Chantecaille Introduces Biwa and St. Barth's

One of my recent trips to Neiman Marcus, the fabulous Carrie introduced my to Chantecaille's newest additions, Compact Soleil in St. Barth's and Poudre de Perle in Biwa.  Compact Soleil is not a new product (I reviewed shade Capri previously) but St. Barth's is a new shade.  Carrie said it is great for complexions who need straight brown bronzer because it does not have any peach or red tones.

St. Barth's is on the left and Biwa is on the right.  I love the Compact Soleil bronzer because it's very easy to work with and blends right into the skin.

Poudre de Perle is in fact a new product.  It is similar in applicator to the Protection Naturelle powder in that the powder is dispensed through a brush.  Biwa is a gorgeous peachy color with golden shimmer.  It is not a color I would describe as particularly pigmented  but is definitely buildable.  I think this color would work best on the paler gals who usually have issues with blushes having too much pigment for their fair skin.

This picture is to show  St. Barth's in comparison to the other Compact Soleil shades.  From left to right it is Capri, Tahiti, St. Barth's and Biwa.  Capri has peachy undertones and Tahiti has some red undertones.  Compact Soleil is $45 and Poudre de Perle is $55.

Have you tried Biwa or St. Barth's?

Le Metier de Beaute with Marchesa Keren Craig Le Soliel Palette

The Marchesa Collection with which the Keren Craig palette belongs launched last fall for Fashions Night Out.  The collection included this palette, one by Georgina Chapman, a highlighter, an illuminator and several double ended glosses. I picked up this palette about 6 months ago from Neiman Marcus. 

The Keren Craig palette includes the Maldives Magic bronzer, concealer #5, lipgloss le caramel, cream blush la rougeur, and eyeshadow le fauve(which I find to be similar to alexandrite in the regular collection). 

This photo shows swatches (l-r) lip gloss, cream blush, concealer, eyeshadow and bronzer.

And some more because it's gorgeous.

My thoughts:

The packaging is tiny. So tiny.  Its a bit larger than a credit card an very thin.  This can be good though.  It makes it perfect for travel. 

Lipgloss: Its a thicker texture but not sticky.  It goes on very smooth and lasts well.  The color is a little bit frosty, a caramel color.  I can pull it off alone but I prefer to layer the cream blush underneath it. 

Cream blush:  This is a beautiful punchy pink that really makes my cheeks look like they have that healthy glow.  The texture is different from the core cream blushes in that it is thinner.  It also has a bit shorter of a lasting time on my face.

Concealer: Amazing!! Best concealer I've ever used by far.  Its very pigmented which means it is highly effective at covering dark circles or blemishes.  The shade 5 is perfect for my NC20ish self but could work up to NC25.

Eyeshadow: It looks scary and purpley in the pan but on my eyes it transforms into a gorgeous neutral brownish color.  It is very easy to blend out to be sheer or build up in intensity.  Lasting power is above average, even without a primer.

Bronzer: This is dark.  I have to use a very light hand to ensure that I don't look dirty.  It is essentially matte, medium brown with no detectable orange or red tones.  I think this would work with most skin tones but would be best on darker skins because it is so pigmented.

Another photo because I love it so much.

Overall, winner, even at the small size.  As you can see, all the products have been loved.  It is $65 but these are all quality products.  I think, with some detective work, you can still find this at some Le Metier de Beaute counters.  I know my counter still has some of the Marchesa collection in stock.

Chantecaille Compact Soleil in Capri

Now that its about to be summer and I am still ghastly pale (thanks to me finally finding a sunscreen that works for me), I needed a new bronzer.  Previously, I only had Giorgio Armani's bronzer in shade 1, which I love, but it is quite shimmery which I would like to avoid when I am breaking out.  Enter the Chantecaille Compact Soleil here.  Chantecaille is known for making beautiful, subtle makeup that enhances your natural beauty. 

The compact soleil is touted as having ginko biloba and wild rose to heal and protect skin.  The powder is very silky, typical of Chantecaille.  It blends seamlessly and is a dream to apply, even with my lack of good bronzer brush.  I have been using the Sonia Kashuk duo fiber to apply it. 

The color of Capri, the shade I picked up, is a peachy brown shade which really complements my warm, pale (wah) skin.  I can't find any shimmer in it, it just imparts a nice glow. 

The packaging is the traditional Chantecaille shiny silver saucer shaped pan without a brush.  It is a quite large pan which I think will take some time for me to get through. 

Compact soleil comes 3 shades, Capri, Tahiti and a new shade, St. Barth's.  I haven't swatched the other bronzer shades in person, so I can't really comment on the differences. 

Overall, I am very happy with my purchase of Compact soleil in capri.  The color is naturally enhancing and makes me look tanned and healthy. 

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #3

I must admit, I don't really use highlighters that often.  I own a few, Dior amber diamond, one from my Fresh memoirs of a geisha palette, but they are just so darn pretty.  I was lucky enough to swap for the Armani fluid sheer in #3.  I wouldn't really consider it a highlighter on my skin tone, more of a bronzer or a bronze blush/shadow.  I use it on my cheeks under blush or on my eyes built up for a sheer wash that makes my blue eyes really stand out. 

The bottle has a pump applicator which is nice and sanitary but can be kind of a pain as it usually dispenses more than you really need.  A little of this stuff goes a long way.  It is sheer and shimmery and an orangey bronze color.  I certainly wouldn't grab 3 if you have cool toned skin.

Here is a dollop for you, which is about how much it pumps out. 

sheered out you can see how orangey bronze it is.  It makes my cheeks really glow and pairs well under a peachy blush.  I will definitely be pulling this out more in the summer months.  I have a sample size of this color that I keep at the boyfriends house and use quite a bit more than my full size (oops). 

Overall, I would definitely look into the fluid sheer.  They look gorgeous and last a pretty long time.  I could see this working as a great highlighter for darker skin tones.  If 3 isn't for you, there are plenty of other colors, both in a more highlighter type color and in other bronzer type colors.

Giorgio Armani Bronzer #1

And now that we have officially finished the bronzer season, I will review a bronzer.  I am so on top of it aren't I? 

Bronzer #1 is the perfect bronzer for those on whom other bronzers turn orange.  There are absolutely no orange tones in this whatsoever.  It is also perfect for those who are guilty of overbronzing, such as Snooki, because it is very subtle but also quite buildable.  The product does have shimmer in that, so if you are someone who shys away from that kind of thing, you might want to pass on this or save it for going out.  The staying power is great, as is to be expected of Armani beauty.

Disclaimer: I purchase this with my own money from Armani's own website. 

March Favorites

Sorry this has come so late but I finally have my camera back and with full battery! yay!  Here are 10 things I used alot in march. 

1. Zoya Remove+: Removes polish super fast and has good stuff in it for your nails. 

2. Green nail polish!:  Of course, since St. Patricks day is in march, I was rocking the green nails for quite some time.  Here are some greens I really like. 

L-R: Color Club Wild Child, Misa The Grass is Greener on my Side, China Glaze Watermelon Rind, Rimmel Camouflage

3. Armani Lipstick Mania #28: Pretty, shimmery my lips but better shade. Its kind of a mauvy pink.  The formula is wonderful and moisturizing on my dry lips. 

Here is a swatch on my wrist:

4. Jaqua pink buttercream lipgloss: Yes, this smells like frosting, AND its a beautiful peachy pink gloss with gold shimmer.  Love this stuff.

5. Awake Eye Tint Stardom in Champagne:  Its a goldish champagne liquid shadow, perfect for those lazy days.  I don't think Awake is around anymore, at least not in the US but please let me know if you know otherwise.

6. Armani Sheer Bronzer #1:  This stuff is very subtle and doesn't pull orange at all.  Its really great for those paler days.  I am not sure it will work for me when I am tanner though. 

7. Fresh Memoirs of a Geisha palette:  I am in love with this palette, as you can see by how used it is.  It includes Premier Rose Satin Luster which is a highlighter, Portrait of a Lady Blush cream, and Desire Gloss Absolute.  Everything works really well for me and has great formulas.  This palette is no longer available.

8. Awake Invention Light Focus powder in Porcelain:  Well, I'm not really porcelain, but neither is this powder.  Its really finely milled and just melts into my skin, no powdery look what so ever.  I am going to be really sad when I run out of this stuff.  Although, it is getting a little too light for me now that I am getting tanner.

9. Loreal Hip Kohl in Gold:  This is supposed to be a knockoff of the Guerlain kohls and I really like it alot.  I'm not sure how it compares to Guerlains as I have never had them. 

10. C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lipshine in Frosty peppermint:  I have stocked up on these as they were limited edition.  They just add a soft shimmer and intense shine too lips while providing tons of moisture.  Those lipglosses are seriously a godsend. 

What were your favorite products for March? 

Disclaimer:  All products featured were purchased by me. 

February Favorites

Now that it is March, I decided to do my February favorites.  They are just items that got alot of love this month. I have a new add from January, I took a picture of all the items! So, hopefully this one will be more exciting :)

1. Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion- Mine says dry, sensitive skin treatment.  I do not know for sure if all of them are this way as I took this one from my moms house, well, she gave it to me.  Its a really nice medium weight lotion.  It is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, so I use it for both my face and my body.  I like it mostly for my face as I have psoriasis which makes my skin really dry.  This lotion is great for morning and night, though i would recommend using a sunscreen also during the day.

 

2. Idole d'Armani- I included this one in January's favorites so I wont bore you with any more words on it.  I did acquire a lovely roller ball size now from my friend Maegan! 

 

3. Guerlain Kiss Kiss lipstick in Reve D'or- I got this lipstick in a swap with a lovely Muaer.  Before any of my non muaer readers get grossed out, lipstick is really easy to sanitize.  You simply cut off the top and/or dip it in rubbing alcohol.  The case is so beautiful, a lovely shiny gold with a block-like shape.  It does have great staying power, so I dont have to reapply too often.  Even if I did, I would mind since its so lovely.  I'm such a sucker for pretty makeup packaging.  It is not the most moisturizing formula I own, but it isn't drying either.  The color is peachy-red with gold shimmer. As most guerlain products i've tried to date, this one has the signature lavendary scent.  I'm not really a fan as it reminds me of really old powder, but its gone within 15 minutes.  

 

 

4. Laura Mercier Eye Kohl in Brown Copper- This is another one that was in January, so here are the pictures. 

 

 

5. Becca Doeskin eye shadow-  This was from my softsurroundings.com haul that I posted about earlier.  It is such a great neutral light brown with just a hint of shimmer.  I intern at a hospital, so I find myself using this almost every time I go in.  I usually pair it with the laura mercier eye kohl from above.  The formula is really silky and goes on smooth.  It is quite soft though, so there is kind of alot of powder loss with each application.  

 

6. Guerlain meteorites in Beige chic-  I got these in a swap also.  They are the mini size which I figured was fine because it seems like they take forever to use up.  The container is plastic and it contains little powder balls in tones of peach, brown, beige, gold and white.  They blend to be the perfect color for me and impart just a little glow.  These, again, have the signature Guerlain scent.  I find the coverage to be fairly sheer and the finish to be not at all powdery.  

 

  

7. Too Faced bronzer in Snow Bunny-  I got this in a palette from sephora.  I decided the palette was a hastle, so I depotted it which left it a little cracked.  As you will see from the picture, this thing is well loved.  I use it if I want just a little bronze and shimmer on my cheeks.  Its too light to be an actual brozer for me, but I could see it working really well for fairer people(I'm about NC20 in mac for reference).  

 

8. Lavender Nail polish- I have 2: OPI done out in deco and Orly cashmere cardigan.  Both are creme meaning they contain no shimmer.  I prefer the formula of the OPI to the formula of the Orly(I described my qualms with Orly in an earlier post), but I have the OPI in a mini bottle making it a little harder to apply than it would be if it were full sized.  Cashmere cardigan is darker and more blue than Done out in deco which is dustier.  Both are really pretty and perfect for spring. (I bought the Orly and swapped for the OPI)

 

9. Crystal Nail File-  These things are the greatest nail files out there.  They file really well and don't tear up your nails like the old brown ones.  Some claim they stop nails from peeling, but my nails are genetically awful making it hard for me to speak to that. I got this one at the street fair in Palm desert, but Essie has one that people seem to like alot. 

 

10. Estee Lauder Sumptuous Mascara-  I like this stuff almost as much as I like Armani's eyes to kill.  It lengthens well and thickens nicely but can be a teensy bit clumpy.  I have only ever used the trial size.  I bought several off ebay for rather cheap.  At about $10 less than the Armani, I would recommend this as a cheaper alternative.  

In case anyone is wondering, I am wearing Color Club Wild Child nail polish in the pictures where I have polish on. 

 

Ciao Becca!

I don't know if you heard but softsurroundings.com is/was(not sure what is left) having a sale on various makeup brands including Becca and Paul and Joe.  I have always heard such good things about Becca so I decided to place a small order.  My initial order included the pressed shimmer powder in princess, cheek and lip stain in watermelon, something I had been wanting for a while, and calypso bronzer.  I got an order confirmation email and then 2 days later received 2 emails saying that both princess and watermelon were out of stock.  They offered $10 off coupons but i was still quite upset.  Why would you send me a confirmation email if the items are oos??  Well anyways, I preceeded to use up the coupons buy making 2 orders, doeskin demi matte eyeshadow and chinchilla demi matte eyeshadow.

Here are the boxes they came in.  I dont have pictures of chinchilla yet because i just got it. Pictures will be coming soon.

 

This is Calypso bronzer.  It is quite dark with subtle shimmer which I like alot.  I am acne prone and excessive shimmer just highlights whatever breakouts I have at that moment.  The texture is nice and it isnt muddy or orange on me.  However, I do think it is a little bit dark for me as my skin tone stands right now.  I am pretty pale from winter but I imagine that it will work well for me in the summer as my skin color changes quite a bit with the seasons. 

This little puff came with the bronzer.  I think its rather useless.  I certainly do not apply bronzer with a puff.  I prefer a larger fluffy brush. 

This is demi matte eyeshadow in doeskin.  Its a nice nudish beige color.  It has subtle shimmer but its definitely not overpowering.  I would recommend this in conjunction with a frosty shadow to tone it down or on its own with brown liner for a job interview.  

Disclaimer: I bought all this with my own money