Saturday, February 18, 2017

Return of the Lipstick Diaries #5: Glossier Jam and MAC Whirl


Man, it's starting to look like I go for themes when I do these posts. I really don't--I didn't realize Whirl was going to be so purple-y on me.

Speaking of purple: that's what Glossier Jam is, a sheer matte purple lipstick you can apply lightly over balm for an "I just ate a grape popsicle" look (as seen here), or that you can layer up for a deeper, plummier stain. I think Crush is a more flattering shade on me, to be honest, but for whatever reason, Jam remains my favorite Generation G. I assume it's because it's so flexible. And while I hesitate to recommend the Generation G lipsticks to most people for a variety of reasons, I have to admit that I do really enjoy them, especially since they've updated the formula and packaging. This stained look is my current go-to; I blame Kim Min-Hee's fantastic performance and watercolor-esque lipsticks in The Handmaiden:


MAC Whirl, on the other hand, was a complete let-down. I actually wasn't interested in this color much and only tried it because it came with a set of mini MAC lipsticks I got as a gift. (Yes, I know, Whirl is sort of an "it girl" color lately thanks to one of the Jenner sisters, but I'm horrible and I don't pay much attention to the Kardashians/Jenners.) I expected a matte brown, sort of a more neutral version of Besame Chocolate Kiss. What I got was as very cool-toned mix of brown, plum, and gray. I don't think it looks good on me in the slightest, and I removed it immediately after taking these pictures.

I'm starting to think I look better in, or at least tend to favor the look of, neutral and warm lipsticks over cool-toned lipsticks. What do we think?

13 comments:

  1. The Handmaiden is such a great movie! I want to see it again and pay more attention to the makeup this time.

    I've been waffling over Whirl and a similar color, UD 1993, but I wonder if they'd dull my skin the way NYX Soft-Spoken did. I do think warmer lipsticks tend to suit you better, but it might be the gray in Whirl that's making it look a bit off; I've seen you look great in other cool shades.

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    1. You're probably right; I remember being turned off by Colourpop Stingraye because it pulled very gray on me.

      If you want Whirl, I can send you my tube. Please to be dropping me an email, yes.

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  2. i personally love you in plummy shades! i think whirl is a little dark, but i don't find it bad.

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    1. It's not the *worst* thing I've ever put on my face, but I really don't like it.

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  3. What are the reasons you hesitate to recommend the Generation Gs? I've been so curious about them!

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    1. I think because they fill a very specific niche. They're sheer, for one thing, and they're meant to be matte. If you like that soft stained look and don't mind reapplying, they're fine...but a lot of people are used to much longer-wearing, more pigmented lipsticks these days.

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  4. I find those mauvey-taupey-dusty shades that are really popular right now look so different on everyone! I've noticed it with Stila Patina and with Whirl as well. Same thing with Revlon Sultry and Maybelline Touch of Spice - I put Touch of Spice on a lot of my customers and I swear it's a different lipstick every time. It's hard to know what they'll actually look like on you until you try them on. Jam is so pretty on you, though. It brightens up your face really beautifully.

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    1. I seem to be okay with Stila Patina, but just okay. I think it's because it's a bit more purple than gray.

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  5. I think you look great in both cool and warm toned lipsticks, but I think that that really muted colors (like Whirl) don't do as much for you. I think Whirl might be a bit dark, too. What eyeshadow are you wearing in the Whirl photo? It's all I can look at!

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    1. The sadly-discontinued Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Playa Del Pink.

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  6. Wow, whirl looks much deeper/darker on you than on me! I think it looks great on you though, I'm surprised you don't think it's flattering. Your opinion is the only one that really matters though!

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    1. Oh, I really, really hate it on me! I think it makes me look so drawn and weird.

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