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

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? 

YSL Nuits Fauves Manucure Couture Duos...

Hmm recently Dior launched a revamped nail care collection which includes an Instant French Manicure Pen. Honestly, I thought the french mani was out but apparently it's not the case. The formula of Dior's pen seems pretty good but has a bit of a Liquid Paper look if it's not covered by a light sheer beige or pink nail polish. I already own a few similar gadgets and since I wore that style on my nails for roughly ten years I can say I'm over it. A little before that in August, Dior had brought us a Magnetic Nail Lacquer with a magnet also a little too late in my opinion. This type of finish when it came out was kind of interesting but it wasn't my cup of tea.

Now enters YSL with another trend I thought we were over and done with, the crackle effect!

Some Summer 2013 Nail Polish Collections & a Few Drugstore Options to Consider...

Out are several beautiful new makeup collection which all include gorgeous nail polishes. If some of us can't afford a high end compact of eye shadow palette, there's a good chance we can go for either a lipstick or a nail polish. Here are some of the nail polishes that have been creating quite a buzz so far for Summer 2013.

YSL Tie & Dye. Sheer top coats that give a hint of color, they can be worn alone or over another color. Interesting to see the deposit of color at the bottom. When you shake the bottles, the pigments stay evenly distributed for a while so you don't have to shake every time you dip your brush in the bottle. They are $34.00 each which I find a little out there for such a sheer finish but I know many will love them.

Dior. From the Birds of Paradise Collection inspired by Latin America, Brazil and its luxuriant and tropical nature these polishes are sold as duos. The first, Samba, reminds us of the feathers of the peacock. The second, Bahia, more whimsical with its hibiscus pink and beautiful lagoon blue. Each duo sells for $30.00 and they are available now. In June, Dior will also introduce Summer Mix which is a collection of four new nail polishes at $24.00 each, paired with cream blushes. Also worth a look at is their Gel Coat, a top coat that gives a gel like finish.

                                                          Samba                                             Bahia

Capeline, Creoles, Sunnies & Tie & Dye (name similar to YSL)

Chanel Summer 2013, L'Été Papillon Collection. Stunning, just stunning! Papillon means butterflies and here seeing these beautiful colors, you can trap a bit of these ephemeral flying beauties on the tips of your nails. Just a little info, when you see a butterfly, do not touch its delicate wings for it will die shortly after. Three colors, Bel Argus, Azuré and Lilis at $27.00 each. I have my eye on Lilis. :)

Clinique! Did you know they had brought back nail polish? They did and for Summer 2013 they have beautiful limited edition colors. Mid range, they sell for $18.00 each.

Hula Skirt, 70 and Sunny, Juiced Up, Pinkini and Hi Sweetie (regular color)

There's also, Grape Ice (purple magenta), Strappy Sandals (silvery grey) and Hot Date (purple)

Butter London may be more your style if you're not into pinks and brights with Summer Holiday Bespoke Collection 2013, they will be available at The Bay for $17.00 each.

Sun Baker, Champers, Pool, Body Dazzler, Marbs & Bit Faker

From the drugstore...

If you don't want to splurge for a nail polish you can find great ones at the drugstore in practically every color imaginable. In many cases, you can find good dupes of high end shades and most are under $10.00 which is great. Even if some high end colors are pretty unique, in some cases, you wouldn't be able to tell if one is wearing Dior or Sally Hansen.

Every time I go to to one, for some reason I always end up looking and looking and looking... at nail polish displays! Last Thursday at one point, I must have had four in my hand with intent of purchase but as usual, I put them all back in their respective spots. I know, I'm a little bizarre.

I thought it would be fun to show you the ones I've been looking at recently. Here's just a few new nail polish collections, from my tiny little drugstore.


L'Oréal...

I've been eying these for a while but the colors, although beautiful are too sheer and would 
take more than two coats to achieve the look shown, a type of gel like finish.

Sally Hansen's...

On the left, fruity sherbet, on the right, blues and more beautiful blues. I just might end up 

with one of those for a pedi. The fourth one from the left would look great with jeans.

Mavala...

This is my favorite. Often overlooked, these are fun and don't require a long term relationship.The small sizes are perfect if like me, you tend to change nail color often. Mavala has always had a great color selection. As a teen I had blue and green, way before it was in fashion. Their names... make me dream of exotic vacations.

Chili & Spice Collection, I want them all!

Trinidad, Bamako, Samarkand, Bali, Cuzco and Jaipur

Also to be considered, Revlon,which by the way is coming out with scented nail polishes again this year, Maybeline, Essie, Nicole by O.P.I and depending on the drugstore you go to there may be other brands available I'm missing here. Another brand that must not be overlooked, although not available at the drugstore but with excellent prices is Avon. Every season they come out with great colors and the quality is way up there.

About the drugstore display pictures, I know! Experience is starting to sink in. Next time, I'll turn the bottles a bit so the price stickers will be less obvious! :)

So, as I said, I have my eye on Chanel Lilis as well as the Sally Hansen blue but I must admit that Dior's Summer Mix colors appear to be stunning. I just might go for one of them.

Do you have a favorite so far?

Beautiful Compacts

As much as I love a nice lipstick a beautiful compact is its essential companion. After all, how can you apply your lip color without a mirror? Doable with sheer shades but as soon as you go for a more pigmented formula you have to see what you're doing otherwise you'll end up looking like my aunt Marie-Louise! A lovely woman bless her heart but, sometimes, her bright red lipstick ended up just below her nose. Not very elegant!

With Christmas just around the corner some of us are struggling with the lack of gift ideas and this is not because there are not enough "gift suggestion lists" out there. They are in fact everywhere at this time of year. Kitchen gadgets for the foodie, "At Home Pedicure Kit" for the beauty geek, teapot or salt & pepper shaker for the collector, hmmm! Been there done that maybe?

There's always room for lipstick!

Recently I emptied my purse for all of you and made a shocking discovery about myself. I'm a lipstick addict!

Hmm, my excuse, it IS the one makeup item we use most. Isn't it?

I guess I've known all along but after emptying my every day bag I went to have a look in the closet where I keep all my makeup. I didn't count them but I still have many. Shocking since last May, I did a big Spring cleaning and got rid of about half of what I had at the time.

When you look at makeup in general especially when browsing new collections at department stores, all the eye colors, powders and blushes are so beautiful one would think they are like precious gems encased in beautiful compacts that when you purchase you wish you could keep in your hands at all time so people could see what gorgeous taste you have.

Not too practical. Eye shadows, we leave at home. Blushes, well, some of us do reapply during the day but this has never been my case. Compact powders, now you're starting to get warm. I do love beautiful compacts. Isn't it nice when out somewhere you discretely take out a beautiful compact to see if your makeup is still in place and make sure your nose hasn't become a shiny beacon?

Now combine this with a beautifully encased lipstick and boom!!! Instant joy!

At the end of the 1900s Guerlain was one of the first to manufacture lipstick.

This ad is from 1935.

Is there anything more beautiful than a shiny new lipstick? I'm not talking about the ones in liquid form or lip glosses that we put on with an applicator, I'm talking about a real lip"stick". High end, low end, I don't really care as long as I like the color of course, but if the case looks good it's hard for me to resist. After all, regardless of our means, a nice lipstick is an indulgence most of us can afford, isn't it?

This is not a review of formulas or colors. This is a showing of some of the most popular lipsticks and in my opinion, the most beautiful looking.


The Classics


Clinique

One of the first I really fell in love with. The silver art-decoish presentation is just stunning. When you see it you know it's Clinique. It's so nice and in a way, comforting that they've kept it all this time. After all, it doesn't seem to go out of style.






Estée Lauder

Although they have come out with other stylish presentation, this one has almost always been around. I remember my mom had many of them and having worked for Estée Lauder I ended up with an extended collection myself. Not my favorite but it holds tons of memories for me








Lancôme

This tube has been revamped through the years but in all fairness it hasn't changed much. It's still as beautiful as ever and the rose, the Lancôme emblem, is what makes it so recognisable.








Chanel

A thing of beauty! Timeless! Whether you're wearing jeans or a little black dress, this lipstick looks good every time you take it out of your purse or even, dare I say, your pocket. This one is, I believe, my all time favorite! Simple, classic.



The Jewels

These lipsticks have evolved to become true fashion accessories. Not only are you influenced by the colors they hold but depending on what you wear you might go for a Dior instead or a Guerlain. They are little objects of beauty that one might even feel intimidated to use, well almost!

Guerlain, Dior and YSL have other very beautiful tubes but these are the ones that I find have the most jewel-like qualities and they fit so nicely in a little evening bag.

       Guerlain                                                 Dior                                                        YSL 



Following the times



Lise Watier

Now our very own Canadian Lise Watier has evolved with the times. Long gone is the little simplistic burgundy tube, now it's a gorgeous metallic tube that goes with everything.






Marcelle

Looking less like a drugstore brand than ever, this lipstick is really stunning. I was quite surprised when I saw it. Another great Canadian company.






The Newcomers

These are amazingly beautiful tubes. Unfortunately they are not as readily available as the ones mentioned so far. I haven't tried any of them and have only seen Clé de Peau at Ogilvy in Montreal. It might be easier to find them in Vancouver, Toronto or even online. Of these I find Burberry to be the most original with it's minimalist simplicity.

Armani, Chantecaille, Burberry, Clé de Peau

The Stunner


Givenchy

Now this is what I call a beautiful tube. Leather covered steel, this is one outstanding presentation. The international launch date for this new line of lipsticks is February 20th 2013. This is the tube that inspired this post. When I saw it on Chic Profile I was positively blown away. Not only is the leather fabulously chic but it  should enable this tube to look good for as long as you own it. A good thing since we all know that they all end up looking a bit dull after time spent in our hand bags. This one looks elegant and sturdy at the same time. Quite a feat when you think of it. Fashion forward, it's also Art Deco inspired like the Chanel tube as well as Clinique's, but in such a different and rather innovative way.

So, are you in the mood for a new lipstick?