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 erm some of them are amongst the ones I pointed out that will not be published, they'll simply have to be redone so for now I'll just show you my last little wallet damage that I instagrammed recently and I guess you can see what I mean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...
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...
Fall sadly, is definitely at the door with the weather slightly cooling and kids of all ages getting ready to hit classrooms everywhere. Catherine got her class schedule on Friday and she was pretty happy about the fact that she got the science class she wanted. A few notebooks and a new backpack were all she needed... feww!!! Erm... Of course there are other essentials that will have to be purchased but nothing too crazy.
My posting schedule may become even more erratic due to the fact that something real unpleasant happened today to me personally, it's not work related. Just as I was catching up on blogs and was about to take the time to respond to all your comments of the past two weeks I find myself having to deal with a huge task. Just as I was starting to think things couldn't get any worse they did. Call it remnants of André's passing (for those who don't know read the about me tab). I don't know how I'm going to get through that one but I guess I have no choice in the matter, again.
This week's makeup love...
Well, it's been Laura Mercier Caviar stick in Amethyst all week!!! Love the color which reminds me a little of Chanel Illusion d'Ombre in Fatal but with no glitter. It is on the shimmery side and if applied dark can appear metallic but swatching it on your hand is definitely not the same as wearing it. A year ago I wouldn't have looked at it twice but now I'm really glad I took the plunge. I've been wearing it with Bobbi Brown Caviar Ink gel liner and I've even used a little gold from my Illamasqua palette for extra glam... Imagine that, me going metal crazy!
Since I've been doing more of a dark smokey eye look I've been keeping the rest of my face pretty neutral with my faithful Guerlain Terracotta and NARS Dolce Vita for lips.
Fingernails have been happy this week with Dior Glow and I think they will continue to enjoy it for a while since now both my index fingernails are in pretty bad shape. That's the price to pay for wearing colors non stop for two years! :(
What I have my eyes on...
While on the subject of nails, I'm still considering Chanel Le Vernis in Atmosphère for a lite shimmer since I can't really do dark at the moment and I have to admit none of the new nail polish collections are really calling my name. Dior and Chanel are on the boring side for me (except for the one mentioned) and so is YSL. I haven't seen Guerlain and in fact, being a little out of the loop at the moment I don't even know if they have new nail colors for fall. Last year they had the smashing Madame Batifole which I enjoyed a lot with an amazing formula. My guess is once the Back to School craziness is behind me it'll be all about eye shadow palettes and a few lipsticks.
For your viewing enjoyment...
Want the perfect pout? Have a look at this simple NARS tutorial for how to get that perfect red lip or any color for that matter. Using a lip crayon as a base not only gives more depth but also helps with long wear. After Rouge Dior, NARS lipsticks are my favorites (Tolède and Dolce Vita are HG of mine) and they've just launched a new range of fabulous colors called Audacious. I have my eyes on Brigitte and Juliette. They should be available at counters on September 1st and you can see them on NARS' website, here.
Now here's a bit of music for you... I've seen if first on Color Me Loud when Sara reviewed the new Guerlain Kiss Kiss lipsticks and this morning on Kiss & Make-up where Melissa created a beautiful Black & Gold eye look. Never heard of it before and it's been out since 2008, got a Grammy in 2009! After seeing it twice this week it's now stuck in my head! Oh and the dude is Australian. No clue as to why I'd never heard this song before! Read Sara's post, here and Melissa's, here.
Warning, this is a long one! Better go grab another cup of coffee or tea and make yourself comfortable! :)
Oh how I needed this little break...
My lazy week is almost done and so it's back to work tomorrow... We didn't go anywhere and that was fine by me. It was a slow moving week during which I did a little house cleaning, a little blogging, a little makeup experimenting, went to the movies, to the museum and... we had haircuts!
Wednesday I took my girl to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for a special treat! Fabergé*! This was her first visit to the museum where I spent so much time while at university and for the life of me I don't know why it took so long for me to take her. It was also her first viewing of a themed exhibit and what a delight!
Fabulous Fabergé Jeweller to the Czars**...
One quick note, I was pleasantly surprised by the fact that the museum aloud visitors to photograph these wonderful artworks. This was a first for me because back in the day it was strongly forbidden. I felt weird using my phone and took most of the pictures in haste, I almost felt like a thief.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with Fabergé and his workshop, know that it's history is intrinsically linked with that of the Russian Imperial family, notably tsar Alexander III and his son Nicholas II and as the Russian Revolution ended the Romanovs rule it also took possession of the Fabergé house. The eggs are its most famous creations but Fabergé also created fabulous jewellery as well as numerous every day items all worthy of any royal family. From silverware, glassware, playing cards boxes to cigarette cases all adorned with pearls, precious stones, gold and silver often deposited on a beautifully colored enamel support.
Here is a stunning example with a beautiful Compote...
Compote (about 1914-1917)
Fabergé workshop, Moscow
Silver, cut glass
The Tsarevich Egg was probably Catherine's favorite piece and notice on the background of the picture... That's her! This was not planned and when she saw it she was a little annoyed but she agreed to let me show it to you. Notice how her cheek is glued to the audio-guide. I love it!
The story behind this egg is quite touching. Alexei the young prince, was born with hemophilia and so was practically kept in a bubble preventing him from playing like any regular boy would and it was thought he would die from it. Once, everyone believed his final hour had come and so a death certificate was drawn. Fabergé who was one of the few aware of the tsarevich' condition, created the egg for Czarina Alexandra Fyodorovna to commemorate the miracle of her son's survival.
Each Fabergé Egg contains a surprise and below you can see the Tsarevich Egg's surprise, a miniature frame with a picture of the young Alexei at age 9.
Surprise: platinum, lapis lazuli, diamonds, rock crystal, watercolor, ivory
One of my favorite pieces, the Elephant Box which had such lovely details and notice the soft rounded lines. What struck me here is the trunk of the animal, it's down. This is something we rarely see since usually elephants are represented with their trunks up, to bring one good luck. Given the fate of the imperial family who was murdered in Yekaterinburg in 1919... I don't want to give objects special powers but it's what popped into my mind when I saw it.
Elephant Box, (before 1899)
Mikhail Perkhin (workmaster)
Nephrite, ivory, gold, silver, rubies and diamonds
Here is my ultimate favorite piece, the Pelican Egg. Most Fabergé eggs open to reveal a surprise which can be displayed next to it. Here the egg opens up to reveal a series of height miniature oval frames which can be seen below. Looking at the egg up close it's hard to see where it opens. The smoothness of the surface and the intricate details are so perfect that I just couldn't figure it out and believe me I looked at it and looked at it...
Adorned with a beautiful miniature Pelican feeding it's young the surprise is these beautiful miniatures on ivory of the different orphanages or schools for which Dowager Impress Maria Fedorovna was a patroness.
Of course there was the mandatory exhibit related merchandise in a specially set up boutique with lovely offerings. Below is what I would have loved to get had there been a more affordable option...
Beautiful Matryoshka dolls and yes, the price was $985.00! :(
I had a great evening with my girl and after our museum visit I took her to Dunn's a Montréal landmark for a smoked meat sandwish... She had a burger! Sacrilege! Oh well, maybe if I take her to Reuben's next time she'll cave in. :)
If ever you visit Montréal this is a must stop, really it is!
Catherine and I had haircuts on Thursday! We both went from mid back to shoulder length!
Cat looks absolutely gorgeous! I'd been wanting this style for her for the longest time (almost two years I think) and finally this week she agreed! No more crooked pony tails that in a way made her look bland. Now she looks like a beautiful polished 15 yrs old girl. I'm very proud of the fact that she's self assured and confident which shows in her walk. Quite surprising in a girl her age but I guess she gets that from her dad. He would have been so proud seeing her with what he would have called "les petits cheveux" (short hair).
As for me, I wanted a longish bob but it turned out shorter than I expected. I honestly feel a little lost without my long mane but since I had a lot of breakage it's all good and it will grow back. I was blessed with thick strong hair that grows fast (I do my hair color every three weeks!) so it should look the way I want by mid October. Since the weather was capricious on that day (rain, sun, rain...) I decided to embrace the curls and my hairdresser showed me how to go natural without the frizz. I loved it so I intend to repeat. I posted a selfie on Inatagram, here. When I showed the picture to Catherine she said I was becoming a selfie addict... I think not. It was just to give you an idea of the hair. :)
New hair, new makeup...
To go with the easy looking curly hair I've decided to try a "no makeup makeup look" that actually takes me five minutes to do!!! I had the hardest time yesterday taking pictures. I don't know what's wrong with me but I can't seem to be able to get the correct colors. Both the Bobbi Brown palette and Tarte blush are lighter in real life.
Base is with my Dior BB, Rimmel concealer, The Body Shop's Honey bronzer in 02, NARS Laguna bronzer and Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Natural Beauty. For the eyes from Bobby Brown Navy & Nude palette I use Twilight Pink on the lids define the outer corners with Slate and use Cement on upper lids (you can see this will likely be a repurchase) you can see these colors in a better light, here. Two coats of mascara, done! No liner!!!
I went from a thick line of black last week to no liner these past few days!!! I think I'm loosing my marbles but I like it, I really like it!
Oh and NARS Dolce Vita on the lips!
For your viewing enjoyment...
A better look at some of the Fabergé pieces Catherine and I were able to admire with a little historical background. I didn't post any pictures of it but we did get to see the Red Cross Egg with the miniatures of the grand duchesses. Catherine liked that one a lot once I made her notice the beauty of the finish. I also have more pictures on Instagram, posted just before the hair cut. :)
Tomorrow, back to work! *Le Sigh* Oh well, at least now I'll have a more normal schedule which will make a world of difference.
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?
On Wednesday morning I had to take Catherine to an important registration and so we went to my bank first to get a replacement. Two ladies, one in training the other the trainer were at the counter. I explained to them I had no time for any training process for I was in a big hurry. The bank opened only at 9:30, I had to get to the registration thing and start work at 12:00! Did they comply? What should have taken 10 minutes took 30!!!
To the registration we went... by the time we got there, there were already about one hundred people ahead of us! One hour later we finally got to sit in front of a nice lady to do our thing. When came time to pay... my card was REFUSED!!! The pin number didn't work!
The frustration, they didn't accept cash which I had way enough of on me. It was either debit card or certified check!!!
Back to my bank we went! Good thing it took over half an hour because heads would have rolled. I was ready to take the whole building down, that's how angry I was!
I was able to calm down (a little) by the time we got there and I ended up with a male clerk. I'm tellin' ya, that bank is in big trouble!!! It took another half hour to have another card made and make sure my pin number was set up correctly! That guy was really, I mean really clueless! When I asked for a certified check (there was no way I was going back to the registration given the time) he had a blank look in his eyes!
I think when all was done it was 1:20 (remember I had gotten to the bank at 9:30 that morning!) so I sent Catherine on her way for the registration (she got lost 2x!) and I went to work. I entered my office at 2:20 pm!!! People thought I was going to be a no show for the day!
Oh by the way, I forgot to mention that I woke at 3:30 am that morning and was unable to get back to sleep! By the time I got to work I already had a long day in me!
Oh lordy! Gimme a minute here, I'm feeling all tired again! *goes for another cup of coffee*
This week's makeup love...
Given the fact that the first half of my week felt like I had been sent to hell, I didn't really do anything different so it's getting real boring. It was the same old Clinique palette with Diorshow mono in Velvet. I did try the Guerlain look I posted last week, here, but it was a fiasco! I had used my NARS primer but for some reason the somewhat smokey look didn't take and my lashes didn't hold the curl so I kinda looked makeupless!
This means that although I mentioned last week I wasn't going to look for another mascara, well, I'm going back on my word. I just can't stand it anymore. I purchased one Friday and so far so good but I'll wait a few weeks before declaring my love to it... now that of course is if it is love! :)
Although I'm still using NARS Laguna bronzer almost everyday I did give this baby a try this week...
Terra Inca Sublime Radiant Powder, from summer 2011
Gorgeous isn't it? I believe it will keep it's pattern for a good while since I have to apply it with a light hand. It has a lot of shimmer and so I use very little over my Terracotta 01 for a little extra glow.
What I have my eyes on...
Nothin', nada! Trying to stick to my no/low buy for now and so I'm avoiding temptations by not going into stores. Erm... I have been considering a crock pot but that's not makeup related! :D
For your viewing enjoyment...
Sorry but this week my choice is not beauty related. Based on a series of books I read several years ago that came highly recommended by my friend Nico... In fact I think it took me two years before I finally read the first one, the trailer for the series...
Outlander...
If you haven't read them and like adventure/historical/love novels, go get the first, now!!! You'll have plenty of time to read it before the series starts. It's fun, a romantic fantasy that's a little overdone at times but then I guess if it wasn't it wouldn't be that fun now would it? Oh almost forgot, they were written by Diana Gabaldon and the fist book is called Outlander although I've heard it may also be titled Voyager.
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?
Buying a new concealer is boring! Well it is to me!
I'm not a fan, not at all and I've been using one since I was about 15 years old! Gah!!! Why did I even bother back then, I had perfect skin! I guess I have my best friend to blame for that (yes you Nico!). When I saw her use her little stick of light beige cream I just thought it was so cool that I just I had to get me one. There was no turning back! If I remember correctly that first one was from Maybelline.
Through the years there have been many, many, many... The ones I've repurchased the most were from Clinique and Estée Lauder. I loved the creamy formula with the doe foot applicator. In recent years the formulas seem to have changed and so the last ones I purchased from either companies weren't performing as well as they used to. Or maybe it was just my skin getting older and showing its unhappiness...
Although I've used several high end brands my favorite of the past few years...
Rimmel March Perfection!
The super el cheapo brand makes one good concealer but the latest tube I purchased (after having looked for one for weeks because every drugstore in Montreal appeared to be out!) seemed to be sheerer than before. Could be just me and my "getting older" under eye area but for some reason it didn't conceal as well as before. Do know I don't have dark circles and it's mainly to even out. I was a little disappointed and figured this meant I would have to go on a quest, a quest to replace it, to find another HG. :(
Then came Sunny (mostlysunnyblog) to the rescue with her super amazing idea!
Using a primer under the concealer! Why didn't I think of that? *smacks head*
The two primers I had on hand were NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base which I found a little thick for the under eye area and a small size of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer which turned out to be perfect! I know it's suppose to be used on face but it wasn't doing much for me and it was dying in my makeup case so why not give it a try?
So now my new routine is, Hourglass primer, Rimmel concealer and a light dusting of Marcelle Pressed Powder with a fan brush. Done! The picture below is from my Instagram feed.
Rimmel has three concealers, Hide The Blemish Concealer in a traditional stick form which I haven't tried. Wake Me Up Concealer, a cream with a doe foot applicator reminiscent of the ones I used to like and Match Perfection Concealer presented in a long tube with a brush at the end.
I found both Wake Me Up and Match Perfection to be quite similar, almost interchangeable (Wake Me Up is slightly more moisturizing) so the choice between the two depends on the type of presentation you prefer and I do believe they've improved on Match Perfection by adding air in the tube so you don't have to press for ages to get product out. That was what I found most annoying with my first tube reviewed, here. Over my Hourglass primer it doesn't dry as fast so I have more time for a smooth application and also it's more opaque and covers better than without.
Rimmel London Match Perfection concealer is often on special in drugstores and there are times when it's hard to find. I guess I'm not the only one liking it and the same goes for Wake Me Up. Even at their respective regular price which is under $10.00, they are a good deals and I doubt at this point that I'll go back to expensive brands. Ok I may for blogging research but not having a blog I'd be quite satisfied with either.
I don't have many drugstore HG anymore but this one remains and I think that as long as they make it I'll own one.
Is there a drugstore item that you've repurchased again and again and again... ?
After having lost my bank card on Friday I had no other choice than to stop by a branch to withdraw money. I called ahead of time to inquire about opening a new account to get a card faster to avoid having to carry a lot of cash but apparently these days you must make an appointment to do that and their book was full!!! I still went to the branch and ended up waiting 45 minutes!!! There were two bank clerks and about fifteen people waiting. Taking a number and having to sit and wait felt as if I was at the DMV!!!
Let's just say I'll make sure not to ever lose my bank card again!
This week's makeup love...
Let's make it different and go for what I keep in my purse these days...
Diptyque Do Son, Chanel Les Beiges N°10, Shiseido Sun Protection Compact, Clarins Éclat Minute in 05 Candy Shimmer, NARS Tolède and Rikugien, Guerlain Rouge Automatique in Tonka Impériale, Rouge Dior in Charnelle. Now there's also a small beat up sample size bottle of Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse (oh how I wish Nuxe made a nice small size like Caudalie) and some Hello Kitty Band-Aids. :)
Nails...
Dior #575 Wonderland on my fingers (received many compliments) and Dior #338 Mirage on my toes!
New additions...
I stopped by The Body Shop to take advantage of their 50% off makeup special and purchased their BB Cream, a Honey Bronzer in 02 and a cute lip balm. Also, before they ran out, I just had to go to Chanel for Le Vernis in #619 Pink Tonic! Oh and notice I found my old pair of Gianfranco Ferré sunglasses! Woot!
What I have my eyes on...
Chanel Joues Contraste in Sakura! Yup it's back on my list! I tried it this week and it's the prettiest soft pink with gentle shimmer ever!!! A small size Caudalie Huile Divine to keep in my purse or maybe two, since the one I have at work is almost empty. Then there's a little somethin' somethin' from Guerlain that will make it's appearance on the 15th that I just may "have" to get...
For your viewing enjoyment...
Even if you're not a perfumista you may still appreciate J'Adore Le Parfum Le Film. The flowers, the flacon and the jewels as the finishing touch! I have used many samples of this Dior fragrance in it's eau de parfum version but this presentation makes me want the perfume! Narrated by Charlize Theron, the images are truly beautiful!
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.
For some reason this brand hasn't really called my name yet. I've read rave reviews about some of it's offerings but when I see the display at Sephora I always feel kind of meh about it. Bite Beauty is a Canadian company operating out of Toronto and I wonder if this is the reason why my Sephora has it at the end of a gondola in the back of the store. Ok it's right in front of Josie Maran and Tarte but still quite easy to miss. Then there are the prices! At $28.00 a pop for some lipsticks (yes more expensive than in the States!) I tend to prefer Dior or NARS who so far are my favorite formulas.
Ok so I had to at least try something!
I bought this trio of mini lip glosses back in November, on Black Friday to be exact and haven't really given them a go until recently.
All three are pretty sheer and so for me they're the type of glosses I would wear over a lipstick, especially Honey as you will see below. On their own they last about two hours, nice to wear they're not overly sticky although they are slightly thicker than Revlon but not as much as NARS...
Cocoa, described as a nude mauve pulls beige on me and truly looking at the tube, I don't really see any mauve in it but I guess it could give that impression on some depending on skin tone and natural lip color. This one reminds me of my Clarins Lip Perfector in 06 Rosewood reviewed, here, with the difference that it does last a little longer on my lips.
Strawberry, a sheer carnation pink this one is very similar to my other Clarins Lip Perfector, 05 Candy Shimmer a favorite of mine. I nice sheer coral, Strawberry it too stays on longer than Clarins but it doesn't have the same comfortable feel.
Honey, my favorite of the three. A nude with almost micro gold shimmer, Honey is perfect to wear over almost any lipstick to warm it up. It's quite lovely but unfortunately once the gloss disappears the shimmering bits end up all over! Around my mouth, on my chin... Not the look I go for. Now this may not be an issue for you since I have the same problem with both Chanel and Dior glosses who do get mostly love. I'm sorry but I wasn't able to capture the shimmer in Honey on the swatch below but it's there trust me! :)
Cocoa, Strawberry and Honey
They have a faint fruity smell/taste that lasts barely 5 or 10 minutes which in my book is a good thing. These three since they are so sheer don't really leave a stain on my lips so when they're gone, they're gone which is something some of you may be looking for. I can't comment on the darker colors but I would think they probably leave some lingering color behind. Drinking two glasses of ice tea wearing Strawberry I barely had any gloss left on my lips so it's unlikely any of these would resist a meal.
Since these are minis they have a smallish doe foot applicator which felt a little harsh and I had to dip back in the container quite a few times to get enough gloss on my lips. Hopefully the regular sizes are more pleasant to use.
I'm glad I got to try these but would not consider purchasing full sizes which go for $25.00 (0.13 oz). First because I'm not in a gloss wearing mood these days and second because I find NARS at $29.00 (0.18 oz) the best formula for me (it almost wears like iron with no glitter fallout) so for the difference in prices, the latter is my choice.
Have you tried any of Bite Beauty's offerings? Any favorites?
This past week has been windy and grey. The sun did peek through a few times but overall the weather was more on the pitiful side. I'm still not in the mood for spring stuff and so haven't purchased any new clothes yet. It's like nothing is worth my hard earned money at the moment.
Oh well, it'll change soon I guess.
This week's makeup love...
My lack of "springy" inspiration means I'm still doing pretty much the same eye look but this week I used my NARS Fairy's Kiss palette almost everyday and I've been reaching for Dior Nude Blush lipstick in Charnelle along with Clarins Lip Perfector in Candy Shimmer. I think I'll retire my beloved Guerlain Crazy Terracotta for now since I've started to use my regular one in 01 this week with a touch of Madame Rougit blush. I did wear Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise in Coral Glow once but it felt too summery for now so it'll wait a little longer.
Update... Panic is slowly starting to settle in...
Notice how much bigger the pan of my beloved Crazy Météorites compact is getting... This Guerlain PowderPuff Girl is not happy!
Good thing I have this little number to fall back on which for summer is just amazing...
I haven't reviewed it yet but likely will in a few months. Although I love it it's not quite the same as Crazy Météorites and so I have no idea what I will replace it with. My first stop will likely be the regular Météorites which have been reformulated recently.
What I have my eyes on...
Just have a look at last week's edition of The Sunday Post, here... Next Sunday is Mother's Day so I'll treat myself for sure... to what? Sadly I'll have to be more reasonable than I thought and so there will be some hard thinking. Guerlain Terracotta Célébration bronzer is a whopping $84.00 and the Terracotta fragrance is $80.00!!! I was hoping it would be priced closer to the Eau Allegoria which are $67.00. :( I sooo wanted Chanel Sakura blush and Jardin Zen eye shadow quad from the Jardin de Camélias collection but I might have to pass on them since I would really like to get Diorshow monos from the Transat Collection, Cabine and Pavillon. You can read about and see both on my friend Sunny's blog, here. What you see below is a screen capture of her picture.
What I will likely pass on...
What I really, really want...
For your viewing enjoyment...
Dior is spoiling us again with beautiful makeup tutorials using the new colors from the Summer 2014 Transat Collection.
The Transat look...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsL2s58ACwc
The Sundeck look...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrlnwC20WXw
Clearly not for everyone but stunning none the less.
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?
I've suffered a bad tooth infection that required antibiotics. On Thursday my face was so swollen I didn't go to work. Today the pain has subsided a little but on Tuesday night, it's coming out! :(
Only one new blog post since last Sunday because on top of that my internet connexion was wonky and so I wasn't able to read as many blogs as I usually do and I didn't write much either since half the time I couldn't even open Blogger. I called and spoke to a technician from my internet provider Friday night and maybe next week I won't have any other choice than to have someone come over to change my modem.
If you see I'm off the blog grid, know that this is the reason. Leaving comments via my phone is such a pain and somehow doesn't work half the time.
Daylight Saving Time...
We're losing an hour of sleep in the morning but Yay we will have "longer" days! Last week I noticed that there was still daylight by 5:00 pm and that was quite uplifting. That little hour in the morning will probably make a big difference this week and I must say that today, the first day, I'm already falling behind. I got up at 8:30 instead of 7:30!!! Sundays aren't long enough to begin with but today has made me go ARGH!!!
This week's makeup love...
Mixing Chanel Mystère with Clinique Black Honey = LOVE! Since for the past few days we've been enjoying a bit more sun in Montreal I've started to use my Dior bronzer and a little more pink on my cheeks. For lips it's been a mixture of NARS Dolce Vita and Clarins Lip Perfector in Candy Shimmer.
The medium shade of Chanel Mystère with Black Honey (the reddish brown, second from the right of the Clinique palette) made a great pair this week, I've tried to put them as close to one another as possible to give you an idea. Applying my Bobbi Brown Caviar Ink eye liner with the Ultra Fine Liner brush from the same company has made a world of difference and my eyes have looked... Wow! M.A.C Whole Lotta Love Pro Longwear Blush got a little busier. Applied lightly over the sheer warm glow of Dior Bronze #010 Healthy Look was a nice change and I guess it would seem Spring wants to "spring" !
Sad to say but I've returned the NARS Radiand Creamy Concealer I reviewed recently. I believe it was part of my watery eyes problem. As careful as I was not to bring it close to my waterline, my eyes were a mess. I finally was able to get my hands on a replacement of my beloved Rimmel. The coverage is sheerer but at least my eyes seem to stay dry. It still hasn't solved the mystery since I did start to have problems before I got the NARS.
By the way my review of NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer stands. It's not because it seemed to irritate my eyes that it will be the same for you if you decide to try it. Just be aware that irritation or an allergic reaction can happen with any product, especially one used in the eye area.
New purchases...
Being a little more attracted by pinks recently, I bought two Maybelline Color Elixir, a replacement to my Rimmel London Match Perfection concealer and a Bobbi Brown eye liner brush.
What I have my eyes on...
Shu Uemura S Curler!!! This week I went back to Sephora to get one but they were out! I hesitated too long and so I pray they get a new shipment soon. On some mornings I mess up the outer corner lashes on my left eye and when this happens it drives me nuts. I figured that little curler may be just what I need to get my lashes to point in the right direction.
For your viewing enjoyment...
I'm not much of a glitter on nails kinda girl but I know many love the look and for those who do they know that the worst thing about wearing glittery finishes is the removal part. One trick I read was applying white glue as a base! Yup, white glue like Elmer's. I don't know how long the finish lasts but this apparently makes removal easier.
You don't feel like using glue on your nails? Well you might consider this new product from O.P.I...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDBPI_KnIFY
Finding this video I noticed that there are numerous tutorials about glitter removal on youtube so if not this products there might be an option for you among them.
This day is going by way too fast so gotta run and get ready for the week!
