Nuance Salma Hayek Launch, Reviews + Swatches

This month, a new brand of makeup is launching to CVS drugstores! Nuance, by Salma Hayek, is inspired by the subtleties, or nuances, of beauty. From what I've seen, it features earth tones and a variety of finishes. In addition, the line does not test on animals!

I have two quads: a lip quad in "warm," and an eye quad in "smokey." 

Eye Quad

Shades: "Cool Charcoal," a shimmery black-based green; "Warm Smoke," a satin taupe; "Pearl Teal,"a shimmery almost-teal; and "Silver Mist," a pinky-cream.

Packaging: Interesting! A black plastic bulb that opens into a "flower." Comes with a detachable smudge brush in the center. (There is a lot of empty space in the center; therefore, the item is not as compact as it could be.)

Pigmentation: All of the shades have nice pigmentation and smooth texture; my one gripe is that Silver Mist swatches a bit unevenly. 

Lasting Power: Unfortunately, the shadows fade quickly. Use with eyeshadow primer for a full day's wear.

Pearl Teal, Warm Smoke, Cool Charcoal, Silver Mist

Lip Quad

Shades: "Red Hot," a berry red; "Mauve Berry," a muted beige/pink; "Sheer Champagne," a sheer pink with gold shimmer, and "Plum Shimmer," a muted rose with shimmer.

Packaging: Same as the eye quad, but with a lip brush. 

Pigmentation: All are comparable to lipsticks; Red Hot is most pigmented, Mauve Berry and Plum Shimmer are close, and Sheer Champagne is, yes, sheer.

Lasting Power: The shine will fade soon, but the color lasts nicely as a stain throughout the day.

Plum Shimmer, Sheer Champagne, Red Hot, Mauve Berry

Price: I'm not sure of the particular prices of these items, but I do know that the line ranges from $7.99 to $19.99. 

Overall: Worth a shot if you're looking to try a new brand! The quality is great and the products are well thought out. 

All for now! Will you be trying Nuance?

Love, Val

I got these items for free; they were passed out at BlogHer. I am in no way affiliated with or sponsored by CVS or Nuance.

Rave: NARS Dolce Vita Lipstick + Blush

Today I have for you a review and some swatches on two wonderful NARS products: Dolce Vita lipstick and corresponding Dolce Vita blush. I absolutely love each of them, worn separately or together - so let's get into the rave review!

Sorry for the dim lighting, it made the picture more true to color.

Swatches: lipstick on top, blush below

Me wearing both products!

The Lipstick

Finish: Glossy, but not overly so - sort of like a lip balm.

Consistency: Weightless and super moisturizing!

Color: Nars describes it as a "dusty rose," and I couldn't phrase it any better. :) It's definitely the perfect "my lips but better" color for me.

Payoff: Sheer, but buildable.

Wear: Unfortunately this does not last very long for me, probably only 2 hours. But it's quick to reapply!

The Blush

Finish: Matte texture. If you look really closely, there are a few tiny sparkles, but nothing visible when on the cheeks.

Color: Same as the lipstick when swatched or worn; in the pan it looks a tad more purple toned.

Payoff: Super, super pigmented! Have caution when applying this, only take a tiny amount to start.

Wear: Lasts all day, as most powder blushes do for me.

Overall: Each product has a gorgeous, flattering color to it and excellent quality. If you're willing to make the investment, these will become staples in your makeup collection.

To buy: Lipstick, $24 and blush, $27; at NARS or Sephora.

All for now! Hope you enjoyed this review, and have a great Sunday.

Love, Val

Review: Revlon Berry Haute Lipstick

This has been my favorite lipstick of the last two months! Applied directly, it's a fun berry color, but as a stain (apply, then blot) it's a more natural pink color. I love it both ways. :)

application of Berry Haute lipstick

"stain" of Berry Haute lipstick

Formula: Satin. No shimmer, a little creamy. When you apply as a stain it usually ends up with a matte finish, applied normally it has more sheen.


Color: It's a gorgeous berry color! Kinda like a hot pink + blue tones. Nice color payoff.

Packaging: Classic and sophisticated, like most Revlon packaging. It's from the "Super Lustrous" line of lipsticks.

Wear: For me, the sheen lasts around 2 hours; the color, 3-5 hours.


Overall: If you're looking for a berry color, or something different to wear on your lips, I definitely recommend this!


Buy: At most drugstores or drugstore.com for $7.99.

Love, Val