Prestige

Speculation: New Kat Von D Lipstick?

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Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick

Every now and then, because I evidently find it entertaining to try to sabotage myself, I glance over Sephora’s sale section. This time, I noticed that Kat Von D’s Studded Kiss lipstick line is clearanced for $12 each. In spite of both my No Buy and my lipstick-unfriendly Invisalign, I immediately threw Adora in my cart in hopes that it would hold out. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t; just two days later it was out of stock, along with a ton of other popular shades.

The last time this happened was with their Painted Love lipstick line a few years back. The idea of Adora going away saddened me – but then it was brought back with Studded Kiss.

Speculation

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Fenty Beauty by Rihanna

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It seemed like the Fenty hype came out of nowhere. Maybe it didn’t; perhaps I fell outside the subset of cosmetics consumers being targeted by the brand. Maybe the behaviors I practice on my No Buy shielded me from the information.

Not a Collab

Unlike RiRi Woo with MAC, Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is not a collaboration. Granted, I’m sure Rihanna’s team is working with a lab that manufactures for multiple brands like any other brand does. It seems as though they’ve positioned themselves well and, if my prediction aligns with reality, will perform well (sales-wise) in contrast with other celebrity beauty lines.

  • Honest Company? Epic sunscreen failure. Is it Jessica Alba’s fault? Realistically, she didn’t make all the reformulation decisions. When your name is married to the brand that way, though, you’re accountable.
  • Flower Beauty? Underwhelming. I love that Drew and her team brought their line to market at a lower price point! But it just isn’t exciting.

Fenty Shade Range

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What’s Stopping Me From Buying Hourglass Confession Lipsticks

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HOURGLASS CONFESSION LIPSTICKS 2017 LIMITED EDITION HOLIDAY SET

Aside from my No Buy (which has its own underlying motivating factors), there are other factors stopping me from buying certain things. The Hourglass Confession Lipsticks appear to be everything I’ve come to expect from Hourglass. They’re chic, they (purportedly) perform. The pricetag is also in line with what I’d expect from Hourglass. They’re a vision of loveliness, and I’d love to add one (ha, yeah, one) to my collection.

What’s stopping me from buying the Hourglass Confession Lipsticks?

A few things, but first and foremost:

Lipstick is a no-go for me during Invisalign. I’ve slapped it on a few times and it often transfers to my trays a bit. It brushes away easily when I clean the trays but if you aren’t careful you can look a little silly. Most days, I’m too absentminded to want to bother with the vigilance needed, so I’ve been skipping lipstick more often than not these past two months.

Second

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Laughing Out Loud: Pat McGrath Mothership Palettes

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Pat McGrath Mothership Palettes – Sublime (not pictured: Subversive and Subliminal)

Pat McGrath may as well be a cosmetics wizard. Over the decades of her career, she has undoubtedly earned such monikers as Most Influential Make-Up Artist in the World (Vogue).

A few years ago, Pat started her own line; self-funded at first (pretty damn amazing), the first product was a single golden pigment with a mixing medium that went for $40. A higher price makes more sense when it hails from a limited, 1000 piece run funded by a single solitary individual. Now, there are investors on board. This means Pat’s brand can place larger orders, making the price-per-unit lower. Later, there were lip products and other intriguing things that were entirely unlike what many of us have seen at a counter.

The Pat McGrath Mothership Palettes are HOW Much?

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Why is MAC Basic Bitch Acceptable?

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“Basic,” as an insult has been a thing for several years now. Paired with, “bitch,” for most millennial sorts it conjures certain imagery (UGGs, PSLs?) that some find funny or #relatable.

I’m not a fan of using the word, “bitch,” as a deprecating term of endearment amongst girlfriends. To me, it isn’t cute or clever; it is catty and perhaps trying too hard to be edgy. It’s clear that when we do use such words in those context, others do not understand when and why they should not use those words, too. Bottom line, the term is pejorative. You aren’t taking, “bitch,” back.

MAC Basic Bitch – Wait, What?

So when an e-mail from MAC Cosmetics with the subject line, “Get the Basic Bitch Look! Available In-Store and Online,” landed in my inbox last month, I was surprised. I hardly feel it is appropriate coming from a company!

Here’s a screenshot of the message. The graphic is a gif and would change between what is shown below and another shimmery, light-smoky eye look.

Why is MAC Basic Bitch Acceptable?

Why?!

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Curled my Lashes, Bent my No Buy with the Shiseido Eyelash Curler

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No Buy

I’ve been on a No Buy for the better part of a year. If you’re a regular, you’re probably tired of hearing about it. The truth is, it is an interesting balance – writing a beauty blog without buying product. If you’re sick of hearing it, sorry. If not, carry on.

My eyelash curler broke recently. I’ve had it for years and, frankly, didn’t treat it very well. I didn’t have a backup so I determined a replacement was warranted. Overall life-choices wise, I try to buy the best version of a tool I reasonably can. Ultimately, I decided that I would go for a cult classic – either Shiseido or Shu Uemera. Both are renown for their effectiveness and longevity.

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