The Sunday Post, Vol. 34...

Long time no see!!!

To answer my buddy Melissa's tweet this week, no, I haven't gone all MIA again!

Unlike last September this absence was totally unplanned. Oh how easy it was to blog when I was able to do it full time! These days I got full time work (which by the way has gotten real crazy this week), a daughter, cooking, "cleaning" (I ain't doin' too good with that part), a dog. a cat and a Mr J (I think I'm doin' good with that part)!

The result? Many posts written but sadly, of poor quality so most won't be published! I'll just have to re-write them. Then there's the "taking pictures" issue which is a big one! The lighting in my house is so bad it hurts and for a makeup blog it's a major handicap. Outside is not much better since I just can't seem to be able to get the sun on my side during week ends (only then do I have time to take them). I need a light box desperately and just don't know when I'll be able to whip one up. There are many tutorials out there including this one here, which doesn't require any nails or paint. Now to find a collapsing laundry bag in white! Hmm... Might ask Mr J if he could figure something out for me...

Christmas is coming...

*SCREAMS*

This bit I just can't believe! Tempus fugit so fast my head is spinning... Really it is! It will be a quiet affair but this year there might be a Christmas tree in the house again but that's if Catherine and Mr J come to an understanding. I am not getting involved... not even for the lights! There! I may bake cookies and that's all I'm gonna say bout it!

Recent beauty love...

Well there are several (as mentioned a few times already) and several haven't been reviewed yet... erm some of them are amongst the ones I pointed out that will not be published, they'll simply have to be redone so for now I'll just show you my last little wallet damage that I instagrammed recently and I guess you can see what I mean by bad lighting...

Repurchased are my beloved Rouge Dior in Charnelle #459 along with Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, Caudalie Huile Divine and NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base. Oh yes there is Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noire in there isn't there? Who would have thunk? I just didn't have any other option than to get a full size of the eau de parfum since I've ended up emptying so many samples... It totally grew on me and so I'll get my Cherry Coke fix on a regular basis...

For your viewing enjoyment...

Chanel Christmas 2014, Les Plumes makeup. Now I'll admit that nothing in this collection is calling my name but the promo video is positively stunning!!!

Ok so this was a quickie Sunday Post! Sorry bout that, I feel a little rusty writing but just like Mr J texted me, it would seem it's like riding a bike. Guess I got a lil' ridin' to do!

Do have a look a my buddy Melissa's blog, Kiss and Makeup, she's a riot...

Love you girl! :D

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

The PowderPuff Girl Question N° 7...

How important are packaging and presentation when you purchase a lipstick?

For me? Real important! Now of course the formula has to be good otherwise what would be the point? Still a good formula in a meh casing won't last with me, I'll just get bored!

Taking out a good looking lipstick from my purse makes me feel good, it's like a pick me up! Hey my first lipstick ever was a Dior. Most of you are too young to remember but mine was the white with navy details and the color was a frosty bubble gum pink. What can I say, it was in at the time and I was about 19 so I guess it was all good! :)

In July, in one of my Sunday Post I mentioned making my friend purchase Dior Nude Blush #459 Charnelle. Well, as soon as she was done at the cash register she got straight to a mirror with the intention of putting it on right there! Ok I do get that but, and this is the big one, she was about to do it without taking the time, the time to admire the beautiful cannage pattern on the casing and the stunning bullet adorned with the iconic CD!!!

I'm sorry but I just had to STOP her!

I know my reaction made her smile inside but what can I say, a new beautiful lipstick brings me such pleasure that I guess I wanted her to start feeling the same. You see we're all just so busy doing and buying things for others (I'm looking at you Catherine!), the way I see it, getting a new beautiful lipstick is for us, just for us. A little tiny moment of joy that can be replicated every time we put in on and I don't think it's a beauty blogger thing since I've always felt like this.

Oh and by the way, there are some beautiful options at the drugstore so this is not about price, not one bit. I just happen to mention Dior because of that first purchase and I guess you could say it's been a long lasting love affair that was reignited last year, the formula being as good as ever.

So, do you take the time to admire that new lipstick or are you the type to just pay and rush to a mirror to put it on? Now I know many of you are beauty bloggers and so do wait to take pictures before having a go but if you were not, what kind of "new lipstick buyer" would you be?

Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Tonka Impériale...

My first! My very first Guerlain lipstick!

In my 20s Guerlain's makeup wasn't that attractive to me and I admit, I was a little puzzled by the Terracotta like, why would anyone use a powder to fake a tan?

Erm, I guess I was a little clueless! To think that now I just can't live without bronzer!

As for lipstick, it's always been Dior and Chanel with a little Lancôme and some Estée Lauder. For about ten years now I've strayed but I'm slowly getting my lipstick mojo back! Got a few Dior, a Givenchy, lusting over a Chanel but my most recent purchase is a Guerlain...

Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Tonka Impériale...

This may not have been the best choice for my first Rouge Automatique because in all honesty the color is a little frosty for my taste but I must say that I'm enjoying the formula a lot and it's the perfect no-mirror-required lipstick! On the sheer side it still leaves enough color to bring life to my lips but if you have a dark pout to begin with you may want to skip that one because all you'll probably get is the shimmer. Mine are medium tinted and so Tonka Impériale gives them just enough kick to look more "polished".

The bullet is a beautiful shimmery bronze reminiscent of some special editions Terracotta releases and what I like about it is on my lips it does pull a little plum which is what I was hoping would happen with La Laque Couleur in Tonka Impériale... *sniff* :(  I reviewed it, here.

About the name, what are tonka beans you ask?

Tonka beans are the seeds of Dipteryx odorata, a tree native to northern South America. The inch-long, black, wrinkly seed has a hard shell, but when grated on a Microplane, it smells sweetly like vanilla, for which it's sometimes used as a substitute, and almonds. (Tonkas also lend that sweet smell to perfume and pipe tobacco.) Though popular in other countries, in the United States tonka beans cannot be used in food, because they contain coumarin, an anticoagulant that can be toxic in large doses.

Image and text from The Perfect Pantry.

Now I definitely have to make a special stop and sample this...

Here is Guerlain's description...

Tonka Impériale is well-named indeed: a subtle blend of balmy scents, rich in contrasting facets, with accents of honey, gingerbread, almond and tobacco. An astonishing construction that blows hot and cold between the uplifting top notes and the sweet, pervasive fullness of tonka bean. Alluring and surprising, this cult ingredient gives the fragrance a rare and memorable personality. 

I do think this would be lovely in winter when one wants to feel all comfy and warm! Oh and by the way it's one of  Sara's from Color me Loud favorites! Have a look at what she had to say about Tonka Impériale in both it's lipstick and nail polish form, here.

Bottom line...

Although I do like the formula a lot, Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Tonka Impérial is not what I would call a must have. The color is a little old school like "been there done that" with it's frosty finish but I think that if you enjoy getting a bit of a tan in the summer this would be an easy no fuss lipstick to own. As mentioned there's a Chanel lipstick that's been calling my name recently but I know that I'll be getting more Guerlain, I just know because it's that nice to wear!

Have you tried Guerlain's Rouge Automatique formula? Which color is your favorite? 

Lise Watier Sparkle of Hope Gloss...

So funny!

Yesterday at work was pretty busy for a Friday! Still, when things get too crazy I tend to find cracks to have fun and make situations not as heavy as they actually are. What can I say, it's my nature! As much as I can be a real b**** sometimes in real life, at works I have to make light of certain situations otherwise it would get way too heavy and considering the time I spend there, well, this is how I keep my sanity!

During the afternoon, one of my colleagues had a fit of laughter! Too busy to inquire about the cause of the hilarity, I heard another say "You must show this to Hélène!"... Hmm... I was really intrigued but then forgot about it because I had to concentrate and get back to what I was doing. An hour or so later I learnt why! My co-worker, who's birthday it was, had received a lip gloss as a gift from a friend but not just any lip gloss, one with a light!

Lise Watier Sparkle of Hope Gloss...

My work friend who coincidentally shares the same first name as Madame Watier, graciously gave me permission to take pictures of it. Lovely packaging, just lovely! I didn't swatch it of course but the texture seemed really nice and not too thin, transparent with shiny silver sparkles. The kind of gloss one wears over a lipstick to give it light...

Now about that light...

When you unscrew the cap, there it is! Notice how it almost seems to come from the gloss itself? This little trickery can also be found in Lise Watier's regular line up of glosses, Haute Couleur Lip Lacquer as well as with their nail polishes. I know the light thing is nothing new but...

What makes this one special? The cause!

I love this and guess what? Since I'm not much into glosses these days I plan on picking up the lipstick...

The name, Rose Tendresse is so appropriate and the price quite reasonable. Plus it'll be an opportunity for me to finally try one of Watier's lipsticks after so many years... It'll be a win win situation, getting a new lipstick with portions of the profits* going towards great programs.

To visit the foundation's web page, just click on the picture!

Isn't it great when companies give back? :)



*I wasn't able to find out just exactly how much of the profits go toward the foundation. 

Oh look at all my goodies...

Quick post but I just had to share! Last Friday I went on a little shopping spree!!!

Ok a big one according to my wallet but hey, this was for both my birthday which was last month and Mother's Day. I purchased three more blouses and now will be on the hunt for some Capri pants and one or two pairs of shoes. Once I find these I'll be good for summer! :)

Here are the beauty goodies I got...

Sorry about the quality of the picture but I had little time and really, really wanted to show you! If you follow me on Instagram, here, then you've seen these already.

Diptyque Do Sun solid perfume (yes we have Diptyque at Ogilvy which is much closer to me than Holt Renfrew). This was a real unpredicted spur of the moment splurge!

Voluspa candle which is rosy divine! Here you see the top of the box.

Guerlain Rouge Automatique, a nail polish and a La Petite Robe Noire sample (did I mention the SAs at my Gerlain counter were just great?). Would you believe this is my first ever Guerlain lippie? Woot!

Two The Balm eye shadows and a gloss all at an amazing price! This was a great opportunity to try some of this brand's offerings.

A box of Hello Kitty bandages!

*Happy Dance*

I rarely go for so many items at the same time and I must admit, I felt a little guilty but hey, it was for both my birthday and Mother's Day as mentioned.

About the Hello Kitty bandages... Catherine thought I was nuts getting these but as I explained to her, I'd much rather have these on my feet (reason why I just had to stop by a drugstore to purchase because they were hurting bad from all the walking) than some ugly beige plastic or pseudo fabric strips. They look cute and go so nicely with Chanel Le Vernis in Coup de Coeur which is my second pedi color of the season! :)


What do you think of whimsical bandages? Like or no like?


If you're on Instagram, leave me your link so I can stalk follow you. :)

Maybelline New York Color Elixir...

Recently at the drugstore I stumbled upon a new display of these little beauties! I've been looking at pink shades for lips more and more but before going for that high end lippie that will take me back $40.00, I figured I would start with less expensive options, for the colors, to see if I would really wear pink again. Seeing these I figured why not give them a try?

Maybelline New York Color Elixir by Color Sensational...

Twenty shades in all, these go along the new trend of hybrid lip products that are popping up everywhere. The Maybelline version is said to have a trio of concentrates to deliver color, care and shine. These apparently came out last November but for some reason I had never seen them in Montreal until now.

The colors... 

I chose Captivating Carnation #080, a pretty bright pink that pulls a little coral on my lips and Mauve Mystique #025, which appears like a deep berry in the container but for some reason looks more like a mauvish lilac on my lips. Neither are saturated but they go on smoothly and the colors can be built up but high saturation doesn't last that long on me because I tend to rub my lips a lot with this type of formula.

Ok guys, look at those colors... WHAT'S HAPPENING TO ME???

You do know I'm a NUDE lippie girl don't ya?

The formula...

More sheer than a liquid lipstick, not as sticky as a gloss and a little more "there" than a balm is how I would describe them. These will last a few hours but will not resist a meal. They are very comfortable to wear and their textures remind me of Clarins Lip Perfectors (if you go have a look at the first phrase of that post you'll see why I think I've flipped!), the only products I own I could compare them with, but with more color. Sadly they don't have the same lovely caramel/chocolaty taste. I couldn't quite put my finger on what they tasted like so I had a peek at reviews on Makeup Alley and one reviewer had the perfect description. These have a floral, almost laundry soap kind of taste that I just don't get and it lasts a little too long for me. The weird thing is that when you take the applicator out of the container, these smell like vanilla! That I could have lived with.

As you can see the colors are way more saturated than my beloved 

Clarins Lip Perfector in Candy Shimmer on the right.

A few hours of wear, first the shine goes and then the color but it disappears evenly even with the darker Mauve Mystique.

The applicator is a little flimsy and honestly they could have gone with a classic doe foot type but I guess this one makes the product more in tune with the times. Sometimes I wonder if companies are trying to reinvent the wheel! :)

Do I recommend Maybelline New York Color Elixir? Yes...

If you can get past the taste (I'm having a hard time to but I know some don't really notice it), these have a lovely formula and you can get three for the price of one high end lipstick. Great to try colors your not sure you would wear on a regular basis.

What annoys me the most about drugstore brands...

The sticky tape they use to keep people from opening the products is such a pain to remove!!! The fact that their offerings are box less for the most part is what makes these less expensive and I do get it but how many times have I gotten to finally use the product only to still have either tape or glue traces on the packaging oh and good luck in removing those traces. In some cases oil works but sometimes it doesn't. I don't mind much for a concealer but for a lip product that can be taken out of one's purse in public, me no likey!

Notice the nice traces of tape on the caps! Grrr!

What do you dislike most about drugstore brands?

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick...

Do I need more lipsticks? Oh yes I do! So many brands, so many beautiful colors, I definitely need more!

The piece of plastic is to protect the ribbon that one holds 

to take the lipstick out of it's beautiful sleek case.

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick in Secret Pink #03...

My first lippy from this brand and I'm afraid it won't be my last! Recently I was roaming through Sephora and decided I needed a little pick me up. It was so cold that day I just had to get something to remind me that spring is coming... It's been so cold in Montréal, crazy!

Look at how pretty is it! So elegant and classic!

In case you didn't know, Rouge Interdit means forbidden red! Interdit! Mon oeil! 

The color...

Secret Pink #3 is described as a muted coral but on my lips it pulls more pink, a very nice light pink. Looking at the bullet one would think it's pretty similar to my last Rouge Dior purchase, Nude Lip Blush #459 Charnelle but it's brighter which was exactly what I needed.

It may not be that evident but the light pigments are in there!

Brighter but not flashy in any way. The finish is just amazing and is in part due to the most delicate light reflecting pigments. There's no shimmer, no glitter but there's light! If you find that matte is too flat for you and are looking for an alternative to creamy finishes, this lipstick may just be calling your name. I know that I love the effect every time I put it on. Although Secret Pink is on the light side, it requires a mirror for application unlike Dior Charnelle which is more sheer.

Natural daylight although on the right my skin looks warmer.

Givenchy Secret Pink, on the left is a nice coral pink but as I've said it pulls more pink on my skin. On the swatches above (one pass) you can see the difference with Rouge Dior in Charnelle on the right which appears almost brown next to it. Can you see why it's been the perfect pick me up? :)

The formula...

Thicker and more pigmented than Dior and so one has to have tip top lips to wear this formula otherwise it picks up on dry patches. It goes on smoothly and feels like creamy goodness! Givenchy Secret Pink lasts a good three hours and on days where I'm not working, fades evenly. On work days it's another matter, by the end of the morning I end up with a wonky line on the inner rim of my bottom lip (this also happens to me with Rouge Dior in Grège). Why the difference you ask? I talk a lot during the day and always have a bottle of water within reach. This is a bad combo for a creamy lipstick.

Do I recommend you run to your Givenchy counter for a Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick? Yes, but...

I love both the color and formula but and this is a big one, as mentioned, your lips have to be perfectly smooth because it can look unfaltering. This thicker formula will pick up any dry patches and although it does feel super creamy it's not more moisturizing per say and on some days I've had to apply a little lip balm mid day.

Look at the pretty duo...

My little Givenchy Le Prisme Visage compact is very happy to have a new friend. Can I say it's a real pleasure to take these out of my purse!

Now I feel I must have a few more compacts to go with my lipsticks, what do you think, Dior next?

What was the latest little pick me up you got to chase away the blues of winter?

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush in #459 Charnelle...

Recently I brought you a review of Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush in #683 Esquisse and already I had my eye on another. I love Esquisse but it's an almost bright color, not really a nude and so I'm not comfortable wearing it everyday. Rouge Dior Grège 1947 is still a favorite but it's more on the beige side and not very moisturizing even with it's slippy formula. I wanted a slightly more pink nude!

Presenting my first favorite of the year...

... Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush in #459 Charnelle...

Oh how I love thee!

Again, the beautiful house of Dior cannage pattern and although 

you can't see it on this picture, Dior is embossed on the bullet.

Look at that elegant jeweled detail!

The perfect every day color for my skin tone which doesn't make my lips disappear! When you think of it, the idea of "my lips but better" is a bit silly. Why would we want that instead of a burst of color? Well, to put it simply, it's not always appropriate to have bright or dark vampy lips in daytime. I personally much prefer to put emphasis on my eyes and since most days I opt for dark eyes I can't reach for a lipstick color that would make me look like I'm wearing a lot of makeup.

There needs to be a balance. Light eyes, dark lips, dark eyes, light lips. That's my motto.

I do like the nude lip fab but not everyone can pull it off. There's a fine line between a nude lip and a disappearing pout! It can look gorgeous on pictures with the right lighting but in real life it's not always flattering. A little color is needed and whether it pulls on the warm or cold side totally depends on personal preferences and/or skin tone.

For the every day go with everything "nude" I say try to find one that will complement your skin tone. Believe me, it'll truly go with everything!

Esquisse, Grège 1947 and Charnelle.

I found mine and it now they have a permanent place in my purse!

Charnelle is a soft warm pink that pulls one tone darker than Grège 147 on my lips and since it has a little more pink it looks more natural with my skin tone. They are very similar so you may not need both but on my lips I do see a difference and I'm glad to have them.

Esquisse, Grège 1947 and Charnelle.

I think the difference between Grège 1947 and Charnelle is apparent on the swatches above. Both would suit light to medium skin tones. I find that when I wear a little more bronzer the first works best but the second is the most natural for my carnation and it truly enhances my lips which have good pigmentation to begin with.

That's the thing with "nudes", one has to be careful not to go too much lighter than the natural lip color. That's when it somehow starts to look not so flattering.

The formula is identical to Esquisse and so doesn't last quite as long as the regular Rouge Dior. I'd say about three hours leaving a light even tint behind. The Dior claim about plumping? Well it does none of that for me but I don't mind since I didn't buy it for this. I bought it for the color and the fact that it keeps my lips moisturised and comfortable all day especially when it's super cold out.


About the Dior Nude Lip Blush range...

I spoke to two different Dior ladies and both told me that it was here to stay. Rouge Dior Grège 1947 did start as a Nude Lip Blush but was relaunched last fall to complement Dior Vernis Nuit 1947 and thus became a Rouge Dior.


Do you own a good nude lipstick? If so, which is your favorite?

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? 

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush, Esquisse...

This little beauty was purchased back in November, I think! Well not long after getting my beloved Rouge Dior Grège 1947. I so fell in love with the formula of Rouge Dior that I had to go and get a few more almost on the spot! I must say that Dior was my favorite formula ages ago and I'm glad to say this new incarnation doesn't disappoint. I purchased two more barely a week after Grège but realised once home that they were different.

Rouge Dior Nude Couleur Blush Voluptuous Care...

The packaging is stunning with its luxurious house of Dior cannage pattern and jeweled CD on top. On the bullet itself there is of course the Dior name embossed. Such a decadent treat!

The formula...

Described as a rich and creamy balm it's an extremely comfortable formula. Meant to plump, smooth and hydrate lips to create a beautiful elegant finish with a light illuminating effect.

In other words, it's more than a lipstick and it's more than a balm. It truly is both!

663 Esquisse...

Given the fact that it's a little darker than what I usually wear it took me a while to warm up to it.

Baby steps, baby steps... It's finally getting some love! In fact, in the past two weeks I've found myself reaching for it often.

A lovely warm berry that's a step above the usual "my lips but better" look for me. More than flattering, it's the perfect complement to a more natural eye look. On the picture it looks much darker than in real life and it's also not quite as pink, it's a little more warm than cool. It truly is a pretty color, suitable to many carnations.

On the left one pass, on the right, two.

Here is the best I could do for swatches (I know, blurry!). The difference between the two pictures is on the left, the lighting is slightly brighter. I've seen this color described as sheer! Well it ain't that sheer as you can see. It feels buttery and soft but for a lip treatment it's got nice color payoff and excellent wear time. I'd say I get a good three if not four hours of color and even when the moisturizing feel is gone there is still a nice natural stain on my lips. It fades evenly and unlike Grège 1947, it doesn't leave a wonky line on the inner rim of my lower lip. As for the plumping effect claims, well there isn't much of that but then it would have to sting and irritate a little which it doesn't. It's a very comfortable formula and that's what counts for me.

Love!!!

There seems to be five colors in all in Rouge Dior Nude Couleur Blush Voluptuous Care...

#123 Trompe L'Oeil
#319 Trench
#459 Charnelle
#618 Twill
#683 Esquisse

A little confusing is that I've seen on some sites Grège 1947 as part of this range but as you know I do own it and mine is a Rouge Dior.

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush are for me worth the splurge. So comfortable with such a lovely finish, I mean next pay day, why not treat yourself to a little something that will make you feel special every time you use it?

I got my eye on #459 Charnelle next...


Have you seen/tried this incarnation of Rouge Dior?

NARS Dolce Vita...

Ah la Dolce Vita!

I dream of this! To be able to do what I want when I want would be a dream but sadly I live in the real world so I guess I'll settle for a lazy Sunday and a lipstick!

NARS Dolce Vita...

Given NARS tendency to stick with cinematic and artistic themes, I would think the name refers to Federico Fellini's 1960 movie La Dolce Vita but I won't go there since I get the feeling that it's been written about already. Still, I'm quite sure this lipstick would have been stunning on Anouk Aimée. :)

Dolce Vita is another gorgeous "my lips but better" color! Creamy, it feels like a balm, fades evenly and doesn't enhance dry spots due to its light pigments. A medium dusty rose that appears darker on the bullet, Dolce Vita is sheer with some slip which means that it lasts about two hours but fades evenly and leaves a light stain on the lips. It's just perfect for this time of year and I love the fact that I can swipe it on without a mirror.

This little NARS beauty has found a permanent residence in my purse along with Rouge Dior Grège 1947 which pulls a little more coral on me. Not as "pink" nor as pigmented as NARS Tolède, Dolce Vita is a nice seasonal "replacement". Tolède with its long wear formula remains a favorite but it has a matte finish which means it's slightly drying and wearing a balm under alters the look I love so much so that's not an option.

I was looking for a similar shade with a more moisturizing feel and Dolce Vita is perfect! Sooo comfortable to wear! It's no wonder it was voted "Best Overall Lipstick" by InStyle in 2011. I'm not a fan of magazines "best of" lists but this time I do agree and there's also the fact that it suitable for most skin tones. Tasteless, with antioxidants and a blend of conditioners, you can definitely feel it's moisturizing effect. Truly a perfect winter time lipstick!

Do you find you use different lipstick formulas in winter?

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?