The Sunday Post, Vol. 19...

Another Sunday and this one is right smack in the middle of a long weekend! Yay off tomorrow again! I could definitely live with a four days work week. :)

Due to the crazy schedule I've had recently (which will go on for about another month) it's been hard to publish posts as regularly as I wanted to and I have so many drafts with no pictures at the moment that I don't even know which to finish first. Feel as if I'm running in all directions like a headless chicken!

Ok so this chick has made several new purchases recently and yes, I will review my goodies! Again, which first? Since I like everything these days it's kinda hard to choose but I will, I promise I will. :)

Finally starting to feel a little spring/summer inspiration...

Am I getting my makeup mojo back? Yup, I think I am! I need a pink blush, yes I do! You know a nice light baby pink? A pink that'll go with a pink nail polish I want! Yeah we all match our cheeks to our nails don't we? Hmm I may have to get a slightly pinker lipstick than the ones I have at the moment too!

Imagine that, me inspired to get a pink blush and I'm not even a blush person, o_O...

This week's makeup love...

I've been very happy with Dior Hydra Life BB Crème but this past week it wasn't doing much for my shiny t-zone on those warmer days we've had (on Monday or was it Tuesday... it reached 30° C) and so I'm not sure it's a complete hit. There's no way I'll be buying another in the same price range so I'll probably do a little research into drugstore brands or I may simply decide to use a regular light moisturizer with my Smooth Minerals compact foundation from Avon which gives me a pretty awesome finish.

For bronzer I've been playing with both Guerlain Terracotta in 01 and NARS Laguna which is really growing on me. The faint shimmer of Laguna makes for a very natural finish and so I like to use it on my cheeks while I lightly dust some Terracotta on my neck to make it match my face.

Eyes, also from Dior, I've been using and liking Diorshow mascara which I purchased a little while back and still haven't reviewed. A blue eye shadow!!! Yesssss! I wanted Diorshow mono in Cabine but found another... from TheBalm and it's pretty awesome. What's even more awesome is that I payed less than $6.00 for it!!! I've used it almost every day this week and I must say I'm very impressed by how it performs.

Notice the repetition of the word "awesome"? I need writing lessons!

I've also been testing using a primer on my under eye area before applying my concealer and it's performing well. I do believe it'll work nicely for those upcoming hot days. It would appear I've found use for my Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer sample. I've only done this a few times so hopefully it won't give me milia (those pesky little white bumps I'm prone to).

This smart idea came to me in a dream... nah it's Sunny's! See what she uses, here.

For lips these days I reach for NARS Dolce Vita in the morning before I get out the door but that one stays on my bathroom vanity shelf. During the day it's either Rouge Dior in Charnelle (I think you can see on the picture above that it's been getting lots of love!) which I can reapply without a mirror or NARS Tolède...

I've also enjoyed my new Guerlain Rouge Automatique in... wait for it... wait for it... Tonka Impériale!!!

Also... notice the repetition of the word "also"? Argh I'm losing it! I need a vacation too!

Nails...

I thought I could bring my nails out of rehab the other week but seems the problem is still ongoing. They peel! They're still quite strong but the peeling at the tips make it seem like nail polish chips so bright colors are still out at the moment. I'm stuck wearing Chanel Le Vernis in Frenzy again! Don't get me wrong, this is a very nice shade but I want pink... to go with that blush I want... not nude!!!

What I have my eyes on...

I passed on both Terracotta perfume and Célébration bronzer!!!

Both had been at the top of my wish list for weeks but I just had to pass. The Terracotta perfume almost made me sick due to its high concentration of Tiaré flower. Way too much for my taste and its head notes didn't soften on me the way I was hoping they would. It almost broke my heart to pass on the Terracotta Célébration bronzer! The colors were beautifully stunning in the pan but the blushes were too matte and didn't look natural on my skin and since I'm not a collector I just couldn't justify purchasing it.

I passed on those but got a lipstick and a nail polish. A hit and a miss... Yes, a miss from Guerlain! Argh!!!

Ok so now I want a pink blush, a pink nail polish and there's a face powder compact I'm eyeing... like I don't have enough compacts but this one is... oh... so pretty! My envies are all from Chanel but for the pink lipstick I'm considering that will probably be a Dior Addict. I haven't tried that formula yet and since it's sheerer than Rouge Dior's it just may be perfect...

For your viewing enjoyment...

From Dior again... I know, I know, these past few weeks this feature should practically have been called The Dior Video Moment but what can I say, I want to remain on topic and other companies haven't released anything of interest to me recently so...

This first one from January 2013 is showing a more dramatic take on the smokey eye look I've been doing recently. Here makeup artist Yadim uses Diorshow #096 Khôl with black eyeliner while my version is with Diorshow #783 Velvet with which I use L'Oréal Infaillible Lacker Liner in Slate (I got a second back up of this one last week for fear it may be discontinued) or Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Caviar Ink. I just can't do black eyeliner! Oh and Yadim uses Rouge Dior in Grège 1947 to finish the look! Woot! :)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wO6k9RkC5pk

The second is from the Dior Cruise 2015 Fashion show in which Peter Philips, Dior's new Creative and Image Director of Dior make-up for the Cruise 2015 Collection. It's en français I know but just pay attention to the emphasis on the black liner as a strong graphic and classic element and the almost bare face. Simple hair and clean radiant skin help highlight the element of sophistication of the strong liner with black mascara.

About black mascara, did you notice the new Dior mascara? This I'm excited about and wouldn't you know, it just popped up on Sephora's website! Called Dior Addict It-Lash Mascara it's got a brush that reminds me of Benefit They're Real! mascara. Towards the end of the video, Philips mentions a new Dior foundation called Star which would seem to offer more coverage but with light reflecting particles for a more luminous effect. This new product is coming out in the fall.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgNdOAC0PdE

See? Even in French you got it didn't you? *pats self on back for my great description* :)

Erm... didn't think it woudl be such a long post... hope you had a nice cup of coffee!


Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

The Sunday Post, Vol. 15...

These past few weeks I've been more busy and have had less time to read and leave comments on my favorite blogs and it seems thing aren't going to change any time soon. If only we had Wi-Fi at the office I could use my iPad but sadly we don't. With my phone I can read blog posts but for some reason can't leave comments on most of them so for now I'll try to catch up on weekends! Argh!!!

This week's makeup love...

There isn't much to say about the makeup I wore except that it was pretty much the same as last week. I've got this eye look I'm enjoying a lot and it's super fast in the morning. Hazy from the Clinique All About Shadow 8 Pan Palette as a base, Diorshow Velvet mono for definition and Bobbi Brown Cement on upper lids make a great every day look. This week I brought back Benefit They're Real! mascara to compare with Diorshow which I haven't yet reviewed. It had been "out" for a while because of the cold weather. The formula clearly didn't enjoy the -30° Celsius temps that were the norm this winter.

A little extra step to improve my skin tone...

Is it the long winter? Is it aging? Probably the latter... *sigh* My cheeks are showing a little more red and I've noticed a few more broken caps even though I never use scrubs or anything harsh on my facial skin. Marcelle CC cream which has a medium/light coverage wasn't enough and I was starting to use a lot more Guerlain Crazy Terracotta so I've decided to bring out an old favorite, Avon's Smooth Minerals compact foundation, reviewed, here. For such a cheap price this little compact is just plain amazing and I'm wondering why I stopped using it.

With a medium sized brush, for more precision, I apply Avon's foundation on my cheeks where the redness is more obvious, lightly on my forehead, nose and chin. Since the color is slightly darker than my natural skin tone it gives definition as well as coverage and it's perfect as a base for bronzer or these days my beloved Crazy Terracotta. Smooth Minerals has micro light reflecting particles that contribute to the smooth non flat finish and I'm just as pleased with the finish now as I was back when I first tried it. Recently I'd been considering some high end compact foundations but I think I'll wait a little longer since this little number does such a good job for my current needs.

It may depend on your browser but I do hope you can get a glimpse of the gentle shimmer...

Avon Smooth Minerals in T03 Light Beige

I just had a look at Avon's website and I'm relieved to say it's still available... $15.00 CAD!!! Of course it's even cheaper south of the border at $11.00 US.

Nails...

This week I did a complete 180°! I got tired of both Guerlain Madame Batifole and Chanel Coup de Coeur nail polishes! I'm wearing a NUDE color at the moment and loving it! (did you notice it on the above picture?) Even more weird is that I'm considering another...

What I have my eyes on...

This past week I've made stops at both Dior and Chanel counters. I've had a closer look at the new Dior Addict Fluid Stick colors and decided to pass for now. I was surprised at how big they were. Gorgeous presentation but a little bulky for my taste and so I may consider one of the new Lancôme Lip Lover instead which are smaller with a formula that appears to be similar.

I'm still eyeing a few of the new Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow but for now I'm keeping my money for other beauties that are coming out soon. Still I got to admire and swatch the "very" limited edition Dentelle Précieuse compact. Absolutely beautiful!!! The embossed lace design is perfect and stunningly realistic. I really don't know how one can dare to swipe a brush on this one but I can tell you that the pattern will last quite a while. At the Chanel counter the tester which is kept in a drawer and had been put to good use was still showing some of the details. Click on the image below to visit British Beauty Blogger, you'll see it's clear that Jane has fallen in love with this beauty. She graciously allowed me to use her picture for I was too absent minded to take one myself this week!

I mean LOOK at it!

OT but I had to mention... Catherine is now a tea drinker...

Drinking tea is cool!!! Carrying a tea filled colorful travel mug is cool!!!

A while back Catherine asked me to prepare a cup of tea for her so she could have a taste. Her first trial, David's Tea Cream of Earl Grey and she loved it!

To think my first taste was Orange Pekoe, how times have changed! Not that I have anything against it, I still enjoy this classic from time to time but there are so many delicious options out there now to appreciate.

The following week I purchased for her a "cool colorful travel mug" and several tasty blends all from David's Tea (it's the "in" tea store at the moment) and since then she's left with her mug every day and I know that she makes herself a cup when she returns home from school. Good thing I got a new kettle last week with a proper whistle!

Catherine's new "cool colorful travel mug" in blue, her favorite color with David's Tea 

Cream of Earl Grey and Agave sirup (apparently this too is another "cool" thing). 

The other blends I purchased for her are...

Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait: this one even she found way too sweet (she even said it tasted like bad flavored gelatin) so yesterday I tried it myself and mixed it with some Twinings Gunpowder Green Tea. I did a one for three ratio and it was perfect!
Ingredients: Apple, hibiscus, raisins, carrot, yogurt bits, beetroot, strawberry, rhubarb, natural and artificial flavouring*.

Mango Madness: that one has a bit of zing to it with it's orange peels and pineapple.
Ingredients: Apple pieces, white Bai Mu Dan tea, orange peel, pineapple, mango,orange slices, freeze dried tangerine pieces, safflower petals, freeze dried strawberry pieces, marigold blossoms, artificial flavouring*. 

Coco Chai Rooibos: this blend actually has pink peppercorns in it so it does have that spicy edge. It was a great treat last Sunday when we were having what I hope will have been our last snow storm.
Ingredients: Rooibos**, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, coconut, pink peppercorns, natural and artificial flavouring*. 

I get the feeling that Cream of Earl Grey remains her favorite for now. It's the one she reaches for in the morning and I must admit I can't blame her. I've stayed away from this classic Bergamot flavored black tea for years because I simply couldn't stand it anymore. I drank soooo much of it! Now with the addition of vanilla it's love again!
Ingredients: Organic: Black tea, cornflowers, marigolds. With natural flavouring*. 

Isn't funny, my daughter has gotten me to drink tea again! :)

For your viewing enjoyment...

Since I did mention the new Dior Addict Fluid Stick I thought it would be fun to see the Pandore Look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ApkcG4CAk

Did you notice the nail polishes at the end? I do believe I want them all!!!

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Get Ready to See Pink!

October is Brest Cancer Awareness month and this means that starting tomorrow, we'll be flooded by pink!

The first use of the pink ribbons goes back to fall of 1991 by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, when they where handed out to the participants of a race for breast cancer survivors in New York City. It was officially adopted the next year in 1992, as the symbol for the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Evelyn Lauder a breast cancer survivor herself, senior corporate vice president of Estée Lauder then created a ribbon to be distributed in stores in New York. The movement took off!

Have you ever seen the pink and blue ribbon? This one was created in 1996 to bring awareness to the fact that both women and men are afflicted by this. It is more rare in men but it does happen, I have a brother in law who is a survivor. Both he and his wife fought the disease and won.

Along with Estée Lauder there are now a countless number of companies that produce pink colored products to be promoted and sold during the month of October to remind us to give to the cause. How much are these companies contributing? It's hard to say but one thing is certain, it makes us feel good when we purchase something pink!

Just imagine if all companies gave 100% of all the proceeds these products brought in to the cause like M.A.C does with it's Viva Glam campaign for AIDS, what a difference it would make!

Estée Lauder...

Evelyn Lauder & Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip Collection, includes a Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Rubellite and a Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss in Hot Pink along with a two tone clutch. $35,00. Clinique and Bobbi Brown will also have special promotional items to offer.

Avon...

Silver tone necklace with the word Love or Amour, $5.00 with all proceeds going to benefit breast cancer research, awareness and support programs. Through a representative or avon.com.ca


O.P.I Pink of Hearts...

From what I've read, O.P.I will donate $25,000 to the Susan G.Komen Foundation and $5,000 to Rethink Breast Cancer Canada. This is one of the most popular items in the blogosphere but honestly I think O.P.I  could give a little more...

There will be countless pink offerings in stores, from kitchen appliances to snow removing brushes. It's hard to tell how much those companies contribute so one has to be selective. If you really want to give to the cause...

On this site you can find a list of products from brands recognised by the Foundation, here.

Every province as several associations with special events worthy of getting your pennies so again, given the fact we don't know exactly how much of our money goes to the cause, this could be the way to go but at the same time, giving one something pink to a breast cancer survivor can be a very nice touch.

Laura Mercier Foundation Powder / Review

I've had this for a while now and have no idea why it hasn't been reviewed yet. This was a present from my lovely webfriend Marilla who lives in London. See my original entry, here.

Laura Mercier Foundation Powder, presented in a compact, is a product that can be used wet or dry. I haven't tried it wet since I don't feel the need for the extra coverage. Dry, it works beautifully in evening out my skin. It is a little heavier than a regular powder and does leave a light cast but that's easily taken care of. The color, 01, perfect for me. For some reason Marilla knew that! :)

Avon Mark Glowdalicious in Prettied Up / Review

This I've purchased when it first came up a few years back. I've rediscovered it this past weekend while I was trying to organize my makeup. So far, I'm not having too much luck with that! Anyways, I'm glad it's still on the market.

I remember when I first received and tried it, being extremely disappointed. So much shimmer! I felt like a disco ball! In fact, I had to wash my face to completely remove what was for me at the time, the glitter!

The mistake I made was wanting to use it as an all over bronzer. If you approach this product as an enhancer/highlighter, it's a whole different thing and it turns out to be a very nice product.

Three shimmering shades that can be used all mixed together or individually.

The brush is hidden under the powder.

If you use the brush that comes with the compact, 

you will notice a lot of falling out. The bristles are too stiff.

I've made some tests yesterday and I must say I'm more than happy to have rediscovered this. It's perfect as a highlighter. Especially the pink outer ring and the whitish middle. I've used a little of the pink on top of my Guerlain Terracotta and it gave me a dewy effect. A touch of the light shade right in the middle close to my eyebrows was enough to illuminate the eyes. For this I used a small soft bristle blush brush. The one that comes with the compact has bristles that are much too stiff to get any kind of soft effect. Maybe if it's gently washed a few times it would soften it but I haven't tried that and don't think I will bother.

Do I recommend Mark Glowdalicious in Prettied Up? Yes!

For the price, $16.00, it's a nice addition as long as you don't use it for an all over look for daytime. I haven't tried it at night but I do believe the shimmer would still be a little too noticeable for that purpose. But hey, that's me!

Prettied Up is the lightest option but it also comes in Shimmied Up and in Amped Up which is darker and may have less glitter.

The compact is quite good looking, it's the same as the Matte-Nificent powder ($10.00) which I've already mentioned in my Beautiful Compacts entry.

Reviews:

MakeupAlley: 3.4 / 5 lippies for 7 reviews and yes, the last one is indeed me. :(

Beauté-test: has no reviews for this product.

Available through Avon.

Give Your Feet Some Love!

For the longest time I've overlooked foot care in Winter. My feet where almost always covered so why bother? For the past several years I've been wearing flip flops in the house so I've had to make a few changes. Yes, in Winter! Unless it's a very cold day, I just can't stand wearing anything else This means that they are exposed and even if I don't always wear nail polish I don't want them to look neglected. There's also the fact that I don't like "hearing" them when I have to put on socks in the morning. To avoid this, here's what I do...

Estée Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara / Review

I'm not sure but I think the very first time I ever wore mascara it was probably one from Estée Lauder. It was my mom's and it was a beautiful gold tube with an applicator that looked like a metal screw not a brush. Brown was the color. It was quite a revelation and when I discovered what an eye lash curler could do... Boom! I was all set!

Avon's Smooth Minerals Pressed Foundation / Review

For a little while there I sold Avon. I did it for close to 2 years as a past-time. What I find sad about this company is that they have such a huge turnover that it's hard to keep track. Every year they bring out truck loads of new products and discontinue the same amount. This means that if you "fall in love" with one of their offerings, it doesn't mean you'll be able to repurchase it. This is the main reason why I've almost given up on the brand. Almost.