds me of the color my fiance's mother used for his Bar Mitzvah). Definitely more blue than green to me (my 4-year-old agrees) and despite my early 90's association, the shade comes across as modern and chic to me. The cream finish applies smoothly and streak free, though it did take me 2 coats to get truly opaque coverage.


TOTAL APRIL BOX VALUE: $63.70

Great value in this box, and some interesting products to boot- my favorite is the MicrodermaMitt. I am very disappointed with Birchbox for sending out expired product (if you deduct the value of those packets from the box, the total would go down to $49.33) and have contacted them about the issue.

::EDIT:: Birchbox has announced via email that it will be compensating those who received expired Befine packets in their box with 100 Birchbox points.  You must complete this survey by April 27 to request the points award; your account will be updated by May 1.

I don't know how I feel about this solution. 100 Birchbox points equals $10 in their shop, which is a good dollar amount, however, I usually balk at customer service resolutions that require an additional purchase from the company. What do you guys think- fair or foul?

Sleek MakeUP Nude Collection:Review & Swatches

Staying on top of the trends, and just in time for fall, Sleek MakeUP recently released it's Nude collection. Included in the collection is the Au Naturel i-Divine Eye Shadow Palette, Suede Blush and Bare Minimum Pout Polish.

I'm generally not a fan of neutrals (too boring!) but they are classics for a reason, and nothing beats neutrals for autumnal elegance. The Au Naturel Eye Shadow Palette contains 12 shades with a nice range of finishes- everything from matte to satin to shimmer.

Sleek Au Naturel i-Divine Palette

Au Naturel Pallete, Left Side

Au Naturel Pallete, Right Side

Upon swatching, I was initially disappointed in the pigmentation of the lighter shades. Though the texture is wonderful, especially for the matte finish shadows (smooth, soft and not at all chalky) they simply just didn't have much to show for it. 

Au Naturel Pallete, Top Row

Having said this, I can still see their worth in "blending" shades, to soften edges on more intense shades, and the shimmery champagne shade Taupe is a wonderful highlighting shade for light and light-medium skin.

Swatching the deeper shades on the bottom row was a different story altogether. Every shade was packed with pigment, applied smoothly, and blended like a dream. 

Au Naturel Palette, Bottom Row

While the palette is filled with neutrals, the shades are just different enough to make them different. Moss, for instance, isn't your typical muted green, but rather a slightly green-tinged dirty ochre-bronze. Regal is a great eggplant that's the perfect balance of not too drab, not too bright. Bark is a gorgeously rich cool toned brown with a creamy texture and a semi-matte finish; if I'd had this palette last month after breaking a shadow at a bridal trial-run, this shade would have saved me a last-minute Sephora trip that cost me $19 for a single shadow! Compare that with the i-Divine's $10.50 price tag and it's a steal- even with a few lackluster shades.

Since the richer, smokey shades are obviously the star of the eye shadow palette, it's no surprise that the cheek and lip offerings are more subtle.

Suede blush is a nicely pigmented spiced peach shade. My Suede looks VERY different than the one on the Sleek website. In real life, it's brighter, warmer, and frankly, much prettier than the drab Sleek swatch! The warm shade and matte finish work nicely in the fall, but I also think this is just bright enough to work in the warmer months as well.

Sleek Suede Blush

The Pout Polish in this collection is very aptly named Bare Minimum; a barely-there creamy nude.

In the pot, Bare Minimum looks like it leans on the peachy side, but it's so sheer this doesn't really read on the lips. 

Sleek Pout Polish in Bare Minimum

It's perfect for days when you really do want the bare minimum- a plush, moisturizing balm with sun protection and a hint of shine. If your lip color is naturally more pigmented, this shade may mute down the color ever so slightly, but if you're looking for more color on your lips, you may want to pass on Bare Minimum. As with all Pout Polishes, this balm has a vanilla scent and slight chemical aftertaste.

All in all, I think this collection is great for anyone who wants to get in on the "Nude" trend or just stock up some neutral basics. The blush is pigmented and blends well, and while the Pout Polish doesn't pack much of a pigment punch, it is a great formula for nourishing and protecting the lips. Like most eye shadow palettes, you may find one or two shades that remain untouched when your palette is tapped, but the quality for the price, as usual, is hard to beat!

The products featured in this review were submitted for promotional consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you- my readers- and to myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). The opinions expressed on Outinapout.com are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the post influenced by any outside party.

Product Review/Drugstore Dupe:Sleek Pout Paint vs. OCC Lip Tar

Sleek Pout Paints, from Top to Bottom:
Pin Up, Peek-A-Bloo, Cloud 9, Peachy Keen

A new addition to the Sleek line, this ultra concentrated lip pigment promises endless color options and outstanding color payoff with just a tiny speck of product. The 11 shades in the line are meant to be mixed, though of course they can be worn solo as well. This create-your-own shade idea isn't new: MAC has made Lipmix for around a decade, but the most well known member of this category is Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' Lip Tar. OCC's cult following is well deserved, but how does Sleek's version compare?

First, the similarities. Both products perform almost identically, with a few caveats. The products are very pigmented and make true on promises to provide opaque color and long wear with just the tiniest amount of product. They both mix easily with other shades to create an infinite number of color combinations. Both products dry down to a similar satin finish that feels light and comfortable on the lips.

Now for those caveats I spoke of. First and most obvious is the price difference. Both Sleek Pout Paint and OCC Lip Tar come in 8ml tubes, but Sleek's run $8.00 as compared to OCC's $13. If you're in the UK, this will definitely be a plus, but for those ordering online, shipping charges may make that savings moot. In the US, for instance, the price of both Pout Paint and Lip Tar are $18/ea with shipping.

As for the formula, though they perform similarly, there are some notable differences. While Sleek's base formula is a blend of polymers and oils, OCC's is almost exclusively oil. This means that OCC Lip Tars are much runnier in consistency than Sleek Pout Paints. Pout Paints stay in the tube until you squeeze them out, whereas Lip Tars will drip out without any force. I actually have to store my Lip Tars nozzle-up to keep them from leaking out of the tube. Sleek's thicker consistency paired with a finer pinpoint nozzle results in greater control: more accurate mixing with less mess and waste.

OCC's Lip Tars also exhibit much more bleeding on my lips than the Sleek Paints (you can even see this effect in the following swatches). I also felt that my OCC Lip Tars spoiled relatively quickly; some went rancid in less than a year. Of course, I haven't had my Sleek Pout Paints long enough to gauge their shelf-life, but judging by the lower level of oils and the inclusion of preservatives (OCC Lip Tar includes only Vitamin E as a preservative), I'd imagine Pout Paint would stand the test of time much better.

One more note on formulation: keep in mind that while OCC Liptars are completely vegan, Sleek Pout Paints do contain beeswax, so if that's a concern for you, be(e?) aware. Oh, and if scent is an issue for you, know that Sleek Pout Paints have a light orange fragrance, while OCC Lip Tars are peppermint scented.

Now, finally, the colors. As I mentioned before, Sleek's current range of Pout Paints includes 11 shades, while OCC's spectrum has 36 shade choices to offer. In my opinion, since the pigments are meant to blend, shades outside of the primary colors and shades are just bonuses. I mean, if these products are designed for blending, then do we really need more than black, white, red, yellow and blue? But it's here that Sleek has missed the boat- excluding both black and yellow hues from their range limits the true potential of the product.

FYI, I've seen a lot of people asking other reviewers if the two brands are interchangeable. I've made several blends mixing the Lip Tar and the Pout Paint and had no problem. Depending on your ratio, you may experience some separating, since the Lip Tar has a tendency to do that on its own, but a simple stir will remedy that, so no worries.

Of the 4 Sleek Pout Paints that I was sent, I own "dupes" for 3 in OCC Lip Tars. Here are the comparisons:

OCC Lip Tar in RX (top)
Sleek Pout Paint in Peek-A-Bloo (bottom)

OCC Lip Tar in Feathered (top)
Sleek Pout Paint in Cloud 9 (bottom)

OCC Lip Tar in NSFW (top)
Sleek Pout Paint in Pin Up (bottom)

As you can see, the blue and white shades are pretty dead-on. Though OCC's Feathered seems sheerer in the swatch than Sleek's Cloud 9, I didn't notice a big difference on my lips. There is a slight difference in the reds- OCC's NSFW is a bit brighter and has less blue than Sleek's Pin Up. Both lines have other reds that may be better matches.

To sum up, both products are great at what they do. OCC definitely wins points for a wider color range, whereas Sleek's lower price point may sway some. Boiling it down to product performance alone, Sleek wins out for me simply because their Pout Paints don't separate in the container or feather on the lips, making the product easier and more enjoyable to use.

Some products featured in this review were submitted for promotional consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you- my readers- and to myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). The opinions expressed on Outinapout.com are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the post influenced by any outside party.

Product Review: Geek Chic CosmeticsJoySticks & Geek Gloss

OK, so I'm gonna start this post out by admitting that I kinda suck. Months ago (I'm pretty sure there was still snow on the ground!) the lovely ladies at Geek Chic Cosmetics sent me a few of their products to try out. If you're not familiar with Geek Chic, the name pretty much says it all. Self-proclaimed lady-geeks Chantel and Deb own their gaming, sci-fi loving personas and proudly emblazon it on their unique creations. With shade names like Element Zero, and Captain Tight Pants, there's a little chic for every kind of geek out there. Though Geek Chic's selection is smaller than many indie retailers, what they do, they do with love, and it shows.

To be honest, (which my fiance always says you shouldn't say, because it implies you're not normally honest!) as much as I love the idea of indie cosmetics, there's only so many loose pigments that a girl can really make use of, so I was thrilled to see two of the Geek girls' lip products in my package.

My Little Pwny is one of the brand's "JoySticks", described as "sheer, semi-opaque lavender with oodles of glitter".

Geek Chic calls "Geek Gloss" in Mana Potion "a sparkly, opaque, soft china blue lip gloss...a frosty blue with a sprinkle of rainbow glitter!"

I found both descriptions pretty apt, though I will say that I didn't notice tons of glitter in either formula, though it is more visible in My Little Pwny.

I'm also a little confounded by the description of Pwny as both sheer and semi-opaque. I think what Geek Chic is saying is that the lipstick can be applied sheer to semi-opaque, not both at the same time. Maybe? The lipstick is quite buildable, though I will say the color had a tendency to gink up a little in the corners of my mouth when I layered it heavily.

Applied in one coat, Pwny is what I would classify as a semi-sheer, neutral lavender. It covers enough to get a good representation of the color in the tube, but you'll still get a good amount of natural lip showing through. This means that the color will look a little different on everybody, and it could quite well be why it's probably the most flattering purple shade I own.

As you can see, on my lips Pwny appears much pinker on my lips than it appears in the tube, which is due to my natural lip color showing through. On my ::ahem:: much less pigmented arm, you can see the shade on it's own appears to have more of a blue undertone.

Yes, I swear those are the same lipstick! If you prefer the in-the-tube shade of My Little Pwny more, like I said, the product does build intensity as you layer it, and as such, you'll get a more accurate representation of the color you see in the tube.

Now, of course, glitter is a biznatch to photograph, but it is definitely there in Pwny. You can see tons of it in the tube, and I could definitely feel it going on as well. Once the lipstick was in place though, the feel was smooth and just a little creamy- not at all gritty like some glitter formulas. I did expect to see more sparkle on my lips, but wasn't necessarily disappointed that I didn't. If you're looking forward to the "oodles", a bit of clear gloss or balm will bring the glitz out a bit.

Overall, I liked My Little Pwny; it's a unique shade that's still very flattering (especially so when worn semi-sheer), and I agree with Geek Chic's assertion that this would be great on pretty much any skin tone. Since I waited so darn long to post this (I lost my camera! I was potty training my daughter!!!) I should mention that the formula has been slightly tweaked to make it a bit more moisturizing and help it glide on better. While the formula I have isn't drying, more moisture is always better in my opinion!

Now on to Geek Chic's gloss offering, which I tried in Mana Potion. Geek Gloss is a cushy, almost balm-like formula. China blue is a great description, though again, I didn't notice the sparkle so much- I'd say Mana Potion is more metallic than shimmery or glittery. The gloss has a satiny, soft gloss finish.

There is a slight bit of tack to the formula, but I still found it very comfortable on my lips (FYI, I have a very low tolerance for sticky lips). The thing that impressed me the most about Geek Gloss was its level of pigmentation and opacity- it easily could be labeled a liquid lipstick rather than a gloss. Again, I did notice the color pooling in the corners and inside the lines on my lips, but it didn't travel outside my lip line one bit. A gloss that doesn't bleed on my lips is pretty much unheard of, so this was a nice surprise.

I was also pleasantly surprised at the wear time for Geek Gloss. I didn't notice fading until after the 3 hour mark, and even then the color was still very visible. The wear was also very even- no ring around the lips- even the pooling I noticed at first had disappeared. BTW, based on my experience, I'm betting that the pooling/settling effect I mentioned would probably be less noticeable in more "natural" shades. Guess I'll just have to try a few more to test that theory, right?

Luckily, though procrastination isn't generally seen as a beneficial trait, there is a bright side to the fact that it took me months to get this post up: Geek Chic is in the process of switching over from traditional tubes to slimlines, so right now, all JoySticks are on sale for just $5.99 (reg. $7.99). Geek Glosses aren't on sale right now, but with a retail price of just $5.99, they're a great way to get your geek fix!

The products featured in this review were submitted for promotional consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for them. My commitment is to you- my readers- and to myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). The opinions expressed on Outinapout.com are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the post influenced by any outside party.

Illamasqua Toxic Nature: Swatches & First Impressions!

Illamasqua's tantalizing new collection is now available online, one week in advance of UK stores (US launch date is still TBA, but should be some time in April) and I was lucky enough to receive a few of the new shades and products to try. Here's a first look at a few of the highlights of the collection, including a peek at two of the brand new Cream Pigments!

Since Illamasqua's polish has a cult following, and this one is a doozy, we'll start there. Radium is a bright, acid-lime green with a soft pearl finish.

It applies almost opaque in one coat, but will likely require two to ensure even coverage. This is my first experience with the famous Illamasqua polishes, and so far so good- you can look forward to a review of how the polish performs in the near future! Here's a peek of it on my sad, sad little thumb nail!

Is it a coincidence that when I received this in the mail yesterday, I was wearing sweat pants this exact color? Maybe, maybe not. And while this may not be a great shade to paint one's living room (I happen to know that from experience...I guess you could say I'm fond of lime green) it is fabulous on the nails!

Now for the Cream Pigments. Designed to be a multi-use product for the eyes, face, lips and body, Cream Pigments purportedly provide a crease and water resistant matte finish.

Dab Cream pigment (pastel lilac)

Mould Cream Pigment (deep, bruised grape)

Both Cream pigments that I received were, as promised, completely devoid of shimmer. While they show as more of a cream than matte finish on my hand (meaning they had no shimmer, but a slightly moist finish) they applied with a true matte finish on both my eyes and lips.

Dab Cream Pigment on bare skin.

Mould Cream Pigment on bare skin.

So, what do you think of the Toxic Nature collection? Anyone hauling? Stay tuned next week for complete reviews of the products mentioned in this post!

The products featured in this post were submitted for consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for it. My commitment is to you, my readers, and myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). I can assure you that the opinions expressed in my product reviews are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the review influenced by the featured company.

Drugstore Dupe:MAC Penultimate Brow Marker Vs.NYX Eyebrow Marker

Little known fact about my brows: due to a naturally occurring bald spot just after my arch, I have the fortunate ability to brush the inner half of my brows up and look like a Vulcan. True, but don't be jealous. As beneficial as this may seem, I don't always (or really, ever) want to look like a Vulcan. As such, I'm always on the look out for natural looking brow grooming solutions.

When MAC released their Penultimate Brow Marker ($16.50), I snatched it up right away and it's been a daily-use product for me ever since. I even ranked it among my 2010 Best of Beauty for it's ability to create a clean, precise line without looking harsh or overly drawn-on. It applies easier and stays on better than any pencil, powder or gel I've ever tried and I've never had it smudge or smear. Love.

So, of course, when I saw that bargain powerhouse NYX had their own version of my beloved brow mainstay, I had to try it. At $9.75, the NYX Eyebrow Marker rings in at a nice discount over the MAC version. I actually picked mine up for a minuscule $4.87 during a Cherry Culture sale; Ulta often has discounts that can be used on NYX as well, so it's worth it to keep an eye out.

One difference that's hard not to notice is that the NYX version comes in two shades, Medium and Deep, versus MAC's one "Universal" shade. I chose the NYX Marker in Medium, which turned out to be a pretty decent match. When swatching, I feel like the NYX version (bottom) is more neutral in tone and maybe a hair lighter compared to MAC's marker (top) which leans a little bit to the red-brown side. Honestly, if I were going to label one of these "Universal" it would be the NYX version. I will say that these difference were slight on my hand and unnoticeable on my brows. Also, the feathering you can see in this swatch never occurred on my brows, with either product.

Upon looking at the felt-like applicator tips on the markers, again, we're talking almost identical. The MAC version (right) appears tad bit longer than than the NYX (left) but this could be due to the slight fraying on the tip. Otherwise, the broadness of the marker and the fineness of the tip are carbon copies, and apply as such.

Aside from a slight color difference on my hand, and of course, the color of the packaging and the slight difference in size (MAC's marker is 1 gram, NYX's is 1.04 g) these two products are more alike than they are different. Even the plastic tube is startlingly similar; in fact, I noticed that both the MAC and NYX version have similar, 3-digit embossed factory codes on the end of the marker. According to the packaging, both items were manufactured in Germany. Interesting. A quick peek at the ingredients proves that these two formulas are identical, with the possible exception of colorants. I say possible exception because whereas NYX lists the colorants on their list without qualifiers, MAC's packaging lists colorants as "+/-" (in other words, "may contain any or none of these, we're not telling cause it's a secret").

While I'm not saying the MAC and NYX are the same exact product, for all intents and purposes, they perform identically. Given the similarities in packaging, manufacturing and ingredients, I wouldn't be surprised at all if it were discovered that these originated from the same vendor. So, which would I buy again? You'd better believe it's gonna be the NYX version!

Sugarpill's 7 Newest ChromalustsNow Death & Sin Free!

Is it rude to say "If you're not on the Sugarpill bandwagon yet, you may want to seek professional help"? If you're willing to conceed that it is not, in fact, rude and that I am, in fact, a professional, then consider me that help!

If you're completely unfamiliar with Amy (aka Shrinkle) and her fledgling Sugarpill empire, make sure you check out my review on her loose Chromalust pigments and her Addicted to Pretty pressed eye shadows. The Reader's Digest version is that they're smooth-blending, ultra-pigmented, and pretty much the best value for your money out there. They've become a staple in my kit, I use them everywhere I can; eyes, cheeks, lips, even on the body.

Today, I want to introduce you to the newest additions to the Sugarpill family- seven NEW(ish) Chromalust shades that will have you drooling. The formula on these is as to be expected; in some cases, it almost seems like they adhere better than the originals, though I've not heard anything about the formula being changed. The new additions also add a bit of diversity to the Chromalust portfolio, with different textures and finishes than the originals.

I'd like to note, the following photos and product descriptions are my own, not those from the official site, and in my opinion, some of them vary significantly from the Sugarpill sanctioned description. Consider it a second opinion! All shades swatched dry on top of Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Birthday Girl

This shade had the biggest variance to me in what I saw versus what the site describes it as. Sugarpill calls this a princess pink with fuchsia sparkles. What princess pink means to me is a deeper-than-bubblegum almost rose-pink. It's a matte base, and the sparks seem more pink and gold to me. A super-pretty shade, but darker and less silvery than the online swatch looks on my monitor.

Darling

Teal green-blue goodness! Darling is slightly metallic with a satiny base and superfine matching sparks. I'd classify this as a little more than shimmer, but less than sparkly. Sharkely?

Magentric

I can only assume the great minds at Sugarpill meant this name to convey the shade as an electric magenta, and indeed it is. Not as bright as a fuchsia or as deep as a burgundy, this satiny metallic pigment is a great mid-tone magenta, enhanced with a healthy dose of fine blue sparks.

Paperdoll

Possibly my favorite shade of this launch, Paperdoll is a creamy matte lilac base w/lavender shimmer. It's so yummy I want to lick it.

Stella

Matte black base with tons of rainbow micro-glitter. The website refers to this black as "the blackest of jet blacks". Though I'd call it more of a deep charcoal-black, I can say that it's far-and-away the most pigmented loose black shadow I own- compared to shades from Archetype, Aromaleigh, and Illamasqua this is undoubtedly the winner!

Tipsy

I wonder if Sugarpill called this one Tipsy in honor of the common way Americans celebrate St Patrick's Day, cause this one says "Luck o' the Irish" all over it to me! A brilliant, shimmery grass green. Not lime green, not sage green, but a true, balanced mid-tone green.

Weekender

A beast of a shade to photograph and describe, Weekender is a metallic deep blue-violet that almost seems to shift depending on the light. In direct sunlight (or under my daylight bulb) it reads as a grape purple, but pulled away from the light the metallic sheen takes over and adds tinge of a pewtery-silver cast, skewing the shade closer to indigo.

So there you have it- great new shades filling out the Sugarpill portfolio. As expected from the brand, they apply, blend and wear amazingly. I will say that it's easy to blend away the glitter on matte shades (Birthday Girl, Paperdoll and Stella) but I haven't experienced throughout the day glitter fall-out like I do with some *other* brands (::coughUrbanDecaycough::). Stay tuned to OutInAPout for more looks featuring Sugarpill this month!

The products featured in this post were submitted for review consideration by a representative of the company. What does this mean? I didn't pay for them. My commitment is to you, my readers, and myself (it's called integrity, I like to have it). I can assure you that the opinions expressed in my product reviews are my own, based on my own research and experience; I am not paid in any way nor is the final outcome of the review influenced by the featured company.