What's In My Bag??

I am not much of a tag person, as you may or may not have noticed.  I am always thrilled and honored to be tagged in them or mentioned, but I just don't really do them (usually because I don't know who else to tag!).  Well, Brooke of Blushing Noir is the first to coerce me into a tag post.  I personally love what's in my bag type posts, probably because of some inward nosiness and also because I love to see what beauty lovers  actually use regularly. 

Of course, much like the confessional I did not to long ago, I'm not allowed to alter anything before doing this post.  This is legitimately what I have been carrying around for some time. 

Instructions: Dump out the contents of your purse, answer the questions, and tag 5 other bloggers to find out what's in their purse.

Where did you get your purse, and how long have you had it?
I bought this purse from H&M about 6 months ago, I would say.  I've been carrying it non-stop since, but I think I need to switch it up because it hurts my neck to wear it around for too long.

The contents of my purse in all their glory. 

What are 3 must-haves in your purse? (Not including keys and wallet)
moisturizing balm or gloss, blotting papers, hand cream 

What is something you should have in your purse right now, but don't?
My car keys...where the heck are those! 

What is the thing you have the most of in your purse right now?
Lip products, mostly glosses and lipsticks.

Now let's take a look at whats really in there. 

Here we have:
Le metier de beaute gwp palette paradis
LMdB lip cremes in peche and papaye
LMdB brilliance gloss in cannes
Shu Uemura mini gloss in WN283s
Chantecaille lip chic in sari rose
CO Bigelow mentha gloss in frosty peppermint
Chantecaille potted gloss in dragonfruit
Giorgio Armani sheer lipstick 31


The pink and white stripe bag in the previous pictures is my makeup bag (yes, all the above items were in addition to the items in my makeup bag).  Here are the contents of it.

What's in my makeup pouch:
Vintage powder compact from my grandma that I use as a mirror
Boscia peppermint blotting sheets
a small and a large crystal nail file
neosporin
Estee Lauder sensuous sample
Chantecaille protection naturelle powder in light
Baume du jardinier nail and cuticle fortifying salve
Chantecaille new stick in cream
coffee lip balm from my grandma's dentist
L'occitane hand cream with lavendar
Lanolips rhubarb
Lush snow fairy lip tint
Vincent Longo baby balm lipstick smashed into an estee lauder sample pot
Chantecaille lip gloss minis in crystalline and mirth
Tarte mini lip gloss duos in annie & sam and dallas & cherry

Well folks, that is my purse.  If you have any questions about anything seen above, just drop a comment or an email.

As far as tagging, I'm going to do as Brooke did and tag anyone who would like to participate. If you do, please link to the post in the comments below (I'm terribly nosy and love what's in my purse posts). 

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge

Actual conversation between my mother and me.
Mom: So you should blog about that tinted moisturizer stuff from Le Metier. Its like 5 products in one! (for the record, I'm not sure what this amazing 5th product is, I can only come up with 4)
Me: Why didn't you buy it then?
Mom: Well, its $125!
Me: You don't think you pay more than that for said "5" products it replaces?
Mom:...

What are the four products this can replace?  Treatment, tint, sunscreen and luminizer.  If you don't have dry skin, it can probably also replace a moisturizer (ok maybe my mom was right).  When I trailed it, I used it as a sunscreen, luminizer and moisturizer.  Instead of a tint, I used it as a base for my foundation because it doesn't have quite enough coverage for me.  It acts as something between a tinted moisturizer and a light foundation.  Given my acne scarring, I need something medium to heavy coverage.

The shade shown above is shade 1, the newest and palest shade.  There are two other shades, 2 and 3.  Two is for light to medium and has more visible luminizing properties than shade 1.  Shade 3 is for medium to dark skins.

This product has spf 20 and retinol in the form of a syntoc actif solution that is exclusive to Le Metier de Beaute.  This formulation is supposed to release the retinol in a more efficient, time release type manner.  ** reliable sources have told me that Le Metier will be releasing a skincare line this fall which will most likely be centered around this technology.

Here is another swatch of shade 1 for you.

Overall, I liked this product. It made my face look really bright and worked nicely as a primer.  It caused my to purge for about 2 weeks (this will only happen if you have the acne bacteria in your skin already).  However, it didn't clear up my skin which makes it just a bit too pricey as a primer for me.  I think this would work well for people with the occasional breakout, dark spots needing clearing or wrinkles but nothing that needs more drastic coverage.

Have you tried Peau Vierge?  What are your thoughts?

Sunday Stuff You Can't Have

Giorgio Armani Le Femme Bleue pencil in black 


Armani is quite evil.  They have come out with the formula twice now, Spring 10 and Spring 11, but they refuse to make it permanent.  Each time it sells out quickly because, well, it's amazing.  I have a back up of the black, but wasn't able to snag the brown one this year (hopefully next year).

This pencil is so smooth that it could be compared to a gel liner.  It glides on super easy and stays put like nobody's business once it sets.  This is the longest lasting liner I have ever used on my waterline.  The color is very black with almost blue undertones and no shimmer.

Sorry for the sub par photo but it accurately shows the color.  There isn't too much more I can say about this (I mean its an eyeliner), but I am shaking my fist at the folks over at Armani who just won't make this permanent.

Question of the day

Do you have a pet? If so, species, name, etc. 

These are my babies.  Halo at the top is a rat terrier and Maverick (who is hiding in a sleeping bag) was my first foster dog.  I think hes a chihuahua/ weiner dog mixture. 
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Makeup Mavens, Saving the World One Beauty Addict at a Time

image from cae2k.com


The Makeup Mavens stop by every week to show you makeup and beauty you might have missed.  This week, they found some holy grail items, discovered secrets to flawless skin and introduced some bright summer colors.  Kick back, enjoy some lemonade (or whatever your beverage of choice) and enjoy some fabulous reads. 

Summer is the time for new nail polish and Christina of Lovesong for my Lipgloss shares some of her picks for the season.  

Jenn of Hopelessly Devoted to Makeup happened to stumble upon her holy grail base makeup routine.  Check out her products, tools and tips for a flawless complexion.  

For those with sensitive, redness prone skin, The Black Panties has the secret to perfect skin, Nia24 skincare!

Searching for the perfect neutral eye wardrobe?  Lipstick Luvvies has found the only eyeshadows she would replace, Edward Bess Private Eyes.

Klara of Mookie on the Bench shares one of her all time favorites for the perfect cheeks, Stila Convertible Colors in Lilium and Gerbera.

Its often good to switch up cleansers for summer and Nat of Raspberry Rouge has the perfect solution for combination and oily skins, Ren Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel. 

Have trouble applying your concealer flawlessly?  Product Doctor has found a new staple in Le Metier de Beaute's large concealer brush.

Summer Color: Nail Polishes

I have been inspired by Makeup Magpie   to feature some of my Summer colored makeup and such.  Today, I bring you my Summer colored nail polishes.  Of course, there aren't really any rules as to when you can and can't wear certain colors, so these are just colors I deem summery.

This photo shows pinks, corals and orangey colors.  Some are long discontinued but many are still readily available.  Be sure to click the photo to see the names and the details of the colors.  The coral from Le Metier de Beaute's Kens Korals should be on this wheel as well, but I took these pictures before I bought that polish.  I will do a comparison post between it and some of the other corals mentioned here sometime soon.

Here are the blue colors.  I decided to photograph my whole blue wheel for you all but the bottom and left side are more summery than the top and right in my opinion.  Blue has always been one of my favorite polish colors and I pared down quite a bit to get them to be only one wheel *pats self on back*.

These are my sand colors.  I am most lacking in colors such a these and other sand colors.  I just to despise neutral colors but have grown to love them as I have gotten a bit older.  Zoya Jules is the most recent acquisition (from my Birchbox) and is absolutely lovely. 

Hope you find some new fun colors here for summer.  I will probably do a neon and brights post as well, so stay tuned for that one. 

What is/are your favorite summer nail polish colors?

Le Metier de Beaute Summer 11 Nail Polishes

My counter recently received the nail polishes that accompany the beautiful Penelope Kaleidoscope to make up the Summer 2011 collection.  The polishes as swatched from left-right are Hera, Eris, Athena and Dionysis.  The polishes are aptly named the gods and goddesses collection.  All are shimmery but none are frosty as I had originally thought they might be.  I swatched the Le Metier de Beaute base coat over half of Dionysis to see how it mattified and it was a pretty cool effect.  I cannot comment as to the wear time of these as I had to remove them for work that same night.  Application was a breeze although they all required 2 coats.  
These polishes ring in the cheaper price for the minuscule Le Metier polishes at $10. 

Sunday Stuff You Can't Have

Giorgio Armani Cream Blush in 2 and 7

First, I would like to say Happy Father's day to all the fathers (ok I'm sure there aren't really any fathers reading this blog but o well). 

I haven't hid it much that I am a sucker for cream blushes.  I just find that they look more natural than powder blushes and I just love how glowy my cheeks look when I use them.  The Armani blushes have the most unique texture I have ever worked with.  They are not creamy by any means, but I don't think that makes them hard to apply.  They feel dry to the touch, but it is easy to pick up pigment.  For the record, I use my fingers.  I find them really easy to spread on my cheeks and they dry to a kind of powder finish.  I find they last pretty well and are not at all sticky (which I loathe).

In this picture, 7 is on the left and 2 is on the right.  7 is a warmish light bronze shade with shimmer.  It creates the perfect bronzey cheek and is nice with a heavier eye or lip.  2 is a berry color with shimmer and is highly pigmented.  It creates a nice flush colored cheek or a "pop of color" (I know many of you hate that phrase, sorry!). 

I haven't had much of a chance to play with Armani's blending blush duos, which is what replaced these single colors, so I can't comment on how similar they are or if there are comparable shades in those duos. 

And the question of Sunday is...

What is your favorite dessert?

Makeup Mavens Strike Again

Photo courtesy of Chantecaille via Best Things in Beauty 

Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed. With posts this week on Edward Bess, Tom Ford, Chantecaille, Burberry, Lipstick Queen, Chanel and not one but two posts on the latest offering from Le Metier de Beaute (because it is that special!), you are sure to find something luxurious to tempt you.

Understated elegance is the order of the day at Hopelessly Devoted To Makeup as Burberry Eyeshadows in Rosewood and Trench take the spotlight. Definite must haves.

Lipstick Luvvies continues her love affair with all things Tom Ford, focusing on the perfect lipstick shade for summer, True Coral.

Fabulous trainer and artist Erin for Le Metier de Beaute demonstrated some tips and tricks to Christina of Lovesong for My Lipgloss.

The trend for sheer lipsticks shows now signs of slowing down, but Mookie On The Bench shows that it has been around for longer than you might think, with a look at some of her favourites for all budgets.

Product Doctor gives you the ideal makeup remedy by tracking down the only taupe you ever need, from Edward Bess, who is possibly as beautiful as the products he creates.

Is Raspberry Rouge in 'Ectasy' this week courtesy of Chantecaille's blush? Read her excellent review to find out.

So good it deserves to be mentioned twice, The Black Panties showcases the latest Lip Kaleidoscope from Le Metier de Beaute alongside makeup artist supremo Dustin.

Forgive me Father for I have sinned

Yep, that's right, the day has come (and a tad late for the rapture might I add).  Today is the day I have confessed my makeup and beauty sins over at Modesty Brown.  Those of the faint of heart or weak of stomach need not venture to take a peak.  All you nosy ones out there, head on over to have a look.  I hope you won't be disappointed. 

*image from sandiego.edu of the Immaculata, the church of the school I currently attend. 

Brand Spotlight: Vincent Longo

Long long ago, back in high school (ok you caught me, so it wasn't that long ago) I worked at a Bath & Body Works flagship store.  The flagship stores were special because they carried other brands and makeup!  Among the makeup brands was Vincent Longo.  Well, also while I worked there, they decided to stop carrying said makeup (sad face), and they deeply discounted it all (not so sad face).

Well, I recently heard on everyday beauty blog that Vincent Longo's line has received new funding and will not be discontinued as previously thought.  Therefore, I decided to show you my goodies in celebration.

 My Longo collection used to be larger with eye pencil duos and the concealer but those have been used up.  This is all that remains.

First, I will start with the eyeshadows.  I own two different formulations: a wet diamond eyeshadow and a  one two three trio shadow.  

The diamond shadow I have is in shade capucine, which is the left most swatch on my arm, and is a chocolate brown with fine silver glitter.  It is crazy pigmented when used dry and even more intense when used wet (sorry I didn't include a wet swatch here).  These are my favorite of the eyeshadow formulations I have tried and blend amazingly.  It seems capucine is no longer available on the Vincent Longo website.  Hopefully it will be brought back with the revamp.

The one two three trio I own in called Untitled III and is the top 3 swatches on my arm.  The colors include a shimmery silvered taupe, shimmery light pink and satin finish medium brown.  The pigmentation isn't as intense as the Diamond shadow but is nice for a lighter look.  My mother own quite a few more of the trios including sex lux pax trios and sun moon stars trios.  I will swatch those for you next time I am home (along with the rest of her Longo collection which is significantly larger than mine).  Untitled III is still available on the Vincent Longo website for $30. 

Here is one more photo of the shadow swatches for good measure.

Next up are the lip glosses.  I own 4 glosses: 2 virgin-luxe, 1 perfect shine and 1 diamond.

The bottom most swatch is the first virgin-luxe gloss in Apollo Gold (no longer available on the site).  It imparts the most beautiful multitonal gold color on my lips.  Shimmers include green toned and pink toned, as well as the obvious gold base.  It isn't as pigmented as the others but it holds its own.  I find it to be relatively non sticky and decent lasting for a gloss. 

The second from the top is the second virgin-luxe in  Touch Down.  This one has a rusty coppery red base with gold shimmer.  Like Apollo gold, it is one of the lesser pigmented glosses (and is also not available on the Longo site).

Farthest left is the Perfect Shine gloss in Verosa.  It is a medium pigmented fuscia with purple shimmer.  It is also non sticky with average wear time.  Verosa, unfortunately, is also no longer available.

The last gloss, second from the right, is the Diamond gloss in Via Veneto.  (In case you haven't noticed, the glosses are in the same order in all the photos).  This is the most pigmented of the bunch with a coral base and silver shimmer. This gloss could almost double as a liquid lipstick but still maintains that gloss feel.  Sadly, also no longer available on the site.  I hope they bring these colors back!!

I have owned several of the lipsticks as well, all with fabulous formulas.  The baby balms are sheer and balm like but have a tendency to break at the base.  The Velvet riche are pigmented and cushy.  The wet pearl are shimmery bordering and frosty and comfortable on the lips.

My mother owns and loves the tinted moisturizer.  Other Longo product reviews and swatches can be found here.

Have you owned an loved any Vincent Longo products?

**update. Vincent longo can also be found on the Space NK site and CVS beauty 360.  They have capucine diamond shadow but sadly don't have the glosses featured either.

Le Metier de Beaute Kens Korals

When I went to Neiman Marcus to meet their national artist Erin, I noticed they had (finally) received the Kens Korals collection.  I wanted to swatch them right then and there for all of you, so please forgive the crappy in store lightening.  The swatch above shows the nail polish (1 coat!!) called Kontagious and the lipstick called Kissable Koral.  The lipstick shows one coat on the top and 4 coats for the bottom swatch.  Please click the picture to see it larger. 

I didn't try the lipstick on my lips yet, so I cannot comment as to feel and wear time.  It did feel really nice and creamy when swatched on my hand.  I did come home with the nail polish (so far) and will review it more in depth soon.  As I mentioned earlier, the polish is a larger size than the usual polishes and retails for $18.  The lipstick is $32.  Both can be found only at Neiman Marcus. 

For those of you who do not have a local counter but would like to place an order with one, Danielle is fabulous.  She can be reached at 619-692-9100. **I am not affiliated.

No Internet!

My internet is currently down in my humble abode, so I will be unable to pick up regular posting until this is remedied.  It should be back by tomorrow (hopefully!)

Makeup Mavens

image from mythbusterbeauty.com

Welcome! Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed. We will recap the weeks past highlighted posts, always keeping you in-the-loop and feature the finest beauty finds to help you stay looking gorgeous!


This week, Hopelessly Devoted to Makeup had you beholding the regal-ness that is Giorgio Armani's Eyes To Kill in Purpura #03


Lipstick Luvvies experimented with BECCA's Halcyon Days Palette. Pop on over and see what beautiful results she achieved!


Love Song for My Lipgloss introduced us to the sheer loveliness that is Giorgio Armani's gloss d'armani. How many will you be picking up?


Mookie On The Bench focused her attention on  Sarah Chapman Skinesis Eye Recovery, an illuminating eye cream perfect for those dark circles!


Product Doctor is head over heels in love with Edward Bess' Luxury Eye Brush. Another beauty blogger falls for his charms!


Raspberry Rouge had us blushing over BECCA's Flowerchild Mineral Blush, and after reading her review, I'm lusting after that shade.


The Black Panties had us all experience some serious infatuation with her insane lashes thanks inpart to Geisha Ink Mascara+ ! 

Le Metier de Beaute GWP

Neiman Marcus currently has the Camp Gorgeous event going.  In honor of this event, Le Metier de Beaute has a gift with purchase lip palette (it's marketed as lip and cheek but I think the "cheek" shade is far too sticky).  The palette is petite poudrier paradis. 

This palette is available with $125 purchase.  Neimans also has a gift with purchase tote containing samples for $85 (I passed on it. I have too many totes).  

 Here is the palette swatched.  I went in at night time so I had to take the photos inside the store, which is why they are rather sub par.  The swatches from L-R are the large pan, top left, top right, bottom left, and bottom right in the palette.  

The Camp Gorgeous even ends Sunday but this palette is available while supplies last.  Also, if you are in the Dallas area, Karlasugar has a special Le Metier lip gloss named after her that they are giving away as a gift with purchase for $100.  This promotion, however, is only available at Neiman Marcus Northpark. 

Le Metier de Beaute Makeover by Erin, Trainer/artist

I am so excited because I got the meet the lovely Erin, trainer and artist for Le Metier de Beaute today!  Erin was absolutely gorgeous and such a sweetheart.  She did my makeup (using a kaleidoscope that Danielle put together using an empty kaleidoscope palette) and shared some fun tips with me.

First off, here is the look Erin created. (disclaimer: I am currently testing Peau Vierge which is causing my skin to purge which means I am breaking out somewhat badly.  If this is off putting to you, please do not continue reading)

Well, that was a lot of picture of my mug.

What she used:
Face:
Peau Vierge shade 2
Foundation shade 3
Concealer (I'm usually shade 5 but I didn't pay attention here)
Loose powder
Poppy creme tint (this was applied with the kabuki, she put some poppy in her hand, swirled the kabuki in it and patted it onto the apples of my cheeks)
Bronzer in sun kissed

Eyes: (Here is where she used the kaleidoscope Danielle put together)
Champagne pencil as base
Innocence (1st layer, she applied all the shadows using the flat liner brush, applied using the side and a patting motion)
Plum(2nd layer)
Corintian(3rd layer)
Spicy(a small amount dotted on top of all of them)
*She used the Couch de Colours technique that I have described before which is basically just layering of the colors. 
Revive eye brightening and setting powder (in the crease)
Refresh eye brightening and setting powder (on the brow bone)
Noir liquid liner (on the upper lash line and  tapped underneath the top lashes to tightline)
Noir eyeshadow(in the outer corner, along the top and bottom lash line)
Aubergine mascara


Lips:
Les Artiste palette (layered bottom to top applied with the lip brush)
*she showed me a tip for applying the palettes on the go.  Apply a small blob of each of the colors next to each other on the hand and run the brush through all the colors to mix them and to get them on the brush.  Then, close the brush in its container and take it with you.  This way, you don't have to take the whole palette.

I had an excellent time hanging out and talking shop with Erin and Danielle today!  Now, if only I had somewhere fun to wear this makeup.
And I leave you with pictures of Danielle's favorite colors kaleidoscope

The colors are (top to bottom) innocence, plum, spicy, corinthian.

*swatches of the eye shadows can be found here. 

Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Liner

On my most recent excursion to Sephora, I ran across the Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid Liners which are brand new for summer.  I remembered seeing swatches somewhere and being impressed so I decided to take a look for myself.

(be sure to click this photo for maximum gorgeousness)

Top-Bottom: Starry, Flash, Curacao, Rock candy, Bora Bora, Electric and Royal

Seriously, how beautiful are these!?! I was staring at my hand all day.  And I mean all day because these lasted through cleaning, hand washing, and beach going. AMAZING!  These have a felt tip applicator and did not skip or run at all.  They retail for $22. 

Another thing to note, all were easily removed with my oil cleanser.  However, Bora Bora and Electric left behind some staining of their base color, which was something I also experienced with the Le Metier De Beaute pen liner in the blue shade.  The staining for these was gone the next day though. 

Will you be picking up any of these beauties?

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani

Well, I went to Neiman Marcus yesterday, and what did I find, Gloss d'Armani.  With all the talk on twitter about them being sheer, I decided to swatch all the ones at my counter to see. Here is the result!

L-R: Brown 200, Beige 100, 101, 102, 103, Pink 500, 501, 502, 503, 505, Rouge 400, 401, 402

L-R: Pink 500, 501, 502, 503, 505, Rouge 400, 401, 402, 403, Plum 600, 602

L-R: Brown 200, Beige 100, 101, 102, 103, Pink 500, 501, 502, 503, 505, Rouge 400

L-R: Pink 502, 503, 505, Rouge 400, 401, 402, 403, Plum 600, 602

I think there are definitely options there that are not too sheer.  Rouge 400 was very opaque.  I haven't tried these on the lips yet so I cannot comment on how they feel in that respect. 

Will you be picking any of them up?

Sunday Stuff You Can't Have

Today I bring you Paul & Joe Face & Eye Color CS in 068.  This is from the Fall 2010 collection, the one with the cat head lipsticks.  Yep, that's the one.  I love their lipsticks, but those cat heads were kind of creepy. 

The Eye & Face Color palette contains 5 strips of color. 

The stripes are shimmery black, brown, orange, pink and beige.  This palette is consistent with traditional Asian cosmetics, high shimmer and not a ton of color payoff.  The two darker colors do hold their own with quite a bit more pigment, though.  You can use all the colors as eye colors or you could use  the lighter three as cheek colors and highlighters. 

That orange is very on trend right now and can be used for cheeks and eyes.  If I pick myself up some Le Metier de Beaute magic luster creme I can even use it as a lip color. 

Do you have any favorites from Paul & Joe? 

And the Sunday question is:

What is your summer fragrance?

Lancome Tickled Pink Juicy Tube

So before this juicy tube, I was under the impression that Juicy tubes were mostly sheer, sparkly glosses that are fun and kind of teeny-bopper ish.  Well, Tickled Pink proved me wrong.  I will let the swatch do the talking.

Tickled pink is a crazy pigmented medium rose pink with NO shimmer or sparkle.  Its lovely, very grown up and sophisticated.  Juicy tubes are kind of sticky and pretty high shine.  It has a scent, but it goes away rather quickly.  Sadly, I have presently misplaced my tube of Tickled Pink, which is really quite sad.  I don't know if I will be repurchasing considering the stickiness, but the color is so lovely, we'll see. 

Nars Star Sailor Eyeshadow Duo

Nars has acquired quite a cult following, especially for the blushes and eyeshadows.  However, I haven't traditionally been one of those followers.  I found many of the blushes to be glittery and the pigmentation to be hit and miss.  This isn't the case with Star Sailor eyeshadow duo.  This duo includes a gorgeously pigmented bronze with khaki tones and a very yellow gold.

Sometimes, these colors are too pigmented for me.  When I want a lighter look I have to do a lot of blending.  Staying power of these are good, better over a primer.  I really haven't found any eyeshadow that doesn't eventually crease on me without a primer, a problem I am anticipating will only get worse with the warming weather.  I've heard excellent things about the Giorgio Armani eyes to kill shadows, so those are next on my list of things to try.

Overall, I would recommend at least trying a Nars duo.  There are some great duos out there for just about anyone.  These retail for $33.

On another note, you may have noticed that I have added ads to my blog in the side bar and at the bottom.  I have decided to finally take this step to help fund the blog so I can continue bringing you the pretty makeup you all love.  The ads should only be for products related to the content of this blog.  I do not intend to offend so please let me know if any controversial ads pop up in these places.