Marcelle Velvet Gel Liquid Lip Color | Review & Swatches

Today many people will be celebrating Halloween and right after the costumes are put away and the pumpkins are composted, everyone will be preparing for the holiday season. I’ve already attended a few Christmassy events and with many more to come I will definitely need an arsenal of vivid lip color that can withstand cocktails, sweets and late night treats.

The new Velvet Gel Lipsticks ($12.95) by Marcelle are available in a variety of trendy shades that range from neutral to bright. On cold days the lush pigment locks in moisture to keep lips smooth, nourished and protected with a blend of healing oils, antioxidants and vitamins. The formula is also hypoallergenic, fragrance free and gluten free making it safe for sensitive skin.

Shades (left to right): Coral Pink, Rosy Nude, Lotus Pink, Velour Red and Vivid Plum

I wanted festive colors so I chose some of the brightest hues in the collection. The pigment glides on smooth and creamy for excellent color payoff, buildable coverage and rich intensity. 

Use the point of the drop-shaped applicator to outline and define the lip contour for precision and neatness. The semi-matte finish makes lips appear plump and dramatic with no stickiness.

The saturation is incredible and I love the lightweight supple texture. Skin feels soft, hydrated and comfortable but the color is not transfer proof so you will need to reapply after eating or drinking. Despite not having the durability I was looking for, the ink-like vibrancy and advanced skincare benefits are important qualities in a good lipstick.

Marcelle is available at drugstores nationwide including Shoppers Drug Mart and online at marcelle.com.  

Marcelle Cosmetics Rouge Xpression Lipstick Review – NEW Shades

Lipstick is one of my favorite beauty products because even on the dreariest days, a pop of vibrant color can enhance the complexion and instantly take your look from drab to fab. I have a lot of lipstick... the other day I found 21 floating around my purse (no woman needs that many on a daily basis) but when I’m running late, I prefer lightweight, simple pigment that glides on effortlessly.

The Rouge Xpression Collection has always been one of my favorites and for just $11.95 per lipsticks you can’t go wrong! There are so many wonderful shades to choose from and Marcelle continually expands the selection so you can always find colors to compliment your skin tone. The new pigments are chic, wearable and elegant with a Maxi-Lip Complex that nourishes and volumizes with no stickiness. Avocado and Omega Oils prevent dryness and deeply moisturize while the velvety texture ensures total comfort. For those with sensitive skin, the hypoallergenic formula is free of gluten and fragrance.

I love the creamy one-swipe application and the satin finish provides subtle shine. My favorite in this bunch is Red Berry - a beautiful deep ruby that looks great on everyone.

The pigmentation is buildable so you can go from medium to intense with a couple layers and lips feel smooth and soft all day. This isn’t a long-wear formula so the color will transfer during meals and gradually fade but reapplication is quick and simple – like putting on Chapstick.

Berry Mauve is a beautiful pink with hints of soft purple while the two neutrals – Berry Nude and Pink Berry have universally flattering undertones. These are very office appropriate for everyday wear but they also transition well for an evening out.

Left to right: Berry Mauve, Red Berry, Pink Berry & Berry Nude

Marcelle is available at drugstores nationwide and online at marcelle.com

Annabelle Cosmetics Marie-Mai Collection & Marcelle Velvety Blush Review

While traveling I like to pack small, versatile palettes that can slip in my purse and Annabelle has a great selection at affordable prices. Marcelle also has a new blush collection with deep berry tones that sculpt and flatter all complexions. 

Annabelle has teamed up with Canadian singer Marie-Mai to create new pigments that can go from neutral to intense. The shadow palette ($12.95) includes gold, orange, mauve-pink, brown and even a matte yellow. The shade selection may seem a bit unusual but somehow it works. You can define the crease, accentuate the lids, highlight and transition to create quick, simple looks. The pigmentation is sheer to medium but with a good primer you can enhance the colors and create a range of natural effects for daily wear.

The Marie-Mai Ombré Blush ($8.95) is perfect for spring. The bright, silky coral instantly boosts and illuminates dull skin with a beautiful sheen that works as both blush and highlighter. For more radiance dip your brush in the top of the powder to pick up more shimmer, the pigment is buildable, easy to blend and looks great on all skin tones.

The Eye-Tech Palette ($12.95) has 3 matte shadows, 3 satins, 2 sparkling top coats and 2 creams – one for lining the eyes and the other to illuminate. These shades are a bit bland for my taste and they don’t deliver the intensity or vibrancy I usually prefer. The pigmentation could be better and the cream formulas don't work as well as I hoped. 

I love the blushes from Marcelle Cosmetics and the new Velvety powders are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and paraben-free. The super-fine pigments blend seamlessly to provide a natural flush and the shade selection includes a range of rich berry and refreshing blossom tones. There are no harsh pinks or ultra-bright finishes in this line, instead you get soft natural hues that are easy to wear. Each smooth pigment has a light dusting of shimmer for a little extra glow and the deeper shades help contour and define. The blush retails for $12.95 each.

Annabelle and Marcelle Cosmetics are available at drugstores nationwide

Marcelle Cosmetics Smokey Eye Shadow Palette Review

Yesterday was one of those days that seemed to go on and on with no end in sight. I was up at 5 am battling rush hour for an early breakfast with Dior followed by two meetings, a lunch date and a press event for Loreal before spending 3 hours in traffic during a mini snow storm. On busy morning with no time for blending eye shadow I reach for palettes that make life easier like the new Smokey Collection from Marcelle. These subtle, calming hues are simple, chic and effortless for quick looks that are perfect for day wear.

There are 2 color schemes available – Warm Nudes (my personal favorite) features champagne, gold, bronze, cream and brown which looks good on everyone. Cool Nudes contains grey, taupe, silver and cream. The pigments are soft, flattering and silky with both matte and satin finishes for contrast and definition.

I recommend using a good primer to enhance vibrancy and longevity but the shadows can be swiped on quickly for a light pop of radiance. You don’t need to be an expert to make these shades look pretty, simply apply the deep hues in the crease, highlight the brow bones and accentuate the lids with the satin tones. The color payoff is not dramatic or bold but you can layer and smudge the darker shades for more smokiness. Both palettes could use more intensity but they are very office appropriate. 

I had no problem with creasing or fading and the palettes are great for travel! They retail for $16.95 each at drugstores nationwide and online at marcelle.com.

Marcelle Cosmetics Lux Color Rush Lip Lacquer Review

If you like vibrant, hydrating lip color then you need to try the Lux Color Rush Lacquers! There are 7 trendy hues to choose from with reflective mirror finishes that make lips appear full and pouty.

Although these are classified as “lacquers” the formula is similar to a high-impact, vivid gloss with sheer to medium coverage. The non-sticky pigment glides on effortlessly and coat lips in bright, juicy color that is comfortable, hydrating and fragrance-free.

Some of the shades contain subtle shimmer for an extra hint of radiance while others are solid and rich. The color selection may seem limited but the lacquers are all universally flattering and the smaller size is great for glossing-up on-the-go. You can also mix and match your favorites to create custom blends and they layer well over lipstick.

My top picks are Scarlet which is a vivid red, Ruby Rose (neutral pink) and Uptown Pink (bright fuchsia). Although the lacquers don’t quite have the intensity of a lipstick (as described on the website) they are easy to wear and quite lovely! Some hues are more saturated than others but the color still shows up enough to provide a brilliant, moisturizing tint.

Bottom to top: Bubbly Gum Pink, Scarlet, Ruby Rose, Uptown Pink, Summer Flame & Universal Nude

The lacquers retail for $11.95 each and Marcelle Cosmetics is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs, Walmart and various drugstores nationwide. You can also order online at marcelle.com with shipping to the U.S. 

Marcelle Cosmetics Rouge Xpression Lipstick Review

Years ago I wrote an article on the Rouge Xpression Lipsticks from Marcelle and since then these smooth, trendy shades have remained some of my favorites! Although you can find them at your local drugstore, the quality and brilliant finishes are comparable to high-end formulas and if you appreciate stunning color and luxurious comfort it’s easy to find a variety of flattering hues to enhance your complexion.

The unique gel texture makes the pigment velvety smooth and cushiony for one-stroke coverage. These are the type of lipsticks you can apply effortlessly and mess-free while on-the-go and the ultra-lightweight color is buildable, highly saturated and pure with a hint of satiny shine.

The pearl finishes are a bit more radiant and beautifully reflective whereas the creams are solid, rich and buttery. No matter which shade you choose, prepare to fall in love because I haven’t found a color I didn’t like. The gluten-free, hypoallergenic formula is gentle, fragrance-free and very hydrating so as the color wears away lips remain supple and moist.

French Rose is a bright bubble gum pink with a frosty finish that is great for spring!

Passion is a bronzy-red pearl with a hint of burnt orange and Cleopatra is a beautiful deep mauve.

Royal Berry is from the Rouge Vitality Collection but it has similar color payoff and a bold, creamy finish. Fuchsia Flare has the perfect balance of bright pink and deep berry which creates a universally flattering mid-tone hue.

On the neutral end of the spectrum you have Euphoria - a luminous bronze and Delight which has a lovely pink undertone that keeps lips from appearing washed-out.

Swatches bottom to top: French Rose, Cleopatra, Passion, Royal Berry, Fuchsia, Delight and Euphoria 

The Lipsticks retail for $11.95 each and Marcelle Cosmetics is available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs, Walmart and various drugstores nationwide. You can also order online at marcelle.com with shipping to the U.S. 

Marcelle Cosmetics Eye Shadow Quad Review

Packing for travel is tricky when you have a large makeup stash and fighting the urge to take everything with you is a struggle only a beauty junkie understands. I’ve become somewhat of a packing expert over the years and I’m always on the hunt for products that conveniently slip into my carry-on, tote or weekend bag yet still provide the versatility to create professional looks. The Marcelle Eye Shadow Quads are great for a girl on-the-go and they come in a wide variety of shades to suit your style.

The collection includes 9 luxurious quads in a beautiful range of color combinations that can take you from soft day looks to deep smoldering effects for a night out. The shadows are so well matched that creating the perfect look is practically foolproof and the silky texture applies smooth, lightweight and crease-free. The color payoff is exquisitely rich, highly saturated and buildable so you can go from subtle to dramatic with a few layers and I love the brilliant satin finish! I always recommend using a good primer to enhance pigments but these need very little help reaching their full potential and the shimmer has a metallic tinge for bold accentuation.

Midnight Seas appeals to my dramatic side with a lovely contrast of bright blue and sultry navy. I use this quad for events, parties and date night but I’m also brave enough to show them off during the day.

It seems that every time I choose palettes I go for the gold but the Sundance compact is irresistible! I wear these shades on a daily basis because they are very flattering and adding sharp winged liner and classic red lipstick amps-up the glam.

Ultraviolet has a lovely mix of light pink-purple and deep plum with refined glittery flecks. This combo is great for spring and looks amazing on most skin tones. The shadows are also paraben and perfume free making them safe and gentle on sensitive eyes.

This may be drugstore makeup but the quality of these quads is comparable to some high-end brands and they retail for $15.95 each.

When you’re checking out the pretty shadow palettes make sure to head over to the blush section because Marcelle has a fabulous range! The satin finish Monochromatic Blush in the shade Raspberry is my new go-to cheek pigment and the formula is paraben and perfume free. In the photo the color looks quite light and basic but once applied it is actually deep and rich with a hint of bronze and a touch of radiant shimmer that highlights, sculpts and defines. It adds a beautiful pop of silky color that fall somewhere in the middle of the spectrum (not too light or too dark) and it is highly pigmented so I can even use it as eye shadow! The blush is hypoallergenic and retails for $15.95.

You can find Marcelle Cosmetics at Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Rexall, London Drugs and more plus order online at marcelle.com (shipping available to the U.S.)

Marcelle Cosmetics Spring 2017 Collection: Review & Swatches

It’s hard to believe that I’ve already begun featuring spring collections when winter is still in full-effect but a new year means fresh pigments and catchy trends. Today I’ll be sharing some fabulous eye and lip products from Marcelle along with the amazing cleansing pads that were my go-to makeup remover while on vacation last week.

The Rouge Xpression Velvet Gel Lipsticks are part of the Karine Vanasse Collection - a French Canadian Actress who is also the brand's new ambassador. The lipsticks are available in 5 shades with an ultra-lightweight texture that glides on smooth and silky for full-coverage, buildable color.

Like many of Marcelle’s products, the lipsticks are 100% hypoallergenic, perfume-free, gluten-free and tested under Dermatological control which makes them safe for everyone and ideal for sensitive skin. The first thing I noticed after marveling at the flattering hues was how comfortable the gel formula feels on the lips - almost like I have nothing on but a light layer of moisture to keep my skin supple and soft. Although the finish is classified as velvet-matte, the lipsticks have more of a satin effect with a hint of luminous shine and good longevity.

There aren’t a lot of colors in the collection but there is a nice range of neutrals, deep plum, classic red and a bright bubble gum pink. Both 755 Buff Nude and 855 Rosy Nude are very flesh tone and mellow on my complexion but every shade is very wearable. The lipsticks retail for just $11.95 each.

There are also many fabulous liners in the spring collection and the pencils from Marcelle have been some of my favorites for years. The Velvet Gel Waterproof Lip Liners ($11.95) have a smooth gel based formula, 8+ hours of hold and vibrant color pay-off. The creamy texture glides around the lip contour effortlessly for sharp definition that improves the appearance of application. The white pencil in the photo is actually a clear/invisible anti-feathering lip liner that can be used with any lipstick to keep pigment in pace and prevent bleeding.

 Each of the lipsticks above matches the liner with the same name.

Vivid Plum

Buff Nude

If you are looking for eyeliner that will last as long as your day does then you need to try the Velvet Gel Formula with 24 hour waterproof hold. There are 5 timeless shades including: Dark Chocolate, Deep Navy, Jet Black, Twilight Purple and Intense Grey. I absolutely love the rich, highly saturated formula and I even use them under my liquid eyeliner for neatness and line reinforcement. The pencils aren’t twist-up (as I’d prefer) but they are easy to work with and accentuate the eyes beautifully without skipping, drying-out, smudging or running.The deep browns also make great brow pencils because they don't fade. The liners retail for $11.95 each.

If you prefer anti-oxidant benefits in your eyeliner try the Kohl Collection deemed “the safest eyeliners on the market” and recognized by the Dermatology Association. These provide 8+ hours of coverage (or 4+ hours on the waterline), intense one-stroke coverage and waterproof hold. They retail for $9.95 each.

To remove all those amazing water-proof formulas, the new Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads work wonders! I took these with me on vacation last week to Punta Cana and just a few swipes quickly got rid of eye shadow, liner, mascara and even my eyebrow pigment which drastically cut down on cleansing time. The pads are soft, non-irritating and thicker plus I also use a couple to emulsify and loosen the top layer of my full-coverage MAC foundation. The jar contains 85 pads and retails for $9.95.

Marcelle Cosmetics can be found at major drug stores including Walmart, Shoppers Drug Mart and online at marcelle.com.

Marcelle Cosmetics Rouge Xpression Lipstick Review: The Essential Pinks

With so many brands at the drugstore it can be difficult to know what’s good but Marcelle has been a steady part of my beauty routine for years and I love their unique pigments. Recently the popular Rouge Xpression Lipsticks got a summery makeover by adding 3 pretty pinks to the collection ranging from soft, mid tone and bright.

The brand totally enticed me with the cute packaging! I’m not a fan of sushi but when it’s really trendy lipstick disguised as lunch in a to-go container I’m all for it!

These hues are fresh and light with a hypoallergenic, gluten-free formula void of irritating perfumes. The packaging is simple and the lipsticks are creamy, velvety and hydrating so they glide on effortlessly with no drag or skipping.

From left to right in the photo below: 960 Show of Pink is a coral-pink that instantly perks up the complexion with layers of vibrant, satiny color. 875 Berry Blossom was a total surprise! In the tube it looks quite basic but once applied it has a gorgeous metallic-pearl finish with a hint of mico-shimmer that makes lips appear dazzling and dramatic! I am totally in love with this hue and the radiant, moist finish is quite unique! I don’t usually get excited about nude lipstick and although 840 Pink Lace appears rather light and beige it has a flattering wash of mild pink that makes it very wearable. I didn’t expect to like this color but the pink and beige mix to create a creamy neutral-mauve that actually looks good on me! I think with the right attitude anyone can pull these off and as I’ve said before, you really do have to swatch each shade because Marcelle always adds an stunning twist.

The pigmentation is fantastic and layers sheer to full coverage in just a few silky swipes. Each shade has a light sheen but they are creamy, comfortable and quite saturated without being slick or glossy. Fortified with nourishing oils and vitamins, the formula is moisturizing, volumizing, silky and plush to promote fuller looking lips and prevent peeling. The lipsticks retail for just $11.95 each and you can pick them up at most major drugstores or at marcelle.com. For online U.S orders please visit
 marcelle.com/us.