Estee Lauder 'Double Wear' Stay-in-Place ShadowCreme

Ah yes, another cream shadow.  This one is Estee Lauder's 'Double Wear' Stay-in-Place Shadowcream.  Its a shadow that comes in a clear pot with a gold screw on lid.  The texture is nice and smooth.  I can get good pigmentation with just one swipe. 

The color is a warm golden brown, almost bronzey.  It's highly shimmery but not too much for every day.  Cool toned girls beware, it is a very warm color.  I wouldn't recommend it for anyone who isn't warm toned. 

I find the wear time to be great.  I can get all day wear with no creasing, which is great since I usually get creasing right away with many of my cream shadows. 

Verdict:  At $17.50, I would definitely recommend picking at least one color up, maybe not this one unless you are quite warm.  I have my sights on mochachino.

Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask, Because I Like to Scare My Roommates

Earlier today I was sitting around, studying for finals, looking like this...

Sorry, I'm not sure I gave proper warning before that one.  That is my Chantecaille Detox Clay mask, and I love it.  I love it so much I am sharing how much I love it by posting a picture of myself looking utterly ridiculous for all the web to see.

The texture is whipped and mousse like.  Its a dream to apply and blend into an even layer.  The color is a bluish dark gray.  My boyfriend compared the color to a definitely blue piece of clothing, but he isn't the best at identifying color.

This mask is a detoxifying and purifying mask.  I find it helps to lessen the amount of breakouts I experience while also calming the redness I experience due to extremely sensitive skin.  It doesn't dry hard like most detoxifying masks, which is nice since that is the feature that usually irritates my skin.  It claims firming properties, but I am not really qualified to assess that.

Overall, I never want to be without this mask.  However, some might not agree as it retails for $78.  If you don't have sensitive skin, you might not need it.  If you do, you should definitely try it.

Disclaimer: Skincare is very personal.  What works for me might now work for you.  I just want to let you know my experiences. 

Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in 2 Creates the Perfect Flush

Hello all!  I'm back with a little review for you.  Today I bring you Giorgio Armani's blushing fabric in shade 2 (note to Mr. Armani, please give your makeup shade names...numbers are so hard to remember!).  It comes in a squeeze tube with a small opening which helps easily control the amount you dispense.

The texture is very silicony.  It is very easy to blend because of that and you only need a small amount to get the right amount of color.  For those with darker complexions, you can easily build this up.  The lasting power isn't the best, probably 4 hours.  However, you need such a small amount to get the right amount of color, you could apply this more than once per day and I bet the tube would still last quite a few months. 

The color, oh my goodness, is a gorgeous bright pink with no visible shimmer. 

Applied to my skin, it imparts the most gorgeous flush.  I get that really nice just in from the color color.  Not that I remember what cold is like, living in San Diego and all (HA). 

Just one more swatch so you can see it in cool light.  Amazing, right? 

These retails for $38 and all colors can be found at Nordstrom.com.  I purchased mine off of ebay.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes

Image from sephora.com

I love my brows.  They are decently full and usually don't require too much filling in.  Usually I just run some wax or brow gel through them to set them in place.  However, sometimes I want some more polish or drama.  That's when I reach for some brow powder.

A few months ago, I was offered the opportunity to review the Anastasia Beauty Express for Brows and Eyes kit.  As I am a lighter brunette, I chose the blonde kit.  It comes with 5 brow stencils, an eyebrow powder brush, a brow wax, 2 colors of brow powder and 2 eyeshadow colors.  The eyebrow colors are taupe and light brown.  They can be mixed or used separately depending on how much drama you want.  The eyeshadow colors are a shimmery cream used for highlighting the browbone and inner tear duct, and a matte pink color which can really brighten up and even out the lid. 

To be honest, I really didn't need 5 brow stencils.  A spoolie brush would have been more helpful, or maybe some tweezers.  Otherwise, I loved this kit.  The colors last really well in my brows, almost all day.  The eyeshadows are nice, but not the best in my collection.  Plus, I prefer cream eyeshadows.  I love the brow wax.  It holds my brows in place while keeping them looking natural.  They also don't feel stiff at all. 

This retails for $39.50 and can be found at Sephora.  I really like the kit and would highly recommend this for anyone who regularly fills in their brows.  Anastasia is known as the brow genius, and she did not disappoint here. 


*disclaimer: this product was provided without charge by a PR company. 

NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Hopi

A little over a year ago, NARS released the Velvet Gloss lip pencils, which, in opposition to the Velvet Matte lip pencils, are more sheer and glossy.  I only recently purchased mine, in the shade Hopi.

These are very comfortable on the lips, cushy and moisturizing.  They are glossy but not to much.  They are not sticky at all, just more slippy, if you know what I mean.  I wouldn't consider them to be highly pigmented but they are not super sheer.  This is one of the lightest colors and it definitely shows up on my medium pigmented lips.

Hopi is a carmelly nude.  It has shimmer but is in no way glittery.  I love to wear it when I am sporting a darker eye, but this is definitely not a concealer lip.  It adds color, and a beautiful one at that.

Look at that gorgeous shine!  Wear time is average for a gloss.  I do find it leaves a bit of a stain behind, which is nice.  I honestly don't mind reapplying throughout the day, though, because it is so comfortable and easy to use.

Overall, I would highly recommend you try at least one of these out.  I wouldn't suggest Hopi for those cool toned ladies, who might prefer Frivolous or Club Mix.  At $24 they are a bit on the expensive side, but they aren't breaking the bank.   Baroque and New Lover are on my list of others to try.  You can find them from Sephora and other NARS retailers. 





*Disclaimer: This post contains an affiliate link.  I did purchase this product myself. 

Becca Beach Tint in Guava and Grapefruit

Hello all!  Sorry for my prolonged absence.  T-minus 1 month until I graduate!!  I hope to resume normal posting by January (cross your fingers).  To tide you over, I have a short post of swatches of the Guava and Grapefruit Beach Tints by Becca.

As you may or may not know, I have been enamored with the Beach Tints for quite some time with my favorite color being peach.  Guava and Grapefruit are two newer colors in the range and are a bit brighter but also more sheer.   I have to build both up a bit to get them to show up with a tan.  I would imagine these would be a dream for pale girls as they wouldn't require too much blending to just get a nice flush.

Both pictures feature Guava on the left and Grapefruit on the right.  As you can see, Guava is a very light pink color with a hint of peach.  Grapefruit is an orangey color with just enough pink to make it wearable for most skins.  Both are subtly fruity scented as are all Becca Beach Tints.

For a more in depth review, reference my review of Peach Beach Tint.  

These retail for $25 and can be found at Skincarerx and Becca's own website.



* This post contains an affiliate link. 

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color

I know it's a little late, but today I am bringing you Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick Eye Color.  This is her newest cream shadow and it is in stick form.  I found them to be very creamy and highly pigmented.  The only caveat is that most of the colors are very colorful or quite dark.  These are made for impact.  I haven't tried them on my eyes, but they lasted amazingly well on my hand.  


Without further ado, the swatches. Be sure to enlarge them to read colors. 

These retail for $24 and can be found at Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, and other Laura Mercier retails (read: they are not very hard to find). 

Sorry for the Lack of Posting...

I just wanted to drop a line to apologize for the lack of posting lately.  School has really gotten the best of me this last month and I haven't had much time to devote to the blog.  I hope I will have time coming up but I will probably not resume regular posting until I graduate (!!) in December.  Do stick around because I have something to give away sometime soon, hopefully!


I leave you with pictures of Tim Gunn taken when he visited my mall.  It was pretty awesome.

In Honor of Sephora Friends and Family Sale...

In honor of the upcoming Sephora Friends and Family sale, which recent information suggests starts on October 20th, I decided to post picture of some items I swatched at Sephora. 

First up is Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Magic Cheek and Lip Balm

This is a balm that customizes its color to your skin, much like the Dior lip balm.  On my hand,  it turned a pretty bright pink.  I found this to be very balmy so I wouldn't personally use it on my cheeks.  However, it would be very nice for people with dry skin as it will give a nice glow as well.  I do think this would be nice on the lips though.  This retails for $30 and can be purchased here.

L-R: Tinted Brow gel blonde, caramel, brunette, espresso and granite, Highlighting duo Aspen and St. Tropez, and Cooling eye brightener

This arm shows several Anastasia products.  The tinted brow gels were nice and pigmented but were also shimmery.  I think it would be nice for ease of use but I am unsure how much the shimmer translates to the brow.  These retail for $21 and can be purchased here. 

The Highlighting Creme duos contain a cream blush and a gel texture highlighter.  I must admit, the cream blushes were not particularly pigmented but the formula was nice and smooth.  The highlighters on the other hand were very pigmented and a great cooling gel feel.  It has a spatula applicator.  These retail for $26 and can be purchased here. 

The last item is the Cooling Eye Brightener.  This is meant for the undereyes to brighten up any darkness, such as a product like Touche Eclat by YSL would do.  This comes in a tube with a doe foot applicator.  I honestly think this would only work for those with just the faintest darkness.  For the rest of us who appear more sleep deprived, additional concealer will probably be necessary.  This retails for $21 and can be purchased here. 

The last product for the day is Pacifica Coconut Pearls Luminizing Lip Quench.

This is essentially a coconut scented balm with a pearly finish (yes, I am aware that is not particularly suited for this season, I like to write my own rules).  I find it has a kind of pink pearly effect on my lips and it very nice and moisturizing.  The scent isn't too plasticy, just a nice coconut.  Pacifica now has some other colors that are worth checking out as well.  These retail for a very economical $9 and can be found here. 

There you have it, some ideas for the upcoming Sephora Friends and Family sale.  In previous years it has been a code for %20 off and I'm hoping for the same this year.  I like to pick up holiday sets and some of my staples during the sale, and already have my eye on some nice Tarte sets. 



Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links.

Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani Hot 523

Yes, I have finally indulged in a Rouge D'Armani lipstick.  523 is part of the limited edition Hot collection for Summer 2011 which can still be found at many Armani counters as well as online.  It featured various shades of pink from fuscia to orangey pink.  I picked the more muted (for this collection) 523 which happens to be almost a hot pink shade.  The lipsticks in this collection are a bit less pigmented and are more balmy in texture than the original Rouge d'Armani's, but don't worry, 523 and the others still pack quite a punch.

Left is one swipe of the lipstick and right is 3 swipes.  You can see how it can easily be built up.  This is definitely a cool toned shade so warm girls (and guys) beware.  I found wear time to be around 4 hours but a bit of a stain remains.  These are housed in the traditional sleek black packaging with the magnetic closure typical of the Rouge d'Armanis.

For those familiar with the tradition RDAs, which shade should I pick up next?

Also, as a reminder, be sure to follow via Google friend connect if you have not.  If I reach 100 followers before my birthday (October 24, thanks for asking!), I will host 2(!!) giveaways on my blog.  No spoilers on what those items will be (mostly because I haven't decided yet). 

FOTD with Le Metier de Beaute Gift with Purchase Palette Golden Sun

A few weeks ago I showed you my Le Metier de beaute GWP palette in Golden Sun and expressed how I found it gorgeous but hard to use.  Well, this inspired me to try and use it to do up my entire face.  Here is the result:

It wasn't so scary after all!  I only used the Magic Luster Cream for cheeks and lips here (note: the cheeks showed up much more pink in real life, sorry!).  I mixed it with the pink powder to get a pink cream.  I first dipped my brush in the Cream, then in a corner of the powder.  It was really easy!  For the lips, I used more powder in the ratio so the color came out more intense than the cheeks.

For the eyes, I used applied the golden shade to the mobile lid and blended the pink shade on top.  I used this same combination on the lower lashline.  I used the white highlighter under the brow bone and in the tear duct. I lined my top lashline with the chocolate brown shade (should have mixed with the magic luster cream to make more intense).  Also, sorry for the state of my brows in this picture.

I was quite happy with the result, it made my cheeks look dewey and my eyes pop.

Have you used Le Metier de Beaute's Magic Luster Cream successfully?  Please leave your experiences in the comments!

Giorgio Armani Gloss D'Armani 505

I know I swatched all of these before for you here.  However, I wasn't able to give you an opinion on wear, texture, etc.  Since I swatched them,  I have purchased 505, a bright pink with bluish shimmer.  It has become one of my favorite glosses.

The gloss is in a long, oval shaped tube.  The applicator is a longer doe foot.  It's not my favorite but not my least favorite either.  I prefer it to a brush applicator but I think the smaller doe foot is a bit easier to use.

The color is a darker magenta pink with blue shimmer.  It leaves a pink stain on the lips that lasts literally forever.  I think this might be what they were referring to in saying that this gloss is very long wearing.  The texture is like a medium thickness gel.  It's not necessarily thin but it certainly isn't as thick and sticky as a MAC lipglass.  I also wouldn't classify it as sticky, maybe a tad tacky.

Be sure to click on the pictures to see the color represented a bit better.  These retail for $28.  I would say that it is definitely worth picking up at least one color.  However, I have heard some conflicting opinions regarding these. 

Makeup Mavens

 

 

Lovesong For My Lipgloss shares with us one of the colours from the much-loved Eyes to Kill Shadow range by Giorgio Armani. Is it a must-have? Certainly!

Open the box of skincare goodies by Paula's Choice with Klara of  Mookie On The Bench. Could these products be the ones to help her with her skincare troubles?

Product Doctor tempts us with another Le Metier de Beaute True Color eye shadow called Chameleon which definitely lives up to its name.

Nat of Raspberry Rouge shares with us her September favorites - vampy nails, softly defined eyes and gorgeous red lips made it to her list.

Becca makeup range is well known for their multi-purpose products and Black Panties gives a thumbs up to their colourful and long-lasting Beach Tints.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Shadow 15

I'm sure you have heard about these products to death by now, but I just wanted to throw my two cents in there.  Eyes to kill shadows are supposed to be a hybrid texture that sits somewhere between a powder and a cream.  They are highly pigmented and a blend of two colors to create dimensionality.  Armani claims these have 24 hour wear, are crease-proof, flake-proof, waterproof and sweatproof.

Whew!  Those are quite the claims.  In terms of the hybrid texture, 15 definitely feel hybrid to me.  Its definitely more "wet" than a normal powder but not quite a cream shadow texture.  I apply with my fingers and just one dip in the pot is enough to cover my whole lid in very intense pigment.  I can definitely see how these are more dimensional than just a solo color.  Mine comes out as a smokey gold bronze on my lid that can easily be toned down or amped up.

Now, onto the really crazy claims: 24 hour wear, crease-proof, flake-proof, waterproof, and sweat-proof.  I have to say, I've never tested the 24 hour thing.  The longest I would wear an eyeshadow would be 16 hours but this does last that long!  And that is with no primer.  They are definitely crease-proof, I never experience any.  I've never had an eyeshadow flake on me and this one was no exception.  I have swam in it and it lasted through all 30 minutes of laps.  I've also worn it to work on Saturday (where I am usually a sweaty mess) and it lasted the whole time.  So it seems, at least for me, that this shadow really does live up to it's claims.

The packaging is a glass put with a little stopper and a black screw top lid.  Its substantial and sturdy while being very clean and modern looking.  I wouldn't mind displaying this on my vanity.  15 was supposed to be a limited edition color last Holiday but is now part of the permanent line.  I purchased mine in June I believe.

This swipe in my just dipping my finger in the pit once and swiping it on my arm.  Truly unrivaled color.

These retail for $32 and honestly, you need one.  Probably more than one.  I already have a few others on my wishlist.  I would say you need all of the colors but several come over very white and frosty.

Makeup Mavens

Packaging for Le Metier de Beaute's new skincare

Christina of Lovesong for my Lipgloss loves her Pokemon.  But in all seriousness, she shows us some products that are worth splurging on all the colors. 

Clara of Mookie on the Bench shows her sister that makeup, even blue eyeshadow(!) can be fun and pretty and brings us a gorgeous sleeper in a Catrice eyeshadow. 

Nat of Raspberry Rouge really does find the best deals!  This week, she brings us her latest discount find, Korres Lip Butters, and lets us know why we all need them.  Although, stick form might be best.

Nisha of Product Doctor has found a new My lips but better lipstick, in a sexy black box!  Check out her review of Tom Ford Coco Ravish. 

And some other posts I loved:

Those who suffer from Psoriasis might want to check out this review on Pai Skincare.  I know it made me want to try it.

Musings of a Muse has been showing us a bunch of different holiday collections (I know it's only September but I love the holidays and holiday collections.)  I am especially excited for the sets that Tarte will be offering!

Bulgari Radiance Cleansing Foam

As you may or may not know, I have recently cleared my skin.  However, this product wasn't really a helper.  

Now you are wondering why I would bother mentioning it.  Did I hate it?  Absolutely not!  It felt really a nice, a creamy foaming wash that I used morning and night.  It smelled of expensive soap even though it is soap free.  It cleansed my skin without leaving it feeling tight or dry which I often experience from foaming cleansers.

Why didn't I love it?  Well, It removed my face makeup, but not my eye makeup.  It made my eyes burn after washing (I have very sensitive eyes).  It was nice, but it wasn't "the one".  And for $60, it better be amazing.

Someone with normal to combination skin which is mildly sensitive but doesn't have issues with acne will probably love this.  Don't get me wrong, it really does feel nice and smell lovely.  I won't be repurchasing because it just wasn't for me, but I have found a wash that is!  Stay tuned to hear more about it (evil laugh).

*sorry there weren't any pictures.  I forgot to take one of my bottle and couldn't find a good one online. 

My Pokemon Products, A Hilariously Misnamed Post

image from glassheartcheez.blogspot.com

No, this post will not be discussing all the pokemon memorabilia.  For the record, I did own the yellow version for my Gameboy color, both of which I have now gifted to my little brother.  What this post will be discussing is the products I want to own every color of, many of my holy grail products.  However, not all of my HG products have many colors that I would use, but there are a few.  Of those, I "gotta catch em all!"

1. Laura Mercier eye Kohls

This one is brown copper, and it is my favorite.  Most are very soft, blackened colors.  The pencils glide on like a dream and never skip.  They also stay put all day on my oily lids!



2. Chantecaille Lip Chics

This are super squishy and comfortable on my dry lips.  They feel like a thick balm and impart sheer to medium pigmentation.

3. Chantecaille Hydra Chics

Comfy and feels like absolutely nothing is on my lips.  These pack a major pigment punch but more naturally than the YSL rouge volupte.

4. Giorgio Armani Blushes

Gorgeous, finely milled, light but buildable pigmentation and glowy.  These are effortless and the pans are HUGE!


5. Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani

Ok, so I only have shade 505 right now, but it is perfect.  Not sticky, gorgeous color and shine.  Leaves a stain on my lips that lasts ages.  Plus, the longevity to unmatched in my lipgloss stash.

6. Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme

Well my blog is Lovesong for my Lipgloss for a reason.  I love gloss and these are perfect.  Very pigmented for a gloss, creamy color, shine and decent longevity.  The colors are also pretty unique and good for layering.

7. Becca Beach Tint

I'm a cream blush junkie.  These are easy to blend, super travel friendly and last for days.

Well, I have alot of holy grail products.  These aren't even all of them.  These are just the ones that I think have an entirely amazing set of colors attached.

In other news, since I had so much fun hosting my first giveaway, I have decided that I want to do another one when I reach 100 followers!  Therefore, if you are a reader but don't follow (on GFC, this is what I will be going off of), then please do so we can get the giveaway going.  Also, if I reach 100 followers before my birthday on October 24, I will have 2 giveaways: one for 100followers and one for my birthday :)

Makeup Mavens

This week we've got a fabulous selection of posts on skincare, makeup and nails so all bases covered. Add to that brands like Ellis Faas, Chanel, Chantecaille and Le Metier de Beaute along with a special giveaway, there is sure to be something you'll enjoy. Have a great weekend!

The Black Panties has a new favourite in her life, in the form of Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation. Read her excellent review to see if it could be your own 'photoshop in a bottle'!

Lovesong For My Lipgloss shares with us her skincare version of a cashmere sweater, Chantecaille Vital Essence. Her comprehensive review explains why it works so well.
Lipstick Luvvies tried out the latest limited edition nail shades, Les Jeans de Chanel, and searched her collection for similar colours. See how she got on and swatches of the trio here.

If you've always wanted to try Liz Earle's famous Cleanse and Polish, check out Raspberry Rouge's Liz Earle Giveaway and you could be a winner!

Mookie on the Bench tempts us with more Chanel, this time sharing her favourite shade of Chanel Le Crayon Yeux, the beautiful Berry.

Product Doctor's post on her bespoke Le Metier EOTD by Dustin featuring the latest Kaleidoscope, Silk Road, once again makes me green with envy (no Le Metier in Europe) and consider moving to New York!

Giveaway Winner

As my very first giveaway wrapped up yesterday, I have picked the winner today.  With the help of random.org and the lovely Joeybunny, the winner is:

Dalaluz!!!

I have contacted Apothica with your information and you should hear from them shortly :) 

As I have had so much fun with this giveaway, I am thinking of doing another when my blog reaches 100 followers.  This means, if you read and don't follow yet, be sure to follow so we can get this second giveaway up and going!  

Oscar Blandi Olio de Jasmine

Dear Birchbox,

Thank you for including a sample of Oscar Blandi Olio de Jasmine in my Birchbox.  I'm sorry I don't remember what month it was, but it has been a while.  This stuff is probably the best thing to happen to my long, frizzy, wavy hair.  It doesn't feel siliconey, just like a light oil.  I squeeze a small amount from this sample bottle, rub it between my palms and apply to the ends of my hair up to midshaft.  It leaves my poor hair looking shiny but never greasy.  It smells divine as well, although I do have quite a love of Jasmine scented things.  It's not subtle at first, but fades to a nice lull as time passes.

A little goes a long way, basically just the amount shown above for my hair that reaches to mid back by now.  The sample bottle I received was tiny, a bit larger than the last knuckle of my thumb, but it has lasted me for several months.  Granted, I don't use it every day, but I do use it at least twice per week.

At Sephora, 1.69 oz will set you back $35 and 0.5oz will cost you $16.  Really, the small size would probably last me at least half a year.  The oil can also be found at Apothica.com and Birchbox.com.

I just want to thank you again Birchbox, for introducing me to this wonderful product!

Christina

This product can be purchased here

This product was acquired through my Birchbox which I pay $10 per month for. Also, this post contains an affiliate link.