Since drifting away from the pop culture scene (is it normal to gain a preference for oldies music as you age?), I’ve lost count the number of times I have gone, “Who is that?” whenever M.A.C announced a new collaboration with a pop artiste. Having not tuned into any local contemporary hit radio stations for the past decade, needless to say, I had the same reaction when I got wind of their partnership with a Canadian singer-songwriter who calls herself Kiesza. But hey, if not for this collaboration, I wouldn’t have known about this talented yet underrated lady (look her up on YouTube and treat your ears to some upbeat H&M-worthy music if you must), so it’s all good 👍
Joining the ranks of other celebrities such as Halsey, Tinashe and Brooke Candy, all of whom I honestly didn’t know existed until they teamed up with M.A.C, Kiesza presents her first makeup collection with the well-loved cosmetics brand – a four-piece capsule collection comprising a Matte Lipstick, Vamplify Lipgloss, Liquidlast Liner and Big Brow Pencil – and they (except the eyeliner) are brown-hued. Hence, even without finding out who Kiesza is, this collection, or rather the lipstick, already has my name written on it.
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved (regular packaging again..)
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved (US$17)
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved
Named after Kiesza’s latest single off her sophomore album, Dearly Beloved – the sole lipstick in this collection – reflects the understated look that she had been experimenting while trying to move away from her usual red lip colour.
Described as a warm soft brown with Matte finish, it appears to have ashy undertones when applied. Far from the usual drying Matte formula of M.A.C lipsticks, the payoff of this shade feels almost like a Satin as it goes on smooth with a creamy consistency and even has a slight sheen to it. Mostly opaque, it is moderately pigmented with a buildable intensity but emphasises every fine line (very noticeable on the upper lip) and dry bit of the lips. Having said that, it does leave my lips feeling moisturised and comfortable the entire time I had it on, so I guess it’s a fair trade-off!
M·A·C Kiesza Lipstick in Dearly Beloved swatch comparison – Cold Hard Cash is the closest dupe but has warmer undertones
What are your thoughts of this? Let me know what you think in the comments below or take a quick poll 😉
Thanks for reading! 🙂
M·A·C × Kiesza is now available on MACCosmetics.com. This collection is not available in Singapore.
Temperatures are soaring globally and this spells trouble for those with acne-prone skin. Heat and humidity intensify oil production in our skin which in turn gives rise to (more frequent) breakouts. Hence, while blessed souls with amazing complexion just need to slap on some toner to prevent summer zits from sprouting, the not-so-lucky ones like us would have to take significantly more precautions to stop new ones from popping up on our already-blemished face. What is your beauty regime for the hot weather like?
Apart from the usual acne cleansers and medicated cream we sufferers are all too familiar with, the trend these days seems to be toward using at-home LED devices to treat pesky pimples. LED light therapy for acne is not certainly not new as it has been used by dermatologists for years. But receiving the therapy in a clinic could set you back a few hundred dollars per session, or thousands to complete the entire treatment (and it doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never get another pimple again). Handheld light therapy devices, on the other hand, are typically more affordable in the long run (a one-time payment of less than S$400) and are a more practical option because they can be used any time you want to avert an acne crisis.
Personally, I own a blue light device – a Foreo ESPADA Acne-Clearing Blue Light Pen gifted by my boyfriend for my birthday last year. It is quite a new product (less than a year in the market?) and was retailing for S$209 on Sephora. Now that the price online has been reduced by 30%, some of you may be tempted to give it a go but discouraged by the lack of reviews. Well, lucky you, you’ve come to the right place 😁 Read on to find out how I feel about the device!
Foreo ESPADA Packaging
Foreo ESPADA Packaging
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As a quick introduction (with most information obtained from here and here), the ESPADA (‘sword’ in Spanish, but Foreo is a Swedish brand) is a slim handheld acne-fighting device which combines Blue Light Pulse Technology and T-Sonic™ pulsations. Operating it is easy as it has only one on/off button on the front. Once switched on, it activates a red laser-like beam for more precise targeting of blemish. This is extremely useful as without this function, it would be quite difficult to tell beneath the flat surface of the head if you’ve accurately aimed the blue light at your desired spot.
On/Off button
Targeted light precision
See the red laser-like beam on my forehead?
Next, rest the device on the targeted area and it will let out 415 nm of blue light (LED) which penetrates deep below skin’s surface to kill acne-causing bacteria at the source, while the T-Sonic pulsations help the light diffuse into pores for maximum efficacy. This treatment is only initiated on contact with the skin to ensure safety for skin and eyes and conserve battery. The whole process does not involve any pain or discomfort with the only rumbling sensation you experience coming from the pulsations. Repeat the process twice for mild acne, or three to four times for moderate acne. I’m a kiasu (overly cautious) person so I tend to zap every zit, regardless of their severity, minimally three times.
Be prepared for tired hands..
The ESPADA has a built-in timer that enables the device to vibrate every 30 seconds with longer pulses to indicate the end of each acne-treating routine. It is also USB-chargeable and one charge can provide up to 240 treatments. Mine, in most cases, needs to be charged once every week if used daily (about 30 treatments each day) and it takes about 3-4 hours to be fully charged. The red light at the foot of the device starts flashing once it reaches a critically low battery level and the treatment stops abruptly the moment the device deems itself to have insufficient power to complete the routine. But sometimes, there would still be a teeny weeny bit of power left to keep it running for a couple more seconds, so if you’re thrifty like me, just keep hitting the button until it can’t be switched on anymore 😁
Blue light technology in action!
Designed with hygiene as a priority, the head of the device is coated in a special bacteria-resistant silicone that prohibits the spread of acne-causing bacteria. The waterproof body is quick-drying, easy to clean and nonporous to prevent bacteria buildup. This device is said to be most effective on clean skin so I usually use it after cleansing my face and would only wipe the head with a damp cloth (or rinse under running tap every other week) thereafter. It is very portable and comes with a grey pouch for easy storage.
Comes with a grey pouch that is big enough to fit the device and the complimentary USB cable
Now, moving on to the efficacy of this product, the ESPADA clears up pesky pimples to a satisfactory extent but unfortunately, does not work on severe cases of acne like my big cystic ones which did not only go away, their size remained unchanged and were still as painful as ever. This device is only effective against occasional or smaller pimples – such as those with poppable heads – as it is able to dry them up faster and reduce the inflammation. Moreover, contrary to what it also promises, it does not (at least for me) prevent further pimples from forming.
Price-wise, I thought the ESPADA is pretty affordable (although I received mine as a gift) especially with the discount at Sephora now. It is a lot cheaper than another similar product by Tria (not available in Singapore) due to the fact that this does not require additional or changeable cartridges which will collectively cost more than the device itself in the long run. There are a handful of other products in the Singapore market that use similar technology (such as SKIN INC’s Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light and Clariancy’s Tanda Clear) but cost at least a hundred dollars more.
In conclusion, is Foreo ESPADA a worthy buy? If you’re a student dealing with teen acne, then for the love of your wallet, yes. Otherwise, this still makes a decent combat tool against the little bumps on your face.
Thanks for reading!
Disclaimer: modelled pictures were taken 1.5 months ago when I had massive breakout of cystic acne. pictures posted in the recent reviews show my visibly clearer skin after seeking professional help from a skin clinic. I will share that wonderful experience soon on this space.
keep your eyes peeled! 😉
The Foreo ESPADA Acne-Clearing Blue Light Pen is available in three colours (cobalt blue, magenta & pink) on foreo.com and at Sephora Singapore for S$206.
These days, highly accomplished makeup artists do not simply stop at amassing a wall of accolades or an extensive list of celebrity clientele. Instead, they become entrepreneurs by starting their own makeup line which, owing to their unparalleled credentials and high profile statuses, blooms without a hitch into the talk of the town. From Laura Mercier to François Nars of NARS to Carol Shaw of LORAC (her name spelled backwards if you didn’t realise, because me neither 😂), beauty brands born out of many years of makeup artistry experience are now so common and popular, I bet you dollars to doughnuts that you have at least one in your makeup arsenal.
Now, how about adding another (by a renowned British makeup artist, no less) to your collection? This time, though, you may have to splurge a bit more because we are about to talk luxury, yo 😁
YAZZZ GURRRL ✨
Established in 2013, the Charlotte Tilbury brand is the namesake of its London-born founder, one of the world’s most in-demand makeup artist having worked with the likes of A-listers Cara Delevingne, Naomi Campbell, Amal Clooney and Natalie Portman, as well as respectable fashion and beauty publications such as Vogue. Despite being only officially sold in the U.K. and U.S., its popularity has spread globally ever since it was spotted on the lips of celebrity fans sashaying down red carpets, hence making it the fastest growing beauty brand.
“Wait, if Charlotte Tilbury is largely only available in the U.K., how am I supposed to buy anything without paying a bomb for shipping? Even the most affordable forwarder I know doesn’t ship from the U.K.!” ✋ Hakuna your tatas, ladies, for there is now an easy way. Thanks to online beauty retailers based in Singapore – like BlushBoss – that stocks up on brands not available in Singapore (such as Jeffree Star, Kylie Cosmetics, ABH and more) and at reasonable prices, laying your hands on these inaccessible brands has become pretty darn simple.
Matte Revolution Lipsticks by Charlotte Tilbury
Through BlushBoss, I received my first pair of Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipsticks in Birkin Brown and Very Victoria – the only two shades available on the website, unfortunately (hopefully there will be more choices in the future) – which each arrived in a classy and quaint, very Georgian-like style boxes with gold lettering set against deep maroon background.
The lipstick tube itself is shaped like that of majestic fluted pillars with a texture marked by grooves, perhaps also for better grip since the hard and metallic rose gold material can be quite weighty in the hand. The cap closes with a satisfyingly loud click too! I would say the packaging as a whole has an unmistakable British flavour to it which sets it apart from those pop-ish designs of mainstream U.S. brands.
Side-by-side comparison between Birkin Brown and Very Victoria
With one of Hollywood’s most celebrated makeup artist helming the brand, naturally there would be a lot of buzz around these CT lipsticks (which was partly why I got them in the first place) even on some of the world’s most revered magazines. Furthermore, the limited availability of the brand also fuels the desire to own one of these prized CT makeup. But do these lipsticks live up to all the hype? Read on to find out!
#1 Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown
Practically every lipstick in the Matte Revolution line is inspired by a celebrity one way or another (which makes a brilliant marketing ploy to garner eyeballs and generate more hype, I must say) and here’s one that was created with fashion muses Naomi Campbell (who pioneered the dark brown lip look) and Jane Birkin (who the Hermès Birkin bag was named after) in mind.
Described as a soft chocolate cream, Birkin Brown glides on smooth and has a nice slip, but settles quickly into the lip lines. Hydrating and emollient with a creamy and slightly glossy finish, this lightweight lipstick leaves a soft and supple feeling while delighting your sense of smell with its sweet vanilla scent. It is, however, mostly sheer and only buildable to a certain degree. Even so, it still appears patchy with very noticeably uneven consistency after many passes, as if there isn’t enough pigment to deliver a strong colour. I had high hopes that this would apply true to the bullet colour but nay.. what a disappointment. This shade fades to a stain after a few hours.
You might also have noticed the uniquely shaped bullet which, according to the website, is angled to mimic the shape of a lip brush for precise application. Gotta trust the expert on this one – it works like a charm for me because application definitely felt a lot easier especially along the cupid’s bow. On the downside, though, I would be more reluctant to use the lipstick for fear of losing the original shape of the bullet.. 😅
Charlotte Tilbury Birkin Brown – swatch comparison with other browns I have
#2 Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Very Victoria
If you’re a fan of Posh Spice, you wouldn’t want to miss this Victoria Beckham-inspired shade. Plus, it’s probably the only thing with her name on it that you can afford. Have you seen the prices of the products in her recent makeup collection with Estée Lauder? It’s CRAY!
Described as a suede taupe nude, Very Victoria is the perfect shade for everyday wear and best paired with subtle smokey eye. This comfortably hydrating formula applies like butter on the lips and leaves sheer but buildable finish with subtle rose gold shimmers. Although, similarly, it settles into my lip lines, the unevenness does not seem as pronounced as Birkin Brown due to its lighter tone and the fact that it is near-perfect match to my natural lip colour. I kinda like this more than Birkin Brown even though I’m usually not fond of light shades, because of it feels more matte. Also, it has better colour payoff.
Charlotte Tilbury Very Victoria – swatch comparison with other muted browns/nudes I have
All in all, these Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks fare very well in the comfort, luster and moisture categories – basically areas expected of luxury brands because I suppose these make the products feel and look expensive, and also to give a sense of glamour to the entire look. As one who values pigmentation (which, from my observation, luxury brands always fails to provide) more than anything else, I find these lipsticks way too sheer and creamy. They most likely need to be used with other products to achieve that degree of intensity shown on their models.
And most importantly, do I consider these matte? Certainly not 😐
What are your thoughts about these CT Matte Revolution lipsticks? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks in Very Victoria and Birkin Brown are available on BlushBoss.com.sg. Get yours from BlushBoss with free shipping (no minimum order required) today!
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