Top Products of 2011

Happy New Year!  I am officially graduated from college and hope to resume a more regular blogging schedule with the new year (resolution 1).  The above photo was taken with the Instagram app in San Francisco on New Years Eve.  You can follow me on Instagram if you would like under the name Luvsong4mygloss.

Because I love best of lists, I present to you my top products of 2011.  My list will not have only products acquired in 2011 or released in 2011.  I will just let you know what I have been using the most this year.  I'm posing off of Dempeaux and doing 11 for 2011 (hope you don't mind). 

1. Chantecaille Future Skin
 I love this foundation.  I have loved it ever since I tried it.  I think I have gone through 4 pots of it.  It creates a really natural finish and really blurs imperfections.  It isn't the longest lasting but it doesn't break me out or irritate my sensitive skin. 

2. Chantecaille Lip Chic
These are ultramoisturizing, sheer, balm like lipsticks.  I aspire to own every color.  My favorite at the moment is still tea rose.  Its the best my lips but better shade.  This year I upped my drama ante with violetta.  

3. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Shadows
These were a fairly recent discovery.  The powder/ cream hybrid shadows are easy to apply and high impact.  I added two from the holiday collection to my collection and haven't looked back.  If you don't have one yet, get thy self to Neimans, Saks, or select Nordstroms and pick one up now.  

4. CND Sticky Basecoat
I used this a while ago and then strayed.  I don't know why I did.  This stuff is amazing.  It really holds my polish on.  I apply it over my treatment product, currently Essie.

5. The Body Shop Shea Butter Body Butter
This is a recent discovery.  As you may or may not know, I have sensitive skin and psoriasis.  I have a tendency to break out in hives at certain products (oh hi korres).  I tried this and haven't looked back.  It is scented but not offensively so.

6. Chantecaille skincare 
I have finally (mostly) cleared my skin.  I use the rice and geranium cleanser, vital essence, flower harmonizing cream, detox mask and fruit and flower acids mask.  Its really gentle and smells great.

7. Kim's Beauty Detox
I tried this out thanks to Christa of Perilously Pale.  The glowing green smoothie has been integral in clearing my skin.  If you haven't heard of Kimberly Snyder, you should definitely check out her site.  

8. Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric
This was a new acquisition for 2011.  Its a silicone texture, super easy to blend out and beautiful colors.  Give me more!! 

9. L'Occitane Hand Cream 
I have tried the original and lavender and loved both.  These are super moisturizing and don't leave my hands greasy.  I also love that it comes in a purse friendly size.

10. Wen Cleansing Conditioner 
I have to thank Jeanie from Makeup Merriment for this one (owe you one!).  Its a one step shampoo, conditioner AND leave in conditioner.  I found it helps my hair dry faster, lessens frizz and leaves it volumized and shiny.  

11. Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme
Its like a liquid lipstick.  The colors are gorgeous.  It lasts longer than a regular gloss.  I need more!

And now, to change it up, here are the products I would like to try in 2012.

1. Guerlain Rouge Automatique- I've heard many good things about these, and I do love me some lipstick.

2. Something from Cle de Peau- Panties of The Black Panties has me dying to try an extra silky lipstick.

3. Kiehls Creme de Corps- Since I have moved back to a drier climate, I need to moisturize more often.  This sounds nice.

4. Fragrance- Near the end of 2011, I started to really get into fragrance.  I would love to explore more.  I have already added Diptyque Eau Duelle to my collection and hope to add more.

What were your favorites of 2011?  What do you hope to try in 2012? 

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.

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). 

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. 

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.

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 :)

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

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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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?

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?

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.

Sunday Stuff You Can't Have

Giorgio Armani eye palette from Fall 10

And this is my best friend's dog Bronson....whom you also can't have (hehe). Here he is attempting to prevent her from packing and leaving him again.

Dark Circles, Turtles and Waterproof Eyeliner

Since really getting into makeup, I have noticed that I have gotten much more deliberate with my purchases.  I usually do not pick things up just on a whim.  If I buy something, I have probably thought about and contemplated purchasing it for some time now.  I do have a few things I am dying to get my hands on currently, so I thought I would share them with you.

1. A good under eye concealer.  I have officially become my mother.  I am having the hardest time concealing my under eye circles, probably having a lot to do with the fact that I have never really had much of an issue with this before.  I have tried my Chantecaille stick foundation which I use to conceal blemishes, but I have a feeling that is just a smidgen too dark for my undereye.  I have also tried my Chanel long lasting concealer which kind of creases on my under eye.  Oy. I have plans to go to the mall and play with Chantecaille, Giorgio Armani, and Laura Mercier's concealers as I have heard good things about those.  I would love to try Becca's concealer, but I am wary of ordering base products online as I am not sure if it will be a good color match.

2. Chantecaille Turles palette. When is this going to be out already??? I feel like I've been waiting for it to come out for forever.  The turtle palette is modeled just like the tiger palette, with 3 eyeshadows and a blush, but with warmer colors.  If you want to see a promo picture, you can find one of Temptalia's blog.

3. The black eyeliner from Armani's spring collection.  It is supposed to be the same liner as was released with the spring collection in 2010 which was super black and water proof.  I swatched last years edition on my hand and was completely amazed, but when I went back to find it, it was no where to be found. I am soo excited they decided to rerelease it. 



Do you have any wants right now?  Any reccs for a good under eye concealer?

November Favorites

Here are some things that got alot of love in the month of November


Eye products:

• Laura Mercier Eye Basics in Linen
• Chantecaille Sylvie's Personal Palette
• Shu Uemura Brown cream shadow from the Egerie collection. Reviewed here
• Clinique Egyptian cream shaper
• Clinique Black Honey cream Liner

Face Products:

• Chantecaille future skin. reviewed here
• Vincent longo Creme concealer
• Physicians Formula Healthy Wear powder foundation in translucent medium
• Stila Convertible Color in Peony
• Armani Blush #2. reviewed here

Lip Products

• CO Bigelow mentha lipshines
• Rimmel Moisture renew lipstick in spotlight beige. Formula reviewed here

Did you have any beauty products stand out in November? If so, what were they?

Little Bits of Pretty

Today I'm just going to post some pictures.  Feel free to ask about anything you see.