The Sunday Post, Vol. 20...

Excited!

My friend from Australia is coming to Montreal to visit her family and we have a date on Wednesday!

We've known each other since we were 14 yrs old and although we've lost track here and there we've managed to keep in touch. The last time we saw each other face to face? I can't really remember but I believe Catherine was 8 and she'll be 15 in less than a month so yes, it's been a while!

Finally we are back on track and have been enjoying beautiful springy weather! Most summer makeup collections are out but I've stayed away from the cosmetics departments! I stayed away because I need to reduce my beauty spending, not completely but I just can't go all crazy like I did last Christmas. I still need new shoes...

... and I have Catherine's upcoming birthday to think about!

This week's makeup love...

... Erm I should say this month's makeup love! Since for a while now I've been using pretty much the same items I thought it would be fun to do a round up and show you what I reach for in order of use, before putting on perfume and lipstick in the morning. Of course I don't use all of these at once in case you're wondering. If I were I guess I would probably look like a clown!

Base products...

Dior Hydra Life BB Crème (see below)
Hourglass Mineral Veil (under eye area)
Rimmel Match Perfection concealer
NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
Marcelle Pressed Powder (with a fan brush under eye area)
Guerlain Crazy Météorites

Eyes...

Guerlain Terracotta La Sélection de l'Été Eye and Face Palette from last year. The faun eye shadow on lower lid and been playing with the other two colors as well, a darkish olive green and purplish brown
Diorshow Mono in Velvet or TheBalm Shady Lady in Risqué Renee for definition
Bobbi Brown Ciment from the Navy & Nude palette on upper lids and to blend the edges
L'Oréal Infaillible Lacquer Liner in Slate sometimes "oomfed" with Dior Fusion Mono in Nocturne
Mascara, alternating between Diorshow and Diorshow Iconic

Contour, definition or glowy stuff, however you want to call these...

Bronzer, alternating between Terracotta 01 / La Sélection de l'Été and NARS Laguna. Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow has come out of hibernation but I've only used it 2x so far.

Oops! I forgot blushes! Well at the moment it's pretty much always M.A.C Whole Lotta Love

Finishing powder, Guerlain Crazy Météorite again or a combination from Hourglass Ambient Lighting, mainly Dim Light and Radiant Light.

Ok so I have included Bobbi Brown's Longwear Gel Eyeliner in Caviar Ink in there but in all honesty I rarely reach for it. I find it harder to work with than L'Oréal. For some reason, once the line is done, going back over it to either thicken it or make it more clean sometimes makes a pretty bad mess. Since it dries fast, it can get all smudgy and weird.

So you see, I don't need to go all crazy over the new collections since I've got most of my makeup needs covered. Right?

A little update...

It's official, Dior Hydra Life BB Crème will not do for summer! Great luminous coverage but it doesn't control the oil and on some afternoons this week I could actually feel it on my skin. With it I've had to use 2x the powder I normally do if not more. Not a total waste, I will simply keep it for late august, for when the weather starts to cool down to transition into fall.

What I have my eyes on...

I do still want a few new nail polishes but haven't decided yet if I'll go Dior or Chanel and there's a Guerlain Rouge Automatique that I'm considering but since I have to find a new daytime foundation/BB or whatever the name, it may have to wait.

For your viewing enjoyment...

This week's video is not from Dior!!! Aren't you surprised? From YSL showing one of their iconic products, I think I really need one! Imagine that, a full night's sleep rested look in a clickable pen! I just can't believe I haven't tried this before.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-3EhjF2ePE

Yup! I definitely need one.

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo...

This blush gets either love or hate with no real middle ground. I swatched it a few years back and hated it steering clear of it every time to go to a NARS counter but recently, because of Liz the Beauty Reductionista extraordinaire I've decided to give it a go aaaand, erm... Now love it!!!

Huh? Me loving a glittery/blush! I think I've lost it completely! I'm on a dangerous slope guys, first eye shadows and now blushes???

NARS Orgasm/Laguna Blush/Bronzing Powder Duo...

I've been eyeing this duo for about a year! Really, I'm not joking! As much as I wanted to try NARS Laguna bronzer, I didn't want to spend over $40.00 for it especially since I already have *cough* a "few" bronzers, way more than my face can take! What kept stopping me from getting this little $27.00 compact was that monster of a blush...

Orgasm...

Afraid of looking like a Disco Ball!!! Good thing that style of music is long gone!

Just so you know, I hated disco music and still do!

First let me say that the name is a total turn off to me! Ok maybe the choice of words here is a bit wrong but what can I say...   This blush was made to give one the "after you know what" lite heated glow on the face color! Erm... I don't think it does quite that but the color is lovely. A beautiful coral peach with micro gold glitter and yes, you do have to be careful with it otherwise you just might look like a glittery dancing fool from the 70s who just woke up in the age of gentle satiny shimmer.

No Disco Balls Allowed!!!

Laguna...

For some reason I thought NARS Laguna bronzer was matte but it's not. I must admit that I did swatch it a few times but never really noticed neither color nor the finish. Dumb I know but this is what happens to me with the products that Sephora puts in those bins just by the cash registers... You know the ones that make you spend that extra $20.00 almost every time you go there? Similar to Terracotta in 01, unlike Guerlain it too has micro glitter but less so than Orgasm. It's lovely and it works well with my skin tone! You may have noticed that it almost looks muddy in the pan but on my face it's perfect.

Laguna next to Terracotta 01

My skin tone is quite fair and I have some redness on my cheeks so I have to be extra careful with bronzers. Muddy or orange are not looks I go for and even if I always go with a light touch some colors just don't work.

Laguna as a nice bronzer to define my face and add a touch of sun but due to the micro shimmer it can easily emphasize my pores and wearing both Orgasm and Laguna at the same time is not an option for me.

Here both appear cooler than the first picture on top. It really

depends on the lighting and I think this is why these can be

worn by so many different skin tones. Sorry, I know it's a 

little crooked! Ok it's a lot crooked!

How I've used them so far...

I love either one over my matte Terracotta for a bit of oomph! On their own as mentioned, they just seem to get stuck in my pores making them more visible and giving me a frosty/shiny look which is weird since I don't get that effect with neither Diorskin Nude Tan in Coral Glow nor with Guerlain Crazy Terracotta who both also do have micro glitter... Hmm I think the difference here is micro shimmer which is quite different. No specs just "satinyness"...

Argh! I sure do I'm making sense here!

Here is another pathetic attempt at swatches. Grrr! 

Still I think you can get a pretty good idea of the shimmer. 

One really has to be careful with Orgasm on the left. 

Ok so my usual suspects are satiny and Orgasm comes out as sparkly on my skin! Again, I sure do hope I'm making sense here. You really have to see it in real life because pictures (mine aren't that great so don't rely on them) can only give a two dimensional renditions that can look flat.

For Laguna I've done: Terracotta, Laguna with a touch of Guerlain Madame Batifole.

For Orgasm I've done: Terracotta with a touch of Orgasm on both top of cheeks and lightly swiped on upper lids.

I can't wait for the weather to warm up because I get the feeling I'll enjoy that little compact more on sunny days with light colored clothes.

The size is perfect if you want to get a taste of Orgasm but even more so for Laguna. Don't be scared of either, you really have to try them because on face is quite different than on one's hand or arm and if ever your verdict is that neither are for you, well, they can both be used on the eyes! Really, I'm not joking!

So, thanks Liz (or is it Blush Mistress now?), for mentioning this little monster that is Orgasm I've stepped out of my comfort zone and I'm quite happy about it! :)

When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

Chanel Jardin de Camélias...

Have you had a chance to take a look at Chanel's latest makeup collection, Notes de Printemps? Still salivating over the Illusion d'Ombres, nail polishes or the fab quad Quadrille? Wait till you see what they're coming up with next...

Jardin de Camélias...

Another spring collection that's likely coming out on January 31st. I say likely since the details aren't that clear. It'll probably be available through Chanel's website first and then at stores like Nordstrom in the US. So far all I could learn is these may be sold online only. Fingers crossed it's not the case and that flagship Chanel counters get to present these beauties to us.

Following in the footsteps of a fabulous jewellery collection inspired by this beautiful flower which apparently was one of Mademoiselle's favorite, it's fresh, it's pink and I think I want that blush!!! Oh and notice the beautiful Camellia pattern on the Illuminating Powder, gorgeous!

Ombres Tracées Quadra Eyeshadows in Jardin Zen

Illusion d'Ombre in Rose des Vents

Joues Contraste in #87 Sakura

Illuminating Powder in Jardin de Camélias

Rouge Allure in #139 Fleurie and #142 Charmeuse

I haven't purchased a Chanel lipstick in ages but I just might fall for one of these. I know, I know I keep saying this but what can I say, I'm picky and at $40.00 a pop for me to buy one it definitely has to wow me! I can't wait to see swatches, better yet, swatch them myself.

Just like Notes de Printemps, I don't think this is an original collection but it's one that will please many due to the nice twist on classic spring and summer shades with the advantage that they're not pastels. There are also four Aqualumière glosses and a Ligne Graphique in #14 Noir Scintillant to go along with these beauties.

Surprisingly there doesn't seem to be any nail polishes in this collection. I searched high and low on the web and couldn't find anything.


Let's dream a little... From the Chanel Camélia Fine Jewelery Collection...

Camélia ring in 18 k white gold and diamonds, small version.

Besides the ring is there anything calling your name in this collection? 

An Ode to Spring...

Over and done with the holidays now we can start thinking about spring! Seriously! Only 2 1/2 months left of winter! I know, I know we could get a snow storm in April but let's not think about that!

Starting to appear by mid January these beauties below will sure help make you forget about the horrible cold (and snow) outside! Here are the ones I'm most looking forward to see in real life!

Chanel Collection Notes de Printemps...

Ok so these colors, just like the ones from the holiday palette of Ombres Matelassées in Charming aren't the most original but and this is a bit but, given the long wear I get from this brand's eyeshadows, it's more than likely that I will get something from this collection. The duo, Rose Majeur looks mighty tempting and I haven't worn a real purple in ages so the Illusion d'Ombre in Diapason seems to be calling for my green eyes. Now the compact! I mentioned recently in my second Beautiful Compacts post that I was planning on getting a Chanel this year and what would be better than a special edition? This light pinkish color looks perfect to create that spring time glow, you know the one we get from being outside on those first days of sunny warm weather?

Les 4 Ombres, 537 Quadrille  Ombres Contraste Duo, 70 Rose Majeur

Illusion d'Ombre, 92 Diapason  Chanel Poudre Universelle, 160 Préface

Guerlain Météorites Blossom Collection...

This brand is literally killing me! The eye shadows of this collection are all a bit meh for me (you can see swatches of the quad on Wondegondigo, here) but look at the Doré Météorites!!! I think I died and went to heaven when I saw these! This year Guerlain reinvents the legendary Météorites with the "Stardust Technology" a spherical pigment contained in each pearl. Along with these new beauties, Guerlain is also launching two new cream blushes, (picture from Chic Profile, just click on it to see the rest of the collection) Météorites bubble in Pink (#01) and Cherry (#02). Although I'm not too impressed by the not so Guerlain packaging with transparent caps (Shu Uemura has an almost identical blush, the Creamy Dome Blusher), I believe these will sell like hot cakes especially given their respective colors. Since cream blushes scare me a little so I'm not sure I'll fall for either but I will definitely have a closer look and swatch them.

Dior Trianon Collection Spring 2014...

Inspired by the Petit Trianon the private estate of Marie-Antoinette on the grounds of Versailles, the collection is composed of beautiful pastels in matte and satin finishes. There are two quints coming out but they appear to be a little to light, a little too pastel for my personal taste. Below is the item that caught my eye, the Trianon Palette. From other pictures I've seen the shades seem a bit darker in real life and so more wearable for me. Dior is also launching a new basic called Backstage Eye Primer, an eye makeup base lightly colored to help even out skin tone and make colors more true. 

Dior Trianon Palette

Bobbi Brown Uber Pink Collection...

This collection you can read about on British Beauty Blogger by clicking on the picture below. Both the lipstick and blush are calling my name!!! They look a little on the coral/warm side which would be just perfect for my skin tone. :)

NARS Final Cut, Edge of Pink Collection Spring 2014...

Look at these blushes!!! I might fall for one of them, might! What makes me sad is that there are no "real" lipsticks and only crayons. I dislike crayons with a passion! I know they get smashing reviews but to me they lack in elegance. I might try one this time around but it's really not a done deal.

YSL Flower Crush Collection Spring 2014...

Will I take the plunge? I sincerely have no idea. For some reason I always pass on YSL and to this day have never purchased any makeup from this brand mainly because the packaging just doesn't do it for me. This palette below might change that. The compact is not that stunning but the colors it holds are. I could definitely see myself wearing these right into summer but that of course is if I don't go for the gorgeous Dior shown above. I mean how many Spring palettes does a girl need and there will be more for summer, let's not forget that. 

YSL Flower Crush Collector Eye Palette

Lancôme French Ballerine Spring 2014 Collection...

A beautiful palette with a soft pink and what appears to be a dark purple mixed with neutral earth tones, flattering for almost any carnation. The highlighter blush looks positively stunning with it's embossed Lancôme Rose but I'm actually quite intrigued by the Hypnôse eye colors. I might try one of these so see how they compare with Chanel Illusion d'Ombres. 

Estée Lauder launches Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick...

Designed to sculpt lips with high intensity colors that stay true up to six hours this new formula is composed of an exclusive Time Release Encapsulated Moisture Complex with Hyaluronic Acid. The packaging which is pure Estée Lauder with it's gold enhanced navy blue is elegant and features a magnetic closure. Twenty new shades! I haven't purchased an Estée Lauder lipstick in ages but I do think I'll get one of these babies... or maybe two! :)

Clinique Gerbera Blush "Cheek Pops" Spring 2014...

Ok now these are totally adorable and according to Jane, British Beauty Blogger, they are even lovelier in real life. Read her comment and see her pictures, here.

This was what the weather was like today in Montréal!!! Please Spring, come fast!!!

That's -36.4° Fahrenheit!!!

So, are you as excited about Spring as I am? Did anything strike your fancy? 

2013, The Favorites...

This is my first time doing such a list and to make it easier for myself I decided to go with the products that were hits "at first use", the ones that really made me go... Wow! This past year I've had to replace a lot of my old makeup and yes there were a few misses along the way but I'm glad to say that there were more than a few great finds.

Those of you who follow Icaria's on a regular basis will recognise most of them for they have been mentioned several times already. This in a way feels a little redundant but what can I say, they are my ultimate favorites of 2013!


Favorite compacts...

I went a little nuts this year with face products and this started with Givenchy Le Prisme Visage Mat which was such a great find, never having tried any of this brand's products before. It's always in my purse and I use it every day to keep the shine away! Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow... Oh how I love thee!!! The perfect summer glow! Honestly, I don't know how Dior can top this one! Guerlain Madame Rougit Blush came out last fall and is such a pleasure to use and just perfect for my skin tone aaaaannnnd.... Guerlain Crazy Terracotta and Guerlain Crazy Météorites. These two amazing powders should definitely become part of the brand's regular line.


Favorite eye palettes...

You will notice that these palettes are on the neutral side. As mentioned, I had to replace some of my old makeup and so these are now part of my "basics". Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude Eye Palette gets some love almost every morning, especially Cement which is great for my upper lids and Slate that I use with a slanted brush to lightly define my lower lash line. NARS Fairy's Kiss, to think I almost missed out on this one for I took my sweet time to get it. Chanel Ombres Matelassée in Charming was a big splurge but oh so worth it! Not the most in your face colors but so perfect for every day.


Favorite eye combination...

My favorite combination this year? Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Fatal and Diorshow Velvet eyeshadow! I know on the picture they look a little similar but Velvet is more grey than Fatal and gives my eyes more Oomf! Who would have thought I would go for glitter? :)

Favorite lipsticks...

Now this was easy! NARS Tolède Satin Lipstick and Rouge Dior Grège 1947. Nuf said! :)


Favorite nail colors...

Chanel Le Vernis 583 Taboo and Diorific Vernis 995 Minuit are my year's ultimate favorites. Funny that Chanel was the first I purchased and Dior the last. In between there were some smashing colors that I really loved wearing. Essie The Girls Are Out made my summer more lively while Guerlain Madame Batifole was a great transition into fall where I fell for Dior Vernis Nuit 1947 and Essie Sable Collar.


So here you have them, my favorites of 2013! Have any of mine made your list?

My First Work Week In Makeup...

My first week at my new job is done and went quite well! Lots of things to learn but mostly about procedures which is what I was expecting. In all honesty, I do believe I will simply love it! :)

As suspected and mentioned last Sunday, I didn't get the chance to take note on interesting articles for you but I think I'll be able to next week. You see this weekend I've had to clean up the yard and do a lot of leaves picking. I got 10 big orange bags! I would have double if not for the leaf picker upper that mulches them! You may have guessed that I'm a little tired.

First week's beauty stuff...

I thought is would be fun to show you the items I reached for in the morning. Aside from getting up at 5:30 am, my biggest challenge was to figure out where I would "put on my face"! As it turns out, same place as usual only this time instead of relying on the light coming in from the window I use an artificial one. At that hour it's still night outside and thank the *putting on makeup* gods I have a good halogen lamp!

Face...

Split face testing of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Estée Lauder DayWear BB Cream, Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer, Marcelle Compact powder (not shown), a nice little go to to make sure other powders go on smoothly.

Eyes...

On Monday I started off the week with Chanel Mystère quad but as a *first day of work* gift to myself I got NARS Fary's Kiss palette during my lunch break and have been playing with it ever since. The top middle and top right colors have been my favorites so far and yes, I will bring you a review real soon. I also have one in the works for NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.

Bobbi Brown Cement and Slate from the Navy & Nude palette have been great complements. Mascara, I started with L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess but for some reason on Wednesday it looked weird on my lashes, almost kind of goopy. I was able to smooth it out but it did make me a little angry so out it will go. On Thursday morning I switched to Dior Iconic and although it takes a little longer to achieve the thickness I like, it lasts all day and keeps the curl beautifully.

Oh the one item I left out is my beloved L'Oréal Infaillible Lacquer Liner in Slate! I get the most amazing thick line in no time and it stays put!

"Glow" & Cheeks...

Guerlain Crazy Terracotta has been getting all my attention this week and with good reason, just read my review, it's total love! I used Madame Rougit a few times for a little extra kick of color when I felt the need for it.

Lips...

On my first day it was Rouge Dior Grège 1947 but for a work day it's too creamy and doesn't last long enough so the following day I wore Rouge Dior Nude in Esquisse 683 and on Friday, Rose Dolce Vita 555 was the one I reached for. Those last two haven't been reviewed yet but it's coming! I also kept in my purse this new Revlon Lip Gloss but have to find the color. I bought two recently and they lost their stickers at the bottom. This one here has a bit of glitter in it which gives it dimension and results into a nice nude lip.

Nails...

I started the week with Diorific Minuit and on Wednesday night went for Essie Sable Collar. Usually I would not have done my nails again in the middle of the week but broke a nail.

Fragrances...

Except for Tuesday when I wore Dior J'Adore, it was Nina L'Eau by Nina Ricci this entire week.

In my purse...

I kept the lipsticks and gloss along with my little Givenchy compact and my small Caudalie Huile Divine.

How long did it take me to put on my makeup in the morning?

10 minutes tops and that was Wednesday when I had to *play* with my lashes due to the L'Oréal mascara.


What do you think? Too much or too little? Have you ever broken down your weekly beauty routine? 

This M.A.C Blush is finally getting a Whole Lotta Love / Review...

I'm not much of an impulse buyer anymore and so before I decide to go for an item I usually think it through. This blush was an exception since I did buy it on a whim. Last spring I needed some pick me ups and did quite a bit of shopping to compensate...

My go to blush at that time was Bourjois Rose Ambré which is darker but with a light brush swipe looks quite natural on my skin. 

I wanted more than natural, I wanted a "pop" of color!

M.A.C Whole Lotta Love would have fit the bill if I hadn't seen... Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow! As soon as I was able get my hands on it, all others, including this one, were forgotten and remained untouched! My Dior compact is now taking a break for winter (sniff!) but will be back in April for sure. :)

M.A.C Whole Lotta Love Pro Longwear Blush, $29,50 CAD

For once the color is right! Yay!

This blush spent the entire summer on my makeup table and several times I asked myself, why on Earth did I buy it? Well, now it's mid October and I can honestly say, I'm really happy I have it!

M.A.C Whole Lotta Love Pro Longwear Blush...

This color came out last year as part of the M.A.C Fall 2012 Office Hours Collection when several new blushes joined the regular line up. It's the perfect pink! You can make it light for a natural flush of color or you can layer it for a little more definition. Since it's pretty matte, well not to the point of looking cakey, it's perfect to use under any illuminating powder. A cool medium pink, it can easily be warmed up with the use of a bronzer which is what I've been doing. 

If you want to take a break from wine/berry shades or are a little tired of neutrals/corals, Whole Lotta Love is the ideal color to own. For some reason it makes me smile when I brush it on! Weird I know!

Oh I almost forgot, it has good color payoff! Some reviewers have mentioned being disappointed about this but honestly mine is just fine.a light swirl of my blush brush and it gives me a nice dab of color. No fall out, it's tightly pressed so it may depend on the brush used. If it's too soft you may have this issue.

Although this color might be more suitable for medium to darker complexions it can be quite nice on fair skin if used lightly by blowing on the brush before application. 

So it took me a while but I finally was able to justify this impulse purchase, feww! 

Do you have makeup items that you've purchased but ended up not using or took your sweet time to get into?

Guerlain Madame Rougit Blush / Review...

Isn't great when you can get what you want? Pictures of this stunning compact have been circulating for a month or so and ever since I saw it I wanted it! Sooo expensive but just as for my beloved Diorskin Coral Glow which was my Mother's Day present to myself, Madame Rougit is to compensate for the hard Summer I'm having. So as my dad used to say, if you can do it, do it and no regrets!

Last Friday, I really spoiled myself...

Dior or L'Oréal? Coral Glow, meets an "almost" match!

Did y'all know that I loooove my Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow?

Ok sorry I couldn't resist but it's true! If it weren't so silly I would probably sleep with it and I'm not the only one who's nuts about this compact. My bloguerette friend Sunny from Mostly Sunny is about to get married to hers. I hope we'll get invited, me and my Coral Glow that is...

Now of course you dont neeeed a compact with both product. You can totally go for separates but ain't it fun to only have one item to carry?

At the drugstore I stumbled upon a L'Oréal product that I had never noticed before and at $3.99, yes that's right, I figured I'd do a little comparison.

L'Oréal The One Sweep Sculpting Blush Duo, I purchased the shade 830 Flush.

Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo / Review

I am a weak person! No sense on control, easily influenced and totally incapable of resisting temptation!!!

A few weeks ago I had mentioned going on a no buy! I had made a few purchases, some to replace items I was low on and a few little indulgences. After having spend such a hard winter I had figured that my daughter and I had deserved a few goodies.

I was done! No buy...  I had promised!

*raises fist* Seems I can't even keep promises... I make to myself!

Oh well! Am I happy I succumbed to this temptation? Ooooh yesss!!!

Meet my new Precious...

Hmmm after this do you really neeeed a review?

Ok I guess you do!

Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in 002 Coral Glow

As far as the blogosphere is concerned I am, again, a little late to the party. This has been out for a while now. Some lucky bloggerettes have tried, swatched and reviewed this already even if this hasn't been in stores for long (in fact they didn't have it at Sephora yet, I purchased it at The Bay). That's fine, I'm not jealous... *nose growing*

So smitten by this compact I think I would have purchased it regardless of the product it holds! I know, a little stupid but what can I say, I love a beautiful compact. This one, as a bonus, has quite the nice goody to enjoy a luminous coralish glow this Summer!

After all, I did need a coral blush...

Ok I could have gone with M.A.C, Tarte or Benefit but, this one was way tooooo pretty to overlook and it comes with the cutest little brush ever that even has it's own little protective pouch!!!

I mean come on ladies! Who can resist?

The price may be a good deterrent but in my case, I consider it my Mother's Day present to myself. I did break my "no buy" but for a good reason, did I not?

Sorry for my bit of rambling, you still haven't had your review, here goes...

The compact, made of a beautiful shiny silver finish comes with a protective pouch. This means it will keep it's good look for a good while and also, since the pouch fits tightly it kind of "cleans" the surface every time I take out the compact. Remember I passed on YSL's powder compact for fear of always having to wipe  finger prints? For that reason I ended up getting Givenchy. Also the fact that Dior's is embossed also makes smudges less noticeable. No clasp, it's held tightly shut with magnets.

This beautiful combo is from Dior's Bird of Paradise Collection, Été / Summer 2013 and it comes in two color combinations: Pink Glow and Coral Glow. I tried Pink Glow but for some reason, the pink didn't show  much on my skin but Coral Glow came out beautifully and like I said, I needed a coral blush. I recently purchased a M.A.C pink blush that I'm quite pleased with and since I don't wear pink every day, no need to have a second one for now, especially at that price!

This is the best I could do to show you the colors. The bronzer side is not too dark, not too light and with just the right amount of shimmer for a natural look. Sheer, it's easily buildable and I believe would suit light to medium colored skin. For dark carnations it may not fair so well so make sure you not only try it in the store but do walk outside to see the results. The blush side, perfect coral! Not too pink and not too orange. You don't need much for it to show and it too has just the right amount of shimmer. Again I shouldn't say shimmer but satin finish. Your face is not going to shine, it will glow, period!

For some reason I found the little brush included a little stiff and using it created a bit of extra powder as you can see below. I'll probably recycle it for something else and will see after it's been cleaned a few times, it may very well get softer. It still is, super cute but I didn't buy this for the brush.

See the fall out created with the little brush.

It sells for $56.00 which is a little on the expensive side but like I said, this is my early Mother's Day gift to moi. Also, on the day I purchased it something special happened and whatever the outcome, I will remain proud of myself and this will be a nice reminder.

So now go get your own, this one is mine!

New Marcelle Jelly Cheek Flush & Jumbo Glossy Balm

Just arrived! Beautiful cheerful colors for Summer!

I'm sorry about the quality of the pictures, they where taken with my iPhone. Still, look at those colors! The Jumbo Glossy Balm come in three colors, the two shown and another that would be great for an every day "your lips but better" look. They are sheer so don't get scared looking at them here. They give what I would call a "glow" of color.

The same applies to the Jelly Cheek Flush. Here my daughter was holding the tube with it's sponge applicator. Sorry Marcelle, she was having way too much fun with it and did press a little hard on it. These give a nice shimmery glow and are easy to apply. Two shades, Coral and Pink.

I'm sorry I didn't have time to write down the exact names nor do I have the prices. Looking at the picture on top left, it would appear that the Jumbo Glossy Balm are $14.29 and the Jelly Cheek Flush, $17.49.

These are limited edition so if you have access to them and like Marcelle, you probably won't be sorry.

PS: Spell check didn't want to cooperate. Sorry if there are a bunch of typos, I wanted to publish as soon as possible. :)

NARS Flirty Fearless Fushia for Spring!

I know, I know, in some parts of the country it's still pretty cold and this morning in Montreal we had the privilege of enjoying more wet snow. Spring seems to have passed us by but believe me, good days are ahead. Proof, these beautiful colors. Yes, we will be able to enjoy them soon, I promise!

Last Monday I saw this beautiful collection that NARS has put together for Spring 2013 at Sephora and could just kick myself for not taking pictures of the swatches I did. I'm not used to having an iPhone yet. Even if it doesn't take the best pictures it would have still given you a pretty good idea of the colors and textures.

NARS blush in Mata Hari  / $32.00
Love love love!!!
Lovely texture, finely milled, Mata Hari is a very pigmented pink colored blush. I loved the fact that it's matte. This, I believe, will give it more mileage. Shimmer can always be added with a powder highlighter. Using a brush it does produce a bit of powder but not so much that you'd feel your waisting a lot of product. On light skin you would need little. On darker complexions, it will definitely show.

NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Jardins de Plantes / $30.00
This color is beautiful but not for everyone. Described as a fuchsia, it has blue undertones. This is not a color I would be able to pull off but for those who can, the texture is just lovely. Highly pigmented, a little goes a long way which is a good thing considering the price. It has a bit of a soft frosted finish which I find is perfect for this type of color.

NARS Lip Lacquer in Hot Wired / $29.00
If it wasn't so expensive this, I would definitely consider buying. Nice gel-like texture with enough color for a natural pinkish lip with a nice iridescent shimmer.

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Bouthan / $39.00
This duo is quite interesting. Pink eyeshadows! Not for everyone in my book. It can be easy to look washed up wearing them. Of this duo I like the darker shade, Bright Pink With Gold Shimmer. We can barely see the goldish sparkle in this picture which is sad. This is what I found made this shade so interesting. I could definitely consider it as an accent color. Sadly, I found the lighter shade, Pink Tulle, much too light and on me it would not fair so well.

NARS Opaque Nail Polish in Schiap / $21.00
Very pretty color but I do believe I already have some dupes of it and for that I would not consider purchasing it. I've never tried NARS nail polishes so I can't comment on neither their textures nor formulas.

Now, if only my wallet would let me get that blush!!!

Rimmel Match Perfection Blush in Medium / Review

Again I tried to take pictures to show you this newest find. They came out horrible and weird. I will definitely have to wait for the weather to get warmer and try to organize a specific area to do this outside. The way my house is oriented I don't have direct sunlight coming in and so the colors don't turn out the way they should.

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush

This almost mythical product known as Fard Pastel when it first appeared, was renamed in the 1980's as Fard Pastel Joues to avoid confusion with the Fard Pastel Paupières (eye shadows). 6 millions of these color pots are sold every year. Simply amazing when you know that this little wonder of a product was born in 1863, created by Alexandre Napoléon Bourjois.

1863, Rouge fin extra de théatre

Light and easy to blend, it quickly replaced the thick greasy cheek makeup of the day and became the official provider of imperial theatres. In fact, it was even approved by medicine faculties. Around 1879, all the "coquettes" of the day wanted one and to this day the recipe remains the same, with it's faint rose fragrance mixed with rice powder. It kind of reminds me of a nice, delicate and proud little old lady but it doesn't linger. For me it's kind of a reassuring fragrance.

1881, Rose de ville

Originally, the boxes where made of galuchat finiched cardboard (replicating a leathery texture). In 1914, the boxes where changed and their colors reflected the ones of the blushes inside. Today the round boxes are made of plastic and the little powder puff has been replaced by a brush for touch ups and a little mirror was added.

The most popular colors are 34 Rose d'or and 33 Lilas, but the most famous Bourjois' Little Round Pot Blush remains 48 Cendre de Rose Brune which has been available since 1924. 

Fard Pastel Joues, 48 Cendre de Rose Brune

My personal favorite, the one that suits my skin coloring the best is 74 Rose Ambré. I always highlight my face with a bronzing powder and this color gives me a natural glow. It doesn't clash with the bronzer and makes it look more natural. I can't believe I discovered this brand only last year. It's available in several drugstores and costs around $20 which is very reasonable for the quality. Now the compact is not as glamorous looking as high end brands but I find it looks better tan the usual drugstore brands. Since it's a small container, it's easy to keep in your purse in a small cosmetic bag. 

Fard Pastel Joues, 74 Rose Ambré

At that price, If you feel like owning a little piece of cosmetic history, Bourjois' Little Round Pot Blushes are more than well worth it. I'm very impressed by it and highly recommend it.