Laura Mercier Mettalic Creme Eye Colour in Titanium

And, yet another cream product from me, what a shock!  As my obsession continues, I bring you Laura Mercier Mettalic Creme Eye Colour in Titanium (because it would be a beauty sin for me not to own the taupey shade, right?).

This product comes in a small, metal squeeze tube which contains a cream shadow of medium thickness and medium pigmentation.  I find it very easy to sheer out to minimal color if desired or build up to ample magnitude if I'm looking to make a statement.  It is easily blendable and doesn't dry too quickly, but once it sets, it isn't going anywhere.  The lasting power, awesome, and I have pretty oily lids during the summer.  I can even wear this without a primer.  I apply with my fingers (because, as discussed yesterday, I dislike muddying brushes) and find it's very easy to use. 

The color is a metallic purpley taupe, at least on me.  If sheered, it looks a bit more brown and less metallic.  Would I repurchase?  Definitely.  It's one of the cream shadows I reach for most, especially when I'm looking for a no fuss color.  I think I need Rose Gold next!

This product retails for $22 and can be purchased here, or where ever Laura Mercier is sold (her own site, Sephora, Nordstrom, etc.)


*This post contains an affiliate link

Le Metier de Beaute Poppy Creme Fresh Tint

Those of you who have been reading my blog know that I am a fan of cream products.  If I brand comes out with a cream cheek or eye product, chances are I have it or have plans to purchase it.  I credit this addiction to creams to my disdain for brushes *insert gasp from beauty community here*.  I'm lazy and my fingers are just easier to use. 

When I found out one of my favorite brands, Le Metier de Beaute, had a cream cheek product, Creme Fresh Tint ($28), I had to try it.  I bought the shade in Poppy as I didn't have a nice bright pink cream blush as of yet. Neiman Marcus describes Poppy as a cool coral, but I will have to disagree.  On me at least, it is a cool toned bright pink with subtle shimmer that translates to the cheek as glow.

The texture of the Creme Fresh Tint is very soft.  You barely have to touch the surface of the blush with your finger, and you have enough for one cheek.  It is super easy to blend, and I find I can easily create a soft flush.  It does dry down (ladies with combo skin rejoice) and doesn't stay sticky like some other cream products I have tried. 

I find this lasts a good 6 hours at least, more if I'm not "glistening" from heat and humidity.  Do I think you need this?  If you are a cream product junkie like I am, then heck yes you do. 

This product can be found at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Nordstrom.

An Eye of the Day for Fall

The other day I was really happy with my eye of the day and thought it was perfect for fall, so I thought I would share it with you.

First, I applied By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Blonde Opal all over my lid up to my brow.  (These pictures aren't step by step, just pictures of the finished look)

Next, I applied the eye shadow from Le Metier de Beaute Keren Craig palette up to the crease.  This palette is discontinued by Le Metier de Beaute's single in Alexandrite is similar.

After that, I patted Shiseido Luminizing Satin eye color in GD810 Bullion over the top of the Le Metier shadow.

Finally, I lined with Laura Mercier Eye Kohl in Brown copper and applied a random Clinique Mascara sample I happened to have on hand.  I believe it was Lash Doubling mascara.  I didn't like it when I first opened it, but now that it has dried a little it is really growing on me.

What is your favorite eye look for fall?

The Makeup Mavens

View from the Space Needle at night

The Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed.  This week we got a closer look at some of the fall collections by Chanel, Armani, and Le Metier de Beaute!  Other Maven's continue to show their love for designer cosmetics with Rouge Bunny Rouge, Chanel and By Terry! 


Lipstick Luvvies shows us the Chanel Fall Nail Colors along with some great dupes.


Interested in Armani's new Fall Collection? Lovesong for my Lipgloss has swatches of the entire lineup! 


Mookie on the Bench has expanded her brush collection with some new eyeliner brushes from Rouge Bunny Rouge. 


Product Doctor is loving her lips dressed in Le Metier de Beaute's Lip Kaleidoscope in Empress.


Raseberry Rouge looks gorgeous in the strawberry red that is Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Monte Carlo. 


The Black Panties' review of the By Terry Seve de Rose Ultra Glow Double Serum was so tempting you'll be running out for your own liquid crack with gelato on top!

Le Metier de Beaute Fall 2011 Empress Lip Kaleidoscope

Yesterday I brought you the nail polishes for the Le Metier de Beaute Fall 2011 collection, today, I bring you the Lip Kaleidoscope (my counter hasn't received the eye one yet, so, don't worry, I will have to move on to a new brand tomorrow). 

The left most swatch is the colors layered bottom to top, the next four swatches are in order bottom to top.  Be sure to click to make this picture larger to see all the detail. 

The bottom shade is a gorgeous plummy purple with loads of shimmer.
The next shade is a pinky nude with green (yes, green) microshimmer.
The next is one of the most gorgeous reds I have seen in a while, deep and velvety.
The last is the traditional sealer color, almost clear with a tinge of pink and pretty, subtle shimmers.

As with all the lip kaleidoscopes, the texture of all of these is fabulous and rich.  They can be layered any way you would like, I have just always been told the lip kaleidoscopes are meant to be layered bottom to top (but who listens to rules anyways??).

I think this kit is absolutely perfect for fall.  If I pick up anything from the fall collection, it will probably be this (the eye kit doesn't look like it's my colors).  This retails for $95 and can be found at Neiman Marcus. 

Le Metier de Beaute Fall 2011 Nail Polishes

Today I bring you Le Metier de Beaute's new nail polishes for fall. Thumb is Urban Dweller, pointer is Anatolia, middle is Silk Road, and ring is Dynasty.

These are the usual small size with the new $10 price (yay).  The formula of all of them was smooth and non streaky.  These are 2 coats over what I already had on (a sparkly pink). 


Will you be picking up any of these shades?

Jacquard, Giorgio Armani Fall 2011 Collection

My local Neimans finally received the Armani Fall collection!  This collection consists of two eye palettes, one cheek palette, two blushing fabrics, four Rouge d'Armani's and one new color of Eyes to Kill Mascara. 

First up, the three palettes. 

The first four swatches are eye palette 2, the next four are the face palette, and the last four are the eye palette 1.

Next we have the Rouge d'Armani's and the blushing fabrics. 

The first 4 swatches are the Rouge d'Armani's: 108, 107, 406, and 525.  The blushing fabrics are scarlatto and carmel.

I'm not so sure about Carmel, but Cassie, the Armani makeup artist at Neimans, claims it's beautiful sheered out.  Since I didn't bring any of it home with me yet, I will have to take her word on it.

Last but not least.

  Eyes to Kill Excess in Night violet, so gorgeous.

As you all may or may not know, Neiman Marcus if having a beauty event in the beginning of September.  The pre-sale starts on September 6th and I was lucky enough to see the gift.

The gift includes: Regenessence Youth Regenerator Serum, Multi-corrective Regenerating cream, Eye Rejuvenating Serum, Fluid Master Primer, Luminous Silk Foundation, Fluid Sheer 2 all with a gorgeous gunmetal colored bag.  I am unsure of how much you need to purchase in order to qualify for the gift and I forgot to ask (sorry).

Of the Fall collection, I am really curious about that face palette which looks gorgeous and I imagine is amazing blended together.  I also think the Blushing Fabric in Scarlatto looks to die for.


If you want to pick up any of the items from this collection and don't have a counter near you, you can reach Cassie of Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley at 619-692-9100 x2094

Sunday Stuff You Can't Have

Lancome Color Dose Eye Color and Base in Bermuda Sunrise 

This week I am bringing you one of my favorite products (too bad I discovered it after it had already been discontinued).  The Lancome Color Dose eye color and base is similar to a Mac Paint in packaging.  It's a metal squeeze tube cream shadow.  This is one of the best cream shadows I own, I literally does not budge (darn you Lancome for discontinuing this!!).

Its medium thickness and super easy to spread, I just squeeze a really small amount onto my finger and spread on my lid.  Bermuda Sunrise is a light shimmery beige color, so I can spread it all over my lid for a brightening effect.  It can also be used as a base for other shadows.

Hello gorgeous! 

As you may or may not know, I am a cream product junkie and really prefer not to use brushes when doing my makeup. 

Since I showed you one of my favorite cream products,

What is your favorite cream and liquid product?

Makeup Mavens

Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed. This week we've got you covered - from your base, eyes, lips to your nails and with a little bit of luck you may even win a giftcard to spend on beauty products in a well-known online boutique.

The highly anticipated complete Tom Ford makeup line will be coming to the counters this Fall and Jennifer teases us with photos of last year's limited edition nail polish in Black Orchid. Will you be able to resist?

 

Christina of Lovesong For My Lipgloss is hosting her first ever giveaway. And the prize? A Giftcard to Apothica.com so you better run and make sure you enter before 15 September.

Mookie On The Bench falls in love with a gorgeous plum-green duchrome cream eyeshadow by Shiseido. Fans of MAC Club, rights this way.

Product Doctor shares with us a beautiful lipstick from Burberry's new collection. Moisturizing formula? Check! Beautiful packaging? Check! A great choice for all you nude lipstick lovers.

Liz Earle is bringing out a new range of colour cosmetics and Nat tested the Sheer Skin Tint, a lovely tinted moisturizer that will be perfect for those great-skin days.

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Knows Brows

I have been offered a chance to review an Anastasia of Beverly Hills product (yay! my first!).  With that offer, I have been provided a rather informative video by the famous Anastasia herself and how to fill in and shape your brows.

"Beauty Express" brow-kit instructional video from Anastasia Beverly Hills on Vimeo.

How I Fell in Love With Body Oils, Weleda Made Me

I have dry skin, so I've never had that aversion to that though of putting an oil on that, say, my mother has.  I happily bought this set when I was getting ready to go on vacation to a lake, a trip I usually spend slathering my skin with lotion because the combination of sun and water all the time doesn't fare well with my skin. 

The set includes 6 trial sized oils:

Arnica massage oil: a warming, as the name says, massage oil.  Arnica is also thought to help with bruising.  This was one of my favorites in the pack.

Sea Buckthorn Body Oil: Another favorite, smells of citrus fruits and is supposed to be good as an after sun care

Birch Cellulite oil:  Very earthy but not too bad.  I really didn't have enough to determine if it helps with cellulite though

Pomegranate Regenerate Oil: Very fruity smelling

Wild Rose Body Oil: My least favorite, the scent was almost vegetable like.  It's supposed to smell of musky rose, but it did not get on well with my skin.

Lavender Relaxing Body Oil: Another favorite, nice relaxing lavender scent that would be good before bed. 

Like I mentioned, the bottles were trial sized.  About the size of a lip balm, maybe a bit fatter.

It contained enough for 1.5 whole body uses. 

My verdict: love!  My skin has never looked better than when I was using oils as my moisturizer.  The texture was very smooth, no bumps like I tend to get, and my skin looked plump and hydrated. 

This set was $17 and can be found at Beautyhabit.com

My First Giveaway! A $25 Giftcard to Apothica.com!

Apothica.com, which is connected to skincarerx.com and skinbotanica.com (yes, that means this giftcard will work for all three websites), features many great brands including Becca, Paul & Joe and Stila.

Stila is one of the first makeup brands I ever used.  I have actually used up a whole pan of the iconic Kitten eyeshadow, and Peony convertible color (I can't believe I haven't reviewed it yet) has had holy grail status for about 5 years now.  Stila can be found on Apothica.com.

This Giveaway is Now Closed!
Now, onto the good stuff, how to win the $25 giftcard! There are three ways to win the giftcard.

1. Visit Apothica.com then go to Apothica's facebook page and let them know what you think. (Bonus: Opt in to Apothica's newsletter)

2. Visit Apothica.com and tweet about Apothica on twitter or retweet Apothica's tweet about this giveaway. (Bonus: Retweet Apothica’s tweet about this giveaway)

3. Visit Apothica.com and blog about what you think.  You could also write about Stila and link it to Apothica. (Bonus: Blog about Stila and link it to Apothica)

Also, you must be a follower of this blog through Google Friend Connect and must provide a valid email address so you can be contacted if you win.  Each of the three options above will count as one entry to the contest, so if you do all three, you gain three entries!

Leave a comment on this post with which of these options you did and how I can find it.  If you don't do this, you will not be eligible to win the giftcard.  This contest starts today and ends September 15th.  This contest is open to all followers. 



**The contest is sponsored by Apothica.com, image from Apothica.com

Sunday Stuff You Can't Have

Today I bring you Le Metier de Beaute gift with purchase palette Golden Sun.  I have absolutely no idea when this gwp was offered, but I saw a picture once and Makeup and Beauty Blog and had to have it.  I finally acquired it through swap (yay!) and am completely lost on using it now (irony, I know). 

The palette has four powders, pink, chocolate brown, golden bronze and pearly white and a pan of the magic luster cream.  The magic luster cream is used to turn powder products into cream.  I'm still kind of at a loss as to how to use it without mucking up the powder product.  I'll have to play around.

The powders, as is typical of Le Metier, are buttery smooth and crazy blendable. 

Now you want it to, huh?  Muahahaha.

So anyways, on to the question of the day. 
What are you currently reading? 

My lit teacher turned me on to One Day by David Nicholls.  I downloaded it onto my phone and have been addicted ever since.  It really is as good as she said it was.  And, they are making a movie based on it, which I will definitely see. 

Makeup Mavens

Makeup Mavens show you makeup you might have missed.  This week, the mavens were almost all about the lipstick, with several of us showing you our favorites. 

Christina of Lovesong for My Lipgloss brings you her favorite lipstick formula, Chantecaille Lip Chic, in two of her favorite colors. 

Klara of Mookie on the Bench has found a favorite in Chanel Rouge Coco in Cambon, her perfect red.

Natalie of Rasperry Rouge has also found a love in the Chanel Rouge Coco line.  This week she brings us the summery La Pausa.

Jennifer of Lipstick Luvvies shows us the next best thing in lipstick formulas, the By Terry Rouge Terry-bly lipstick.  

Product Doctor Beauty Blog has found a hole in your staple makeup bag, Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in Midnight Brown.

Sunday Stuff You Can't Have

Since last Sunday I showed you Le Metier de Beaute's lip kaleidoscope in Ecumes de Or but didn't show you any swatches (because I am extra evil), I decided to show you swatches this week.

Left to right is bottom to top.  The top shade looks clear but is a nice light pink with multicolored shimmer.

Yummy, look at that gold! All with the exception on the top shade are pretty darn pigmented.

And the piece de resistance...

The swatch of them layered!  It's a lovely carmely nude, love!

In case you missed it last week, here is the product picture.

This weeks question,

What is your favorite kiddy movie? 

I am currently watching Shrek which made me think of it, but my favorite is Little Rascals.  

Makeup Mavens

Since Lipstick Luvvies showed you her puppies, I thought I'd show you mine

Makeup Mavens present beauty posts you might have missed. We may be a couple down (holidays beckon) but there is sure to be something to tempt you in our roundup. This week we have a look at some free products for a change, what Chantecaille has in store for Fall, a Chanel nail polish perfect for summer and most importantly, one of our mavens tries Rouge Bunny Rouge for the first time.

Lovesong For My Lipgloss gives us a peek at the latest offerings from Chantecaille, two brand new shades of lip chic perfect for the transition from summer to fall.

In a change to form, Lipstick Luvvies shows us some of the best freebies on offer with the monthly glossies and some TK Maxx bargains.

Barely a week goes by without some mention of blogger favourite Rouge Bunny Rouge, and now it is the turn of Product Doctor. See whether she thinks their loose glitter pigment is enough to start a love affair with the brand.

Raspberry Rouge shows us that some of Chanel's older polishes are just as fabulous as their latest releases with a closer look at Miami Peach.

Chantecaille Les Delices De Roses Lip Palette

I was lucky enough to score the Chantecaille Les Delices de Roses Lip Palette from Zuzu Petal's blog sale.  I had wanted to pick this up at the counter, but unfortunately, it was sold out.  As you may or may not know, I really love Chantecaille's potted glosses.  These are the same consistency as the potted glosses but with a bit bigger pans.  The right two pans have similar pigmentation to the potted glosses as well, although the left one is sheerer.

The left is a sheer pink, the middle is a shimmery medium pink, and the right is a shimmery peachy pink.

This palette is a gorgeous spring and summer palette. Staying time is average for a gloss, about 3 hours.  These are medium thickness and not sticky in my experience.

It comes in a gorgeous creamy beige satin pouch.

This can actually still be found (yay for all of you!).  With any $125 purchase on Chantecaille.com, you receive this palette as a gift with purchase.  It's a really great deal as most of Chantecaille's gift with purchases require at least a $200 purchase.  Don't wait, go order now!

Here are the ingredients for anyone who is interested

This palette can be purchased here.  Note: this is an affiliate link.

Birchbox, What's It About

Since it's almost August, I decided to show you what was in my July Birchbox.  Makes sense right? Ha.  Well, I decided to show you more so I could explain about Birchbox than to show the contents of my July Box.

Birchbox comes with a card in it explaining the four products inside and the extra.  Products commonly found in a Birchbox are makeup, skincare, body care and hair care.  This month, I received a Korres showergel, Philosophy Purity Made Simple Face wash, Pur Minerals Pressed Mineral Makeup with a small brush, and Redken Shine Flash Hairspray.  The Extra was a Kind Almond and Apricot bar.  As you can say, Birchbox has quite the variety of brands to send out each month.

The contents.  With Birchbox, you get a variety of deluxe samples that Birchbox chooses for you.  A few qualms I have, you cannot opt out of types of items that you know don't work for you.  Purity Made Simple breaks me out and I am allergic to Korres.  That is two products in this box that I am unable to use.  Also, boxes sent out for the same month can include different items.  For example, one of my friends in New York received a Nuxe oil in her July box.

However, Birchbox is only $10 shipped, which really is a great deal.  Also, it gives you a great way to try products you might not otherwise have tested or even been drawn towards.  As a result of Birchbox, I have fallen in love with Oscar Blandi Jasmin oil serum (review coming soon).  If you would like to check out some of the brands Birchbox offers, and they are constantly expanding, head over to Birchbox.com.

*If you would like to sign up, let me know and I can send you a referral.**


**If I refer you, I will receive 50 Birchbox points.

Chantecaille Fall 2011 Lip Chics

Chantecaille is releasing two new lip chic shades for fall 2011.  When I visited my counter the other day, I was lucky enough to see them in person.  Unfortunately, I only had my phone with me, so sorry for the sub par photo. 

Left is Calla Lily and right is Violetta. 

I have reviewed my lip chics here, for ideas on formula. (spoiler: I love them to death)

Fall 2011 will also feature a four pan palette with a sheer pearl, a neutral lid shade and a plum liner with a classic pink blush.  There will also be the addition of a new eyeliner formula, gel liner pencil, in black and gray.  Chantecaille will be releasing a lash growth product as well which they have combined with the classic Faux cils mascara formula to create Faux cils longest lash mascara. 

Have you tried the lip chics? Do you think you will pick either of these shades up?

I have my eye on Violetta and the gray gel pencil, but we will see once I am able to play with them.

Cle de Peau Beaute Extra Silky Lipstick, Trend Perfect

I have been interested in the Cle de Peau Beaute Extra Silky Lipsticks ever since reading this post by The Black Panties.  It seems the Extra Silky Lipsticks are right on trend being that they are on the sheer side and very glossy.  However, these were not just released, they have been around for a bit longer. 

Anyways, onto the swatches because I know that is what you are waiting for.

Be sure to click to make the pictures larger so you can better see the colors and numbers.  These lipsticks have no names, just 3 digit numbers, which I find quite annoying.  I can never remember what color I'm wearing if it doesn't have a name. 

Cle de Peau says the Extra Silky lipsticks contain argan oil and are meant to be extra moisturizing.  I cannot attest to this claim as I haven't tried them on my lips yet (this needs to be rectified immediately).  They retail for $52 and can be found at Neiman Marcus or where ever Cle de Peau is sold.

Chantecaille Makeover Courtesy of the Lovely Cari of Neiman Marcus

Last Friday, I ran to Neiman Marcus after work in hopes of meeting Chantecaille's global artist, Fernando Cadavid.  Unfortunately, Fernando left before I got there, so Cari said she would do my makeup.  Cari always does a lovely job.

Here is the finished product.

I'm going to have to apologize here because I didn't write down everything that was used and I forgot some of the items (sorry Cari!!).

Base:
Future Skin in cream
Total Concealer in vanilla
Compact Makeup in Bamboo

Cheeks:
Cheek shade in Emotion
Highlight cheeks using Rose Quartz shadow


Eyes: (This is where I don't remember much)
Faux cils Mascara in Viola
Eyebrows filled in with Granite eyeshadow (a strange choice but it worked really well)
Smoky Topaz to smoke outer corner and along lower lash line
Basalt on lid
Jasper in crease and along lower lash line

Lips:
Hydra chic in Aster

And now a few more pictures, which are not the best quality because it was night time

Cari Lester can be found at Neiman Marcus Fashion Valley.  Call 619-692-9100 x2105 for appointments, or you could try just dropping by (it's better to make appointments to make sure there is time for a makeover).