Sunday, December 29, 2013

Em by Michelle Phan Shade Play - Lip Color Mixing Palette in 'Mix It Up Plums' review + swatches


          I'm generally a creature of habit when it comes to beauty products, and usually stick to my favorite, tried-and-true brands. However, once in a while, I like to try something new to add a little intrigue to my beauty routine. Most recently, it's been my Em by Michelle Phan Shade Play - Lip Color Mixing Palette in 'Mix It Up Plums'. The palette was a Christmas gift from a dear friend who works for one of the big beauty conglomerates.

         Em by Michelle Phan is the namesake line of one of the biggest names in the YouTube beauty world. (Even my mom's seen her videos). I believe Michelle has collaborated with Lancôme in the past, and now, with parent company L'Oreal, launched here own makeup line (so far only available on the internet).

           Starting from the packaging (below), one can already see the internet-inspired look. There's a blogger-like collage of lip-swatches, face shots, and magazine-style product smears. On one hand, I appreciate the homage to the DIY blogger / vlogger, however part of me would have enjoyed a sleeker, more professional look to the box. (The white and pink theme, though, I do like).

The cover collage seems very blog / vlog inspired.
         I'm also a fan of the modern white-encased-in-clear plastic packaging of the palette within. (Doesn't the paper white remind you of beauty blog backgrounds?). The cute cursive script on the clear cover tickles my fancy as well. However, on purely personal preference, I would have loved a white logo, which would blend in nicely with the other delicate details!

Love the cute  cursive writing!
         Inside my Em by Michelle Phan 'Mix It Up Plums' lip palette, there's a nice mirror, and of course six colors within (three glosses and three lip colors). All have a light vanilla scent. The lip glosses are the smallest circles, while the lip colors are more generously proportioned, which I appreciate. The palette comes with a little brush for on-the-go application. Plus, there's one empty palette slot for mixing a custom color. It's a nice artsy touch!

The three small circles are glosses, while the three lip colors are larger in size.
          I've swatched all six colors below so you can get an idea of what to expect from Em by Michelle Phan 'Mix It Up Plums'. There are three lip shades: a dark crimson, a dark plummy red, and a neutral pink. There are three gloss shades: medium mauve pink, a clear pale lavender sparkle, and a clear pink sparkle. I was surprised at how wearable the set is; it treads more on the mauve pink (as opposed to purple) side of plum.


           Overall, I'm enjoying my Em by Michelle Phan 'Mix It Up Plums' lip color palette. Though plum is not a color I typically wear, I found the shades to be very approachable (not too plummy) and very much to my liking; plus, it's nice to have the option of mixing custom shades that my collection lacks. I think beauties looking to build up a lip collection, or those who enjoy custom blending will enjoy the set. I admit, I'm a bit intrigued myself and wouldn't mind trying other lip palettes from the line!

          Thanks for reading! Have you tried any Em by Michelle Phan products? Do you enjoy blending your lip colors? What are your favorite plum lippies?

Love, Dovey.

9 comments:

  1. Nice, thorough review, Dovey! I love that there's a spot for mixing colours in the pan, too. I wasn't overly curious about .em but all the reviews do showcase solid quality. Interesting notes on the blog/YT connections. :)

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    1. Thank you Liz! I wasn't sure about how I'd feel about the brand, so it was nice to get a palette as a gift! The product does seem to be of good quality, as you mentioned :)

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  2. Hey Dovey, thanks for the review! I see some shades I'd enjoy here, and the mixing well is a great design. I don't really mix my lip shades though. I barely even layer (that's how lazy I am)! I know there are many people who are more creative than I am. They should be happy with this!

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    1. Hi Sunny, I'm a swipe and go type too when it comes to tubes. I might try to get a little more creative with an actual palette - we'll see!

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  3. These colors swatch beautifully, and I am looking forward to getting my hands on a couple of EM products... looking forward to the day she ships to Canada or I visit NY once again :)

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    1. Hi Lucy, I thought they swatched beautifully as well! I hope you have a chance to try Em, whenever you next get the chance :)

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  4. This is definitely a gorg lip palette! When I wear bold shades I go pink and plum so this would be so up my alley! I've heard so many reviews on their products and that the lipsticks and lip palettes were the best of all! Thanks for sharing!

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  5. I bought a lip stick from the line and i love it Miss Moneybags it completely replaced my NARS dolce vida, i think its a much more flattering color on me and its so creamy and moisturizing, i also really like the em CC creme or tinted moisturizer i reach for it over my IT cosmetics one. thanks for the review

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