Gerard Cosmetics Lipsticks Review

Gerard Cosmetics is well known for its extensive collection of glosses that have have LED lights. However, I was more interested in their lipsticks, so I got four of them: Nude, 1995, Fire Engine & Cherry Cordial.

 

Each lipstick retails for $19 USD but they do have a lot of promotions (30% off + free shipping) and many beauty gurus offer discount codes (Jacklyn Hill, Laura Lee, etc.). I bought mine during Black Friday sale and paid $39 USD (shipping included), which came up to about $45 CAD. I was quite impressed with how fast they shipped them! I didn't pay any duties but I know some people did.

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Swatches

You can watch my video for lip swatches. I've used lip liners to outline my lips. I also have a Giveaway going on until February 20th 2014.

Here are the swatches on my hand:

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Nude

This is just like their nude lip gloss but in a lipstick form. It's full coverage.

I feel like it doesn't complement my skin tone if I apply it alone, so I like to apply it on top of the shade 1995. Here's how it looks on my lips with liner (MAC Whirl):

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1995

This is Jaclyn Hill's signature lipstick. 

I find it's a nice nude shade for my skin tone.

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Fire Engine

This is classic red lipstick!

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Cherry Cordial

This is the darkest shade they have. It has a rich berry undertone and it can be born as a sheer stain or an opaque satin lipstick. The formula reminds me a lot of MAC Rebel. It leaves a stain, which stays even the following day.

It's my favorite shade from Gerard Cosmetics! If you like vampy lips, I'd definitely recommend this one. I use MAC lip liner Vino with it (MAC Nightmoth would be great too).  

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Review

I find the formula is comparable to MAC lipsticks. Shades like 1995 and Nude have matte finish (not completely matte though), while Cherry Cordial is more sheer and you can build it up for a more satin finish.

These lipsticks do transfer a little but not too much. I don't find these are long wearing at least on my lips but neither are MAC lipsticks. They're very creamy and easy to apply. 

The only thing that bothers me is the smell. I only notice the smell when I apply it but once it's on, I barely notice it. 

As for packaging, I do love the fact that it's gold. Although it has a very similar shape to a MAC lipstick, it's not as sturdy and feels more plasticy.

 

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Are they worth it?

Each lipstick retails for $19 USD each, which is more than MAC lipstick ($16 USD). I wouldn't spend that much on these lipsticks at all because they're certainly not worth that much. However, they do have a lot of promotions (usually 30% to 40% and sometimes with free shipping), so you can check their Instagram.

In my opinion, these are worth no more than $13 and I personally wouldn't pay more than $10 because that's how much I paid. I'd recommend calculating it and seeing how much each lipstick will come up to. The more you buy, the more likely you will save though. 

Beautyblender Red Carpet

It's finally available at Sephora and it retails for $20 USD ($26 CAD).

I love beautyblender and I'm really glad they introduced a bright red one. This one is the same as the original beautyblender and gives the same flawless application. The only difference of course is the color. Click here for more information on beautyblender and my review.  

 

As much as I love beautyblender, it requires some care especially if you want it to last longer. These sponges should typically be changed every 3 months if you use it often. However, if you don't wash it often or let it air dry, then it might start to smell weird or even worse.. mold might grow on it! Yikes!  

 

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How to Use beautyblender

It can be used with foundations, powder, cream blushes/bronzers, primers, etc. It works best with cream products.

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1. Wet beautyblender with water

When the beautyblender is wet, it doubles in size!
Once it dries up, it will return to its actual size.

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2. Squeeze out excess liquid

Use towel or paper towel if available

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3. Bounce complexion product on your face
Do not rub. The bouncing motion gives a flawless finish

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How to take care of it

I'd recommend washing every use (or every 2 days if you can) and letting it air dry. I know it can be hard to wash it every day but I find bacteria builds in very easily, so that's why I prefer washing it after every use.

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Wash it

Although you can use any cleansers (preferably gentle ones), I find that the solid cleanser works the best. I notice there are less stains with it.

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Let it Air Dry

It's important to let it air dry. If you don't, grow might grow on your beautyblender and you will have to throw it away.

• You can place it on a any clean surface to let it dry.

• Or you can use the mini canister that comes with your beautyblender to let it air dry. Just put the pointed size inside it.

• If you bought a set of 2 sponges, then use the holding pedestal to air dry. 

Photo by beautyblender® found on their Facebook page

  

Hot Makeup Website Launch

Hot Makeup launched their products on January 16 at IMATS L.A. but their website launched today!

We are so excited to announce that our website is now live and ready for business. ✨hotmakeup.com✨ hotmakeup.com✨ hotmakeup.com✨ hotmakeup.com✨ Thank you all for the patience and understanding for the delay. We are excited to also announce that we will be starting a beauty and lifestyle blog that can be accessed through our website that we hope you will love as much as we do. #hotmakeupUSA ❤️

A photo posted by Hot Makeup Professional (@hotmakeup.usa) on Jan 23, 2015 at 12:50pm PST

They have a variety of products for the face, eyes and lips. Their products are cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and formulated without paraben, fragrance, sulfate and gluten. The prices range from $17 to $36. 

I find that their lip products are quite popular. They have lipsticks, lip cream and lip glosses. 

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Kiss Me More Lip Cream

These are liquid to matte lipsticks. I think these will be one of their popular products since matte liquid lipsticks are trending now. Each lipstick retails for $19 and contains 0.07 oz of product.

Photo from Hot Makeup Website (Shade Midnight)

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Shades

They currently have 13 shades:

Blown Away
Bubbly
Casino Night
Front and Center
Go Fancy
Midnight
Moonlight Glow
Nectar
Runway
Sugar
Sunkissed
Sunset
The Party

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Swatches

Here's a photo they reposted on their Instagram of all shades:

#Repost @nojusthenry with @repostapp.
・・・
Soooo....who likes vibrant, long lasting, #LiquidToMatte lip creams!?! Worked hard on this formula not being dry and flaky. So pleased with what our team can up with. #KissMeMore lip creams are gonna be a smash. Cant wait for u all to try them. 🙊 @hotmakeup.usa launching next month. #youready!?!

A photo posted by Hot Makeup Professional (@hotmakeup.usa) on Dec 30, 2014 at 5:23pm PST

Here's a photo Leslie Alvarado shared on her Instagram. She's wearing shade Midnight.

Here is a close up on the lip color ❤️🙆 🔸lips @hotmakeup.usa #midnight 🔸foundation @elciecosmetics #warmivory 🔸brows @anastasiabeverlyhills #chocolate #dipbrow 🔸eyes #toofaced #semisweet #chocolatebar #hudabeauty #anastasiabeverlyhills #vegas_nay #elciecosmetics #selfiewithelcie #selfiewithelciecosmetics #hotmakeup #hotmakeupusa #hotmakeupprofessional

A photo posted by Leslie Alvarado (@itslesliealvarado) on Jan 19, 2015 at 3:28pm PST

Elcie Micro Silque Liquid Foundation Launch

Make up artist Lilit Caradanian (well-known as MakeUpbyLilit on Instagram) founded Elcie Cosmetics, which officially launched on January 16 at IMATS L.A. with their very product: Elcie Micro Silque Liquid Foundation.

It retails for $45 and it's currently sold on their website: elciecosmetics.com

The Launch of #elciecosmetics at IMATS LA! Tutorials happening tomorrow at 12pm and 3pm. Come by to booth 510!

A photo posted by Elcie Cosmetics (@elciecosmetics) on Jan 16, 2015 at 8:48pm PST

UPDATE: I have a review & demo on my channel and blog. I got it in shade Warm Ivory.

Shade Reference: I don't own any MAC foundation but I should be around NC40-NC42 in MAC. Here are some of the foundations that match me well: 

• NARS Sheer Glow - Barcelona (Click here for review)
• Elcie Micro Silque Foundation - Warm Ivory or Natural (Natural would be better in summer) - Click here for review
• Too Faced Born this Way - Golden (Click here for review)
• Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation - Cashew 3W2 
• L'Oreal Pro-Matte - 107 Fresh Beige 
• MUFE Ultra HD Invisible Cover Foundation - Y415 Almond

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Product Claims

 This foundation is claimed to be: 

• Light-weight
• Anti-Aging 
• Blendable
• Long-wear
• Water-Resistant
• Mild Transfer-Resistant 
• Non-Comedogenic
• Paraben-Free
• Vegan
• Gluten-Free
• Cruelty-Free
• HD coverage

Photo from Elcie Cosmetics website 

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Shades 

They carry 9 neutral to yellow shades (no pink shades):

• Porcelain
• Vanilla
• Sand
• Warm Ivory
• Natural
• Warm Beige
• Honey
• Golden Tan
• Chestnut

Here's another color chart for your reference. Elcie does not have any pink shades. We carry neutral to yellow undertones for the face. Porcelain and Chestnut are currently out of stock! Color swatches on skin coming up. *International shipping available* #elciecosmetics

A photo posted by Elcie Cosmetics (@elciecosmetics) on Jan 19, 2015 at 5:55pm PST

Finally, here is a swatch of all the current shades for Elcie. We have marked all the shades in comparison to MAC, however they're not exact, as Elcie tones are different and not specifically Nc or Nw. Elcie shades go from neutral to yellow and olive. Also, keep in mind it oxidizes a bit as soon as it dries (however, it will not oxidize for the rest of the day ;) From the left to right... 15 = Porcelain (Backorder) 20 = Vanilla 23 = Sand 25 = Warm Ivory 27 = Natural 30 = Honey 32 = Warm Beige 35 = Golden Tan 45 = Chestnut (Backorder)

A video posted by Elcie Cosmetics (@elciecosmetics) on Jan 27, 2015 at 11:18am PST

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Shade Reference

I know it can be hard finding a shade online, so I shared some photos below for some of the shades. I couldn't find a picture for all of the shades but I'll update this post when I do. If any of you have a photo to share, email me: arzanblogs@hotmail.com or you can find me on Instagram or Twitter @arzanblogs

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Vanilla

Here's a photo by Elizabeth (well-known on Instagram as elojelloseropian) using the shade vanilla. She's on the right.

Love seeing the flawless @jadeywadey180 😘😘😘 can't wait to see your face again❤️ Foundation: @elciecosmetics in Vanilla Repost @jadeywadey180 via @igrepost_app, Pictures from #IMATS are up on my site 💋💄Such a fun weekend in LA seeing all my MU friends ❤️ @elojelloseropian queen of eye tutorials 🙌 XOX

A photo posted by Elizabeth Seropian (@elojelloseropian) on Jan 21, 2015 at 4:01pm PST

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Sand

For those asking, the new @elciecosmetics foundation is beautiful! The coverage is amazing it is made for all skin types if you are looking for an amazing foundation def try this one out its also the perfect foundation for everyday wear feels very light weight on the skin shade sand ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ Eyes: @shopvioletvoss glitter in penny on lids @sigmabeauty warm palette @flutterlashesinc lashes in " Lori " @anastasiabeverlyhills brow wiz and brow duo in ebony ➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖ @anastasiabeverlyhills liquid lipstick in pure Hollywood on lips with a clear gloss on top 💋 @morphebrushes brush set from @mac_daddyy by far the best brush set I have ever used 🙌

Een foto die is geplaatst door Shabnam H. Khawja 💎 (@s_hossine) op Jan 19, 2015 at 12:20 PST

A sexy fun updo by @larackay paired with a dramatic cat-eye smokey using @elciecosmetics in Sand. #makeupbylilit

A photo posted by MakeUpbyLilit (@makeupbylilit) on Jan 22, 2015 at 6:29pm PST

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Warm Ivory

Leslie Alvarado posted a review on the foundation on her YouTube channel. I've been subscribed to her for awhile.. Love her videos!

Done filming my IMATS haul✔️now to edit ! Currently trying new products!! My lip color tho😩😍 🔸lips @hotmakeup.usa in the color #midnight 🔸the foundation is amazing !! @elciecosmetics shade #warmivory usually an nc42 in Mac! 🔸brows @anastasiabeverlyhills #chocolate #dipbrow #elciecosmetics #selfiewithelciecosmetics #selfiewithelcie #hotmakeup #hotmakeupusa #hotmakeupprofessional #beautyblogger #makeupartistsworldwide #makeupbylilit #hudabeauty #vegas_nay #anastasiabeverlyhills

A photo posted by Leslie Alvarado (@itslesliealvarado) on Jan 19, 2015 at 3:03pm PST

She also posted a shade reference photo on her Instagram, which is very helpful!

Foundations that I wear❤️ I have normal/combination skin 💆 🔸@elciecosmetics (natural ivory/natural) just bought this a couple of days ago! Still testing it out. Medium-full coverage and HD. Does oxidize, water resistant, long lasting and some transfer.Flawless application $45 🔸@esteelauder #esteelauderdoublewear (cashew)- Amazing coverage, 15 hr wear! Medium-full coverage. Great for pictures and special occasions! Currently my go to foundation ! Noticed that it does oxidize. The longer you wear it the better the application in my opinion. $35-37 🔸@maccosmetics #mineralizedmoisturefoundation (nc42)- this is very light, satin/dewy and an everyday foundation. Your natural skin still seeps through. Evens out your skin and has SPF 15! $35 🔸@lorealparisusa (w7)- this is light to medium coverage. Has a very natural finish and is oil free! Contains vitamins A & C. This is my go to drugstore foundation. Does oxidize! For me its 4-6 hr wear. $7-10 #hudabeauty #selfiewithelcie #esteelauder #maccosmetics #loreal #lorealparis #elciecosmetics #foundations #nc42 #w7 #beautyblogger #vegas_nay #flawlessface

A photo posted by Leslie Alvarado (@itslesliealvarado) on Jan 21, 2015 at 1:27pm PST

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Natural

A photo posted by Amanda Ensing (@amandaensing) on Jan 21, 2015 at 8:24pm PST

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Honey

HER HAIR AND MAKEUP vs. MY POLISHED LOOK ON HER ❤️ | So this is the first time I get requested to give someone an "image consultation and make over". So we agreed she would come in as she would normally do her hair and makeup to go out and have fun. Then I would help her and teach her how to polish up her look AND POSTURE. I'm gonna say I actually enjoyed doing this and I'm actually open to do it more often, for a fee of course haha 😊🙈.| PRODUCTS:::: BROWS - @nyxcosmetics "tinted brow pomade" it's the most soft and not harsh version of MAC deep down and any other products like it. FOUNDATION - @elciecosmetics "Micro slique foundation" in the color Honey (it's so light weight and blends amazingly. It does set into a matte finish so you gotta work a bit faster. I used my fingers to apply this as it made it easier for me. I also asked her to let me know the longevity of the foundation, so I will get back to you guys on that. So far it worked great). EYES - @meltcosmetics "Dark Matter" palette and @stilacosmetics . Lashes -@berry_wendy in "Doll Face" . COUNTOUR AND HIGHLIGHT - @tomford "Shade and illuminate" ( guys once you try this you won't wanna use anything else. I am obsessed with it. If you live in the San Diego area or close by it hit up @mdl4tfbeauty at Neiman Marcus she will help you with anything Tom Ford ). LIPS - MAC pencil in strip down, lipstick in Peach stock and gloss in Saint Germaine. #makeupartist #danielmarrone #nyx #elciecosmetics #tomford #melt #meltcosmetics

A photo posted by ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀#DanielMarrone⠀⠀⠀⠀ (@danieldoesmakeupnotmagic) on Jan 19, 2015 at 6:59pm PST

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks Review

These lipsticks are claimed to be full coverage, matte and extra long-wearing. Each lipstick retails for $20 and contains 3.2 g (0.11 oz) of product.

They're available on Anastasia Beverly Hills website or Macy's website. Click here to see my blog post for more information and list of shades available.

Photo from Anastasia Beverly Hills Instagram

I got 5 shades: 

1. Pure Hollywood - Nude Beige Pink  
2. Vintage - Royal Purple  
3. Electric Coral - Intense Coral   
4. American Doll - True Red 
5. Sad Girl - Deep Burgundy with Purple Iridescence    

 

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Swatches

Check out my video for lip swatches:

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Pure Hollywood - Nude Beige Pink

This a nude shade and it's the lightest shade I got.

I feel like it doesn't complement my skin tone as well as the others but I can make it work by using a lip liner.

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Electric Coral - Intense Coral

This coral shade is so vibrant!

I don't have any lipstick this shade, so I'm glad I got it.

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American Doll - True Red 

This is a red lipstick with blue undertone. I love red lipsticks, so this one was a must-have for me!



It looks quite similar to Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Outlaw.

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Vintage - Royal Purple  

Vintage is a beautiful purple shade! I really like this one!

It reminds of MAC Heroine but it's darker.

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Sad Girl - Deep Burgundy with Purple Iridescence 

This is a deep plum with metallic finish. I love it!

I find it's a little messy when applied alone, so I'd definitely recommend a lip liner. The one I used MAC lip liner in Vino.

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Review

I really like these liquid lipsticks! I'm impressed with the shade range. I want to buy all of them! The formula is good too! I don't find it too drying but I'd recommend exfoliating and moisturizing before applying. I'd also suggest using lip liners especially for the shades that are darker.

Some of the shades do stain the lips but they're fairly easy to remove. Any waterproof makeup remover would work or oil! 

Pros 

• Creamy: These go on so smoothly
• Matte: These dry down to matte finish
• Long wearing: These are long wearing but do come off if you eat oily/greasy food
• Little or no transfer

Cons

• Expensive: For the amount of product you get (0.11 oz). Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid lipsticks cost a dollar less and you get double the amount of product (0.22 oz).

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Anastasia Beverly Hills vs. Kat Von D

ABH liquid lipsticks are quite similar to Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks in terms of formula. They're both creamy, matte and long wearing. Anastasia Beverly Hills has a better shade range though.

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Differences 

Price:  

• ABH liquid lipstick costs slightly more (price difference of $1 USD).
• Anastasia Beverly Hills liquid lipstick retails for $20 USD, while Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick retails for $19 USD

Size: 

• Kat Von D liquid lipstick contains double the product of ABH one.
• Anastasia Beverly Hills lipstick contains in total 0.11 oz of product, while Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick contains 0.22 oz of product.

Formula  

• KVD Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks are slightly more drying but they last longer than ABH liquid lipsticks.

Too Faced Melted Liquid Lipsticks New Shades

Photo from Too Faced Comsetics Twitter

Too Faced Cosmetics released 8 new shades of Melted lipsticks:

Melted Sugar

Melted Chihuahua

Melted Frosting

Melted Melon

Melted Strawberry

Melted Velvet

Melted Sugar

Melted Jelly Donut

Melted Villain

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Availability

All the shades are available on Too Faced website (ships to U.S. only) and some shades are online available at Sephora for now.

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Too Faced

 
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Sephora

Currently, there are only 4 shades are available online:

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick Frosting 0.4 oz
Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick Sugar 0.4 oz

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick Strawberry 0.4 oz
 Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick Velvet 0.4 oz

     

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Shades

So there are now 18 shades in total! I haven't bought any of the new shades but I do have a review on these lipsticks. Click here to check out my review and swatches of Melted Ruby, Melted Fuchsia & Melted Violet.

They initially started with only 6 shade and released 4 more in 2014 (Melted Marshmallow, Melted Fig, Melted Candy, Melted Ruby).