Maybelline Color Tattoo® Leather Eyeshadows...

The first Color Tattoos were way too shimmery for my taste, the matte were to stiff, hard to swatch and didn't seem very smooth so I passed despite the hype.

These I figured just might have the right texture so...

...Yes I went for them and purchased three!

Maybelline Color Tattoo in Creamy Beige 80, Deep Forest 85 and Vintage Plum 90...

This was almost an act of faith since there were no testers and I hadn't read any reviews (only saw pictures on Instagram), but the colors just seemed so right. I first purchased Vintage Plum and before even trying it on, the next day went back for Creamy Beige and Deep Forest.

The textures... Both Vintage Plum and Deep Forest feel slightly dry and take some getting used to to work with but Creamy Beige is just dreamy! Creamy as it's name states it goes on easily and truly has that gel like texture as advertised.

Long wear... Over NARS Pro-Prime reviewed here, they all stay put all day with no creasing but do note I didn't try them on their own.

One more thing that's to be noted, I tried a powder shadow over Creamy Beige and it was a little hard to smudge properly. I wanted to deepen it with a dark blue and although the final result was ok it wasn't as flawless as I would have liked. Next I'll try with Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte in Nocturne reviewed, here, which I haven't used much to be honest but I think they should work well together for a classic look with liner.

Here is yet another lame attempt at swatches...

Indoor on the left and in the sun on the right. I think you can get an idea of how both Antique Plum and Forest Green appear a little dry compared to Creamy Beige which shows a faint shimmer. Now of course it will look different on the eyes since on my arm I swatched them over a little foundation. So far I haven't tried them with a brush preferring my fingers. In fact, I'm not sure a brush would work well with Antique Plum and Forest Green because they seem to go on more easily warmed up a little, almost like a stiff concealer.

Do I recommend Maybelline Color Tattoos Leather? Yes.

These for the price are pretty good, especially Creamy Beige. Both Antique Plum and Forest Green require a little more practice to appear smooth but I can work with them and although I haven't purchased any of Maybelline's Color Tattoos from the matte line having only swatched in stores (of course those may have felt dry due to the constant opening of containers), I do think the Leather formula looks more natural, less cakey.

Tempting but I will not compare these to the easy almost buttery texture of Laura Mercier Cariar sticks (I own Khaki reviewed, here) although Creamy Beige is almost there. LM go for $34.00 a pop while Maybelline Color Tattoos are around $10.00 each. That's a third of the price and I have no idea how long I'll be able to use them for I'm sure they will dry up over time but I guess I should be ok using them coming up fall and winter. I give them about a year which is fine for such a cheap thrill. :)

There are two more colors available, Chocolate Suede 95 a deep warm brown with gold specs (for some reason I think that one will have a texture similar to Creamy Beige) and Dramatic Black 100 which appeared similar to the Dior I already own.


Have you tried any of the Maybelline Color Tattoos yet? If so, what did you think?

NARS Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Collection...

I haven't done this is a while, posting screen captures but when I saw this, I just had to!

NARS has a new eye shadow line and it appears to be a stunner! Dry the shadows are matte and wet they shine!!! At $29.00 USD, $33.00 CAD each (that markup isn't very nice!), I do believe I may try one, two or maybe three!

I'll be having a closer look at Subra and Himalia (1st and 3rd first row) and Europa the last at the bottom. Reviews are starting to pop up so I'll wait a bit before taking the plunge but one thing is sure, I'll go have a swatch partayy!

Now available on NARS website and at The Bay.


What do you think of this novel idea? Will you try one?

The Sunday Post, Vol. 24...

Going on an almost no-buy!

Oh my, this is such a boring statement but hey, I gotta do what I gotta do! I'm not such a big spender in the first place but I do purchase a little more than the average woman when it comes to beauty items. This past month I've toned it down quite a bit and it's showing, yay!

Yesterday I did my last bit of clothes chopping, found an nice pair or sandals and so now I'm good for summer. I finally have my basic wardrobe which means more money in the bank for a while... Ok maybe not all of it since it's summer and I want to treat my girl but let's just say that big beauty items are off my list for now... except for one... maybe... After all I did say, almost!  :)

One more note...

So sorry I haven't caught up on comments for over a week! Please do not stop it's just that I haven't had much time.

This week's makeup love...

I'm truly enjoying theBalm eye shadows (review coming soon), they are highly pigmented, go on smooth and have good lasting power. The Meet Matt(e) palette combined with my Clinique palette which has more satiny shades work so well together that I haven't considered any of the new limited edition palettes that are available at the moment.

My bronzers of the week...

Since it's summer and I have *cough* a few bronzers I figured, why not? Believe me, I do use them all, not at the same time of course! This week it was The Body Shop Honey bronzer in 02, Guerlain Terracotta in 01 aaaaand my last year's favorite, Diorskin Nude Tan in Coral Glow! That baby is being treasured and used only a few times a week. I want it to last and last and last...

Nails...

For the past two weeks it's been Dior Mirage on toes and Chanel Pink Tonic on fingers but I've been considering getting Chanel Sweet Lilac more and more... I mean I could since it's not a big beauty buy, right? Tonight I might go back to Dior Wonderland on fingers, I haven't decided yet. :)

Fragrance...

A rediscovery! This week I've been enjoying The Body Shop's Oceanus which I purchased two years ago. Sadly it appears to have been discontinued. It's a fresh summery fragrance with good staying power over which I can use a little Diptyque Do Sun during the day. I mean look at it, just the color is refreshing!

Icaria's Food Blog...

I posted two new recipes! My perfect pizza dough and a the basics for a delicious Frittata. I hadn't posted anything new since last august, in fact these were my ninth and tenth posts. Catherine asked me recently how to prepare the frittata so knowing where to find the how too maybe she'll get inspired and start cooking! You can have a look at them, here. :)

For your viewing enjoyment...

First up an article from Vogue's international editor Suzy Menkes, Pucci dresses up Florence's Baptistery. Now that I would love to see in person!

Picture from Style.com

Since I mentioned my bronzers I thought it would be fun to see this entry by Guerlain. I personally don't use Joli Teint but my Terracotta, I use practically every single day! If you don't know how to apply bronzer this is an excellent tutorial.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq3SOQPsS9E

Have a great week everyone, hope you can stay cool! Hélène xoxo

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

Clinique All About Shadow 8-Pan Palette...

Can a girl have too many neutrals? 

Naaah!

So far I've steered clear of most big palettes. I've seen the popular ones, swatched them many times but for some reason I always pass. Some have colors that are too repetitive and I just don't see the point while others have colors that are either too matte or too shimmery. Often the quality of the different shadows appears uneven and I think this is what annoys me the most.

I'm glad to say that the few I have, I use and love!

Here comes a new love!

Clinique All About Shadow 8-Pan palette in Neutral Territory 2...

Please appreciate this picture! This compact is all mirror, 

what you see here was taken after my head exploded!

I did notice it when it first came out and I swatched the colors several times unable to make up my mind but this week I stumbled on Lipglossiping's review of it and made up my mind. If you've never visited Charlotte's gorgeous blog then do it but after you finish reading my post! :D

After seeing her pictures, her swatches, I figured why not? The Urban Decay Naked Palettes get a lot of love but for some reason I find 12 colors a bit daunting and I'm not much of a fan of the packaging which I find bulky. In a sleek and elegant compact, Clinique gives us 8 shades that all complement each other and I was happy to see it included Black Honey!

I'm impressed, truly I am! Except for my Black Honey Almost Lipstick I just can't remember the last time I used Clinique's makeup. I remember using some of their foundations, loved their powders but I don't think I've ever purchased any eye shadows since the ones I have are all from GWP. The quality of each shadow is really surprising.

Buttery and almost creamy they all go on very easily and each as good color payoff. Texture wise these shadows remind me a little of the ones in my Chanel Mystère quad from the 2013 fall Superstition Collection. Somewhat soft, I use a medium soft bristle brush to avoid fall out. The swatches below (natural daylight) were done with a standard brush, two passes on the shadows and one pass on my skin. Three passes on my skin for the first two shades because I wasn't sure the colors would show for the picture.

Do note that the brush that comes in the compact is a little too soft for my taste, the bristles are too long for precise application and and the sponge tip, well, that doesn't work for me much but hey, if you're stuck I guess it's better than nothing.

The first five colors on the left have more of a satiny finish to them and as you progress towards the darkest one on the right you get a little more glitter but nothing that would be inappropriate for daytime and if you shake your brush before applying to skin, not fall out.

You have to admit, I'm making an effort and I think my swatches pictures are improving what do you think? :)

From the left: Sugar Cane - Light shade of Diamonds and Pearls Duo - Light shade of Neutral Territory Duo - Light shade of Day Into Dark Duo - Brown shade of Polar Blue Quad - Hazy - Black Honey - Dark brown shade of Morning Java Quad

Until now my favorite neutral palette has been Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude. I use some of it's colors everyday, especially Cement, Beige and Slate to make my eye makeup more polished but they don't have much punch/impact except for the dark navy which has no staying power on me. Made to be an eye liner, even with an activator (by the way the spot you see on it was caused by an activator) it's pretty much useless and no way can I use it as a shadow since it's too "cakey". I didn't want an all matte palette and I especially didn't want repeats of these colors. I was looking for complementing shades with a little satiny/shimmery finish. True mattes are great for some areas of the eyes to avoid emphasizing "imperfections" but all over than can look harsh on tired eyes...

Ok I'll say it, older eyes!   *cries*

With these two palettes I now have the perfect balance between matte and shimmery neutrals for everyday looks.

I could almost imagine these two slowly walking away together in the sunset...

Ok maybe not! I'm keeping these along with Chanel Charming which is also a favorite but that one is more for "wow" looks! :)

Do I recommend Clinique All About Shadow 8-Pan Palette? Yes!

Except for Sugar Cane the lightest shade, all are hits for me. The textures are even throughout, good color payoff and I get a good 10 hours or wear over my NARS Pro-Prime. This is truly a good medley or basic neutrals and if you want one you better make your mind fast because it's a special edition (as far as I know). At $40.00 Clinique has a hit with this one and my thinking is, they should do more!

I believe I now have neutrals pretty much covered! What do you think?

Oh and please tell me my swatches are improving. You have no idea how hard it is with the crappy winter lighting for me to take these pics. Send me virtual flowers guys, peleease!!! :)

Do you have a favorite neutral palette? Oh and I love roses but my favorite flowers are daisies! :)

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick...

I finally took the plunge and purchased my first Laura Mercier Caviar Stick last week! After months of hesitation I caved in when I saw that Sephora had finally received a new shipment.

These have been reviewed left and right so I won't bore you with a long review, just my thoughts guys, just my thoughts... :)

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Khaki...

Green on green is not the best combination to make my eyes stand out but it's a great option for every day when worn with a good liner and mascara. In fact, for me, it goes with everything.

The texture...

From the stick it goes on dark but it's very easy to blend with either a finger or a brush. I've actually been contemplating getting a pack of sponge applicators because the more I think of it, the more I believe these would make a more precise application easier. I'll get back to you on that.

How does Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Khaki perform? Very well thank you!

Not as tenacious as other cream formulas I've enjoyed recently but it lasted a good 9 hours over NARS Pro-Prime before it started to crease a little. I'm not sure if I will get such performance during summer when my lids can get a little oily but at the moment I'm pretty pleased. Unless you have dry lids, I definitely recommend you apply this over a primer.

Ok I know my swatches are not yet what they should be but bare with me! The lighting these days is horrible and it's so cold out that I don't want to freeze my arm in order to take pictures.

On its own it pulls a bit golden brown on my skin. On the left, right from the stick, middle is blended 

and right is blended with a little Nocturne which makes it slightly more khaki.

For a good basic day look I've paired it with Diorshow Nocturne and they go together like fries and mayo!

Ok I know, I'm sure some of you think it should have been fries and ketchup but hey, I'm in the mayonnaise clan. If you haven't yet, try it! Decadently delicious and if you're lucky enough to have homemade and spicy, even better! :)

Now I have my eyes on Amethyst and Sanglow!


Have you tried Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks? 

For your French Fries what are you, Ketchup or Mayonnaise?

Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte in Nocturne...

Dior's spring 2014 collection, Trianon, was quite tempting on pictures but in real life a bit of a let down. To me the colors turned out a little too pastel, a little too light and I simply knew I wouldn't wear them much so I passed. What did grab my attention was the launch of the new Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte eye shadows...

Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte 091 Nocturne...

Nocturne is a beautiful dark charcoal grey, almost black but not quite. Thankfully it's not a real matte, it's got a beautiful gentle shimmer to it which on lids translates to a soft satiny finish. Under certain lights you can see the micro teal and silver glitters but it's rather subtle especially compared to others I purchased recently, namely Chanel Fatal and Diapason.

Described as a mousse formula, this eye shadow is very easy to work with. I personally prefer using a regular eye shadow brush but I know some like to use a concealer brush. It goes on almost like a powder but without the fall out and with this type of dark color this is a big plus. The little Dior brush that comes with Nocturne will make it darker but don't expect it to look like it does in the jar. It does have good color payoff but you'll have to pack it on thick if you want the same initial darkness. One big plus, you get a little more time for blending than with Chanel Illusion d'Ombre which sets almost on contact.

The first swatch on the left of each picture was made using the little Dior brush, 

the others, 2 passes with my finger. The picture on the right is under soft 

lighting and you can see the glitter which is quite mild.

In my opinion this is the kind of color we all need, Diorshow in Nocturne is a beautiful basic to give more dept to your look, for a smokey eye if you're daring enough or to be used as a liner.

Diorshow Fusion Mono in Nocturne lasted a good 9 hours on me layered over NARS Pro-Prime eye shadow base without creasing and no transfer to my upper lids. I paired it with Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Fatal and the look was pretty amazing.

There are three other Diorshow Fusion Mono Matte colors available...

Céleste, Fantaisie and Mirage

Céleste is pretty matte but both Fantaisie and Mirage have a bit of a gentle velvety sheen to them which makes them look very natural. They are, like Nocturne, on the sheer side and in my opinion, totally worth a swatch. There's a good chance I may end up with one or two more especially since you get a generous 6.5 g of product for $32.00 compare to Chanel Illusion d'Ombres' 4 g for $38.00.


What do you think about these, tempted?

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? 

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre, Diapason...

The new Chanel Note de Printemps collection for spring 2014 is out!

Notes de printemps stands for spring notes, musical notes for all the items in the collection have names that refer to music.  

Honestly if I could, I would probably purchase every single item except for the Poudre Universelle Compacte in Préface which I found surprisingly too matte. The rest of the collection is really, I mean really very pretty and not as "been there done that" as I thought it would be.

Soon the quad Quadrille will come home with me but what has already found it's way into my makeup bag is one of the two Illusion d'Ombre...

Chanel Illusion d'Ombre, #92 Diapason...

I knew I was going to love it, I just knew it!

Diapason, which commonly refers to a tuning fork, is a beautiful deep purple with a warm base that has nothing to do with any usual purples especially the pastel ones we are starting to see pop up here and there in spring collections. This one is for grown ups!

The texture is light and blendable but you have to work quickly when applying it because it sets fast. I personally don't like the little brush that comes with it much but if you want major color payoff it does deliver. I prefer to use a standard eye shadow brush for a lighter effect. Fingers work well too but my pinkie isn't very precise.

The formula...

The great plus here is that there are barely any glitter fall out especially compare to a powder eye shadow. I apply it over NARS Pro-Prime base and it stays put all day, almost as long as Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Fatal. I don't know if it's because of the different pigments used but Diapason did start to crease a little after about 11 hours and the glitter did fade a little more than Fatal. Still I won't complain since this is long enough for a work day.

Chanel really has a hit on their hands with these Illusion d'Ombres because compare to others I've swatched, they wear like iron, well almost. I swatched a few from another brand today and although the texture was creamier and easier to work with, it was obvious that I would have gotten barely 6 hours of wear and probably some glitter fall out as well.

Hey I have SWATCHES!!! :D

Next to Fatal we can clearly see the warm undertones of Diapason.

On the left is Fatal first applied with the little Chanel brush, then with finger. I did the same for Diapason on the right. Notice the little blob of color that occurred with the brush. It does make the colors darker but it can also make the finish uneven so smoothing out with a finger is a must when using it and again, you have to work fast because these babies set in no time! As mentioned in my review of Fatal, there is glitter but it's not an overdone in your face glitter. It barely shows on the picture but believe me it's there although I do think there's a little less in Diapason.

At $38.00, Chanel Illusion d'Ombre are pricey but you get a lot of product, 4g. (0.14oz) and a jar that closes shut so it should be a while before it dries out.


What do you think of cream eye shadows? Have you tried any of Chanel Illusion d'Ombres? 

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?