The Sunday Post, Vol. 26...

OT, totally OT... 

This last Tuesday I lost my bank card AGAIN!

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.

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder...

Is it just me or is The Body Shop's makeup often overlooked? I'm one of those who doesn't know much about it and so recently after reading a post by Monika of Rocaille Writes, I really wanted to try their bronzer. Imagine that, a bronzer, MEEE? :D

Right after I finished reading I went to their website to see all their makeup was a 50% off and so the next day I went to a store. The deal was only online!

I turned away!

One frustrating detail about The Body Shop is their website specials rarely translate to their stores and I never buy online so I decided to forget about it. This week I stopped by a store and boom! The 50% on makeup was on!

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder...

It comes in four neutral matte colors and I must admit, I'm pretty impressed by the texture of 02 the one I chose but I wouldn't really qualify it as a bronzer unless one has very fair skin. For a natural sun kissed glow, 03 and 04 would definitely be more appropriate especially on darker skin tones.

So, 01 and 02 are in my opinion a little pale to be called bronzers but perfect to give a light natural and even satiny glow to the face and for those who don't take any sun in summer or don't like bronzers in general, these would be perfect. This may sound surprising but if you've been salivating over either one of the two lightest shades of Chanel Les Beiges compacts but don't want to make your wallet angry, these are almost dupes once on skin, really they are! The big difference is they will give a somewhat more opaque coverage, almost between a finishing powder and a powder foundation.

The texture? Extremely soft, almost creamy with hardly any fall out and at first I thought it was a bit hard and wondered if I was picking up any powder with my soft no name blush brush but I was. Impressed is what I was! Such a beautiful finish!

I've used it as a base over my BB cream and as a finishing powder and it gives just enough of a color boost to give me an all over lite glow.

Would I recommend The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powders? Yes!

A pretty "powder-not-powdery-finish", it's soft and like I said, satiny and since the two lighter shades have no orange undertones I do believe they're suitable for pretty much any carnation. I like 02 on my neck to make it look less pale without enhancing the fact that it's starting to go down if you know what I mean. A regular bronzer is too harsh and Chanel Les Beiges in N°10 (almost identical although a smidgen more pink to Honey Bronze in 01) too light to make much of a difference on that area at this time of year.

The two lighter shades of Honey Bronze 01 and 02, would work well as finishing powders on medium skin tones and give a nice healthy color on the fair and very fair who'd rather not tan or are maybe a little intimidated by a more traditional bronzer.

Oh I almost forgot to mention the fact that it controls oil pretty nicely. Using it as a finishing powder in the morning I don't have to reapply for at least three hours and these days it's pretty good if you ask me. Now of course that's if the temperature doesn't come into play. If it's hot and humid, forget about it, nothing will stay on my skin!

The compact, although not as sturdy as Chanel is rather nice and I wouldn't mind taking it out in public for touch ups if it came with an applicator. For some reason there are two different compacts, one which is plain and the other, the one I purchased with a nice reflection of hexagonal honeycomb for which bees are so famous.

Regular price, $20.00, got it for $10.00!!! Now that's a sweet deal for a whopping 11g. By the way, Chanel Les Beiges in N°10 is $60.00 for 12 g. Talk about a nice cheap thrill! Oh and yes, I would recommend even at $20.00!

If I didn't already have so many bronzers I would have purchased all four, really I would have!

Do have a look at Monika's entry where she compares The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder to others she's tried, here.

As a little perk I also got the Honey Bronze Shimmer Lip Gloss which comes in the cutest container in the shape of a bee hive!

Have you tried any of The Body Shop's makeup? Anything else I should look into?

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

The Sunday Post, Vol. 17...

So many products to review and so little time!!!

These days I'm stuck with a pretty horrible work schedule which means that I hardly have any time during the week for blogging. Weekends? Well I do the most I can but there are chores to do and mostly I want to spend time with my daughter. A few weeks ago we played a game of Shrek 2 on the Wii and I think this afternoon it could be fun to bring out Crash Bandicoot especially since the weather is not so nice today. Grey and cold, again! 

Like I said, I have several new products to review and little time to do it! Oh well, I can only promise to do my best and hope you all stick around! :)

This week's makeup love...

I've been enjoying this new Dior Hydra Life BB Creme. Experimenting with layering these two Diorshow mascaras and kind of liking the Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kôhl Liner. Erm.. notice what's getting ready to make an appearance this upcoming week, Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise in Coral Glow... It's coming out of hibernation, yes it is!!!

Update... I'm allergic to my Shu Uemura lash curler!!! 

This doesn't surprise me but I was hoping that I would be ok with it like I was with Shiseido which did cause a reaction when I first started to use it but I guess I was able to build a resistance to it's type of metal. Not the case with Shu Uemura! Out comes the red nail polish to serve as a protector between the curler and my skin. The reaction I get is a type of reddish rash that kind of builds up over time. The first weeks I was fine but these past few days I've been starting to feel the irritation where the metal gets in contact with my skin, especially inner and outer corners or my eyes.

Years ago I used transparent nail polish but then wouldn't know if it had peeled off so a color works way better. I think I've put O.P.I The Thrill Of Brazil to good use. :)

New additions...

A Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kôhl Liner in Storm, Shiseido Sun Protection Compact and some Yves Rocher shower gels. I just can't remember the last time I went in one of their boutiques but these offerings were way too tempting at 3 for $15.00. For my hair which will soon start to go nuts with humidity, in fact it has a few times already, I got Phytodéfrisant by Phyto with which I'm hoping to see results in frizz taming and I also purchased a new hair brush which is suppose to resist the heat of the blow dryer better and be strong enough for my hair. We'll see...

What I have my eyes on...

So many beauty things!!! Guerlain Terracotta Sun Celebration Bronzing Powder & Blush, talk about a beautiful compact! I've been wanting that one for weeks but then I saw Terra Tropica! I believe (I'm kinda sure) one will be my mother's day gift to myself but which??? Then there are a few limited edition offerings from Chanel and Dior...  I know I won't be able to get everything I want but I'll sure swatch to my heart's content! Oh I almost forgot, there's Terracotta Le Parfum!!! This fragrance sounds positively dreamy with it accords of bergamot, coconut and tiare flower for a start and a heart of jasmine, ylang-ylang and orange blossom mixed in with musk and vanilla. This to me sounds like summer!

Guerlain Terracotta Sun Celebration

Guerlain Terra Tropica

Guerlain Terracotta Le Parfum

I think I should probably hand my wallet over to my Guerlain counter... but I need clothes and shoes!!! I did find a tote bag and a pair of jeans but now need tops and a few pairs of Capri pants. Last summer, clothes were not that important since I was still at home but I now work full time and so I do have to make myself presentable.

*Le Sigh*

For your viewing enjoyment...

While on the subject, how to apply bronzer by who else? Guerlain of course!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXE1mp0_mGA

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo...

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?

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?

My First Work Week In Makeup...

My first week at my new job is done and went quite well! Lots of things to learn but mostly about procedures which is what I was expecting. In all honesty, I do believe I will simply love it! :)

As suspected and mentioned last Sunday, I didn't get the chance to take note on interesting articles for you but I think I'll be able to next week. You see this weekend I've had to clean up the yard and do a lot of leaves picking. I got 10 big orange bags! I would have double if not for the leaf picker upper that mulches them! You may have guessed that I'm a little tired.

First week's beauty stuff...

I thought is would be fun to show you the items I reached for in the morning. Aside from getting up at 5:30 am, my biggest challenge was to figure out where I would "put on my face"! As it turns out, same place as usual only this time instead of relying on the light coming in from the window I use an artificial one. At that hour it's still night outside and thank the *putting on makeup* gods I have a good halogen lamp!

Face...

Split face testing of Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, Estée Lauder DayWear BB Cream, Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer, Marcelle Compact powder (not shown), a nice little go to to make sure other powders go on smoothly.

Eyes...

On Monday I started off the week with Chanel Mystère quad but as a *first day of work* gift to myself I got NARS Fary's Kiss palette during my lunch break and have been playing with it ever since. The top middle and top right colors have been my favorites so far and yes, I will bring you a review real soon. I also have one in the works for NARS Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base.

Bobbi Brown Cement and Slate from the Navy & Nude palette have been great complements. Mascara, I started with L'Oréal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess but for some reason on Wednesday it looked weird on my lashes, almost kind of goopy. I was able to smooth it out but it did make me a little angry so out it will go. On Thursday morning I switched to Dior Iconic and although it takes a little longer to achieve the thickness I like, it lasts all day and keeps the curl beautifully.

Oh the one item I left out is my beloved L'Oréal Infaillible Lacquer Liner in Slate! I get the most amazing thick line in no time and it stays put!

"Glow" & Cheeks...

Guerlain Crazy Terracotta has been getting all my attention this week and with good reason, just read my review, it's total love! I used Madame Rougit a few times for a little extra kick of color when I felt the need for it.

Lips...

On my first day it was Rouge Dior Grège 1947 but for a work day it's too creamy and doesn't last long enough so the following day I wore Rouge Dior Nude in Esquisse 683 and on Friday, Rose Dolce Vita 555 was the one I reached for. Those last two haven't been reviewed yet but it's coming! I also kept in my purse this new Revlon Lip Gloss but have to find the color. I bought two recently and they lost their stickers at the bottom. This one here has a bit of glitter in it which gives it dimension and results into a nice nude lip.

Nails...

I started the week with Diorific Minuit and on Wednesday night went for Essie Sable Collar. Usually I would not have done my nails again in the middle of the week but broke a nail.

Fragrances...

Except for Tuesday when I wore Dior J'Adore, it was Nina L'Eau by Nina Ricci this entire week.

In my purse...

I kept the lipsticks and gloss along with my little Givenchy compact and my small Caudalie Huile Divine.

How long did it take me to put on my makeup in the morning?

10 minutes tops and that was Wednesday when I had to *play* with my lashes due to the L'Oréal mascara.


What do you think? Too much or too little? Have you ever broken down your weekly beauty routine? 

Guerlain Crazy Terracotta / Review...

Oh my word guys! I'm such an unfaithful person!!!

Ok so remember, those who follow my critic/reviews/fall in love with whatever products will know that last spring and summer I was all about Diorskin Nude Coral Glow! Well... I've found another fantastic, complexion blowing gorgeous beautifying goodie!!!

I've been using it only three days! Oh sweet Julius how easy can I be!

Guerlain Crazy Terracotta!!!!!!!

 Funny how usually I'll go for meanings but this time I honestly don't care what the "68" means!

So I've covered the story of this revolutionising offering from the house of Guerlain La Terracotta, I've raved about how I just love it for contouring, face shaping and year round glow provider!

Crazy takes it to another level!

I swear this one needs to be part of the regular line up of Terracotta!

What I usually do is apply bronzer, Terracotta of course and... use a tiny bit of blush on the middle of my cheeks and even on my upper lids just to make my face not only come alive but believe it or not if you have somewhat droopy lids, it somehow "lifts" them up by providing a "glow".

 Look at this little beauty!!! 

Now it's a little woozy but the colors are, for once, almost perfect! 

Feww!!!

With Guerlain Crazy I've got both all wrapped up into one! Ok notice the lighter spots? Those appear gold when you see it in real life but what they translate to on skin is simply a natural sheen!

Getting up at 5:30 in the morning all I can say is that I'm so grateful for this little beauty!

I didn't swatch the "balz" (ok I'm not sure here, does it take an "s"?) and from reading reviews I've figured they gave a slightly more "shiny" finish. With the compact all you get is a perfect glow!

I'll say it... even better than Coral Glow! Sorry Sunny! This one takes it all!

I still love the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette compact but Terracotta Crazy is like the mother load for the perfect colorful glow. Now I don't mean pink or peach or any weird unnatural "fakish" color. I mean a natural skin tone way improved. Oh geeze I hope I make sense!

Soft brush = no fall out

I could of course if I wanted to, use a bit of Guerlain Madame Rougit for that nice light flush of color but honestly, with Crazy I don't need it and this is just fabulous! One step less in the morning, one less compact to open! And I thought I didn't like a glow in winter! Technically it's still fall but it's pretty darn cold and I'm enjoying this glow a lot!

I know, you'll think me lazy but believe me, my new reality demands less steps and I do not want to compromise when I "put on my face" in the morning. With Gerlain Crazy Terracotta I don't need to! Oh and no need to reapply during the day so this baby stays safely at home! :)

The compact, heavier than regular Terracotta, comes with a cute little pouch, remains shut with a magnet blah, blah, blah...

Have you seen this compact? What do you think?

If you say "not impressed" well, I'll be stumped!

Really! I'm not kidding!

Dior or L'Oréal? Coral Glow, meets an "almost" match!

Did y'all know that I loooove my Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow?

Ok sorry I couldn't resist but it's true! If it weren't so silly I would probably sleep with it and I'm not the only one who's nuts about this compact. My bloguerette friend Sunny from Mostly Sunny is about to get married to hers. I hope we'll get invited, me and my Coral Glow that is...

Now of course you dont neeeed a compact with both product. You can totally go for separates but ain't it fun to only have one item to carry?

At the drugstore I stumbled upon a L'Oréal product that I had never noticed before and at $3.99, yes that's right, I figured I'd do a little comparison.

L'Oréal The One Sweep Sculpting Blush Duo, I purchased the shade 830 Flush.

Bronzers! Instead of Burning, Fake It!

I don't think it's a secret to anyone any more that I love a beautiful compact! I'm also quite addicted to lipsticks, lip balms, any product that will make lips feel comfortable and pretty and so I always have more than a few lip product in my purse but I've realised recently that as much as I love a beautiful lipstick, I haven't indulged in them in the past few months as much as I have for compacts.

My main compact addiction recently has been for bronzers!

I am pale, very pale and except for running errands or cleaning the yard, I don't spend a lot of time outdoors unless it's in the shade. In recent years I've developed a bit of redness on my cheeks and if I could I'd probably have that fixed but I'm not that bothered by it. I've figured out a way to tone it down with...

Bronzers!

Staying in the shade, wearing a good sunscreen usually means, little summer color. Good since any color is aging skin. For most of my life I have learned to embrace my paleness. To me it wasn't a hard choice since lying in the Sun wasn't an option, it simply made me sick, really! Feverish, queasy almost nauseous is how I felt every time I tried to lie in the Sun. Still to this day when I see people baking it makes me feel uncomfortable. I guess some would say it almost borders a kind of allergy. I was teased a lot about my paleness but now I'm the one laughing for I hardly have any wrinkles!

Embracing my paleness does not mean I don't want a "healthy" sun kissed glow. This is what a bronzer does for me, give me a glow! I loooove my bronzer(s)!

The one that started it all, in 1984, La Terracotta de Guerlain. Almost revolutionary for it's time since in those days, a tan meant vacation. In Summer many would spend their weekends baking in their yards, balconies or in parks and they would start to do this as early as April, as soon as the weather enabled them to sit outside in the Sun. In Winter, if you had a tan you could brag about the time you just spent in Florida or the Caribbeans.

Given all the information out there about the sun, all the warnings and studies about the risks involved with UV rays, it's interesting to see how our culture simply can't let go of tanning.

Today almost every single cosmetic company makes at least one bronzer. It's quite common but back when Terracotta was launched, using a powder to create a tanned effect was quite a novel idea. I remember Clinique had a gel bronzer in their men's line but that was about it. Gels and creams are harder to master but  powders, they are perfect to create the lightest glow, fast!

Here are some bronzers I've reviewed recently...

Just click on the names for full reviews: Clarins, Milani, mark, Rimmel, Guerlain & Dior. 

I haven't reviewed Rouge Bunny Rouge yet which in fact is a blush and not a bronzer but it's a great compliment if your bronzer is matte. It will give it a little dimension. The color I have is Starina and was given to my by my London friend Marilla.

Instead of burning, fake it!

Now, you want to know how to apply your bronzing powder? Here's a little gem from who else, Guerlain! 52 seconds is all it takes!

Speed Make-Up Guerlain

Faking it is one thing but be sure to protect your skin against UV rays. Not only to avoid wrinkles later but mostly for your health! Here is one of my first posts with a list of sunscreen readily available.

Memories, a bit of history & sunscreens

You do not have to read the entire article you can simply skip towards the end for brands. Also it was one of my first entries so there are a few mistakes in it and the formatting is a little weird due to the change of template done since then. I did not change anything because it serves me as a reminder of my firsts steps in writing. :)

La Terracotta de Guerlain / Review

Where it all started! Revolutionary and on the verge of being mythical, La Terracotta de Guerlain, which now enjoys an almost cult like following, was created in 1984 at a time when sun worshiping was still in fashion. One year short of turning 30, one is sold every 30 seconds!

A favorite of millions, one is sold every 30 seconds.

In the 80s the warnings about UV exposure where starting to come out but not that many people were paying attention. Out came Terracotta which means terre cuite, baked clay. I remember when I first saw it thinking, who would use such a product? To me, a fake tan could not look natural and so I did not give Guerlain's Terracotta a second look but for many it became the answer for the coveted all year round sun glow. You could now "fake" a vacation, instantly.

A few years ago, I did finally get a compact of Terracotta and it totally changed the way I "put on my face" in the morning! There's rarely a day where I don't use it. In Winter it's mainly to give my face some contour. Guerlain's Terracotta is perfect for this since it barely has any shimmer. In Summer I do use it a little more freely but not so much as to give my face a different color than the rest of my body which always remains pretty pale, plus, I don't want to look older, that's never a good thing.

I've had this compact since December but have been using it everyday for the past few months. 

You can still see a shadow of the Guerlain logo. This color, 01 is the second lightest available. 

How I use it...

Depending on the effect I want to create I'll use a different brush.

A large powder brush for a light all over effect.
A regular sized powder brush for just a sun kissed effect where the sun would "hit" my face more.
A small blush brush for contouring or for the top of cheek bones, brow bones and temples.

Do I recommend La Terracotta de Guerlain? YES!!!

The mother of all bronzers, the texture of this powder is amazing, I don't remember having any fallout, ever. Beautiful texture and tightly pressed, it lasts and lasts. I know that at $57.00 it's not cheap but it's truly worth every penny.

Not only does it last in the compact but it has great staying power on skin. In 1997, Guerlain added moisturizers to it's formula, making it less drying and more appropriate for sensitive skin. I have used it on my eyes with no issue and even on my lips under a gloss.

If you are looking for your first bronzer or for a good basic one, this is a great option. Versatile, since it's fairly matte, you have the choice to use a highlighter over if you want to.

Oh and it doesn't look muddy nor "orangy", just perfect!

Can you tell I love it!


Pour lire cet article en français cliquez ici.

Oh My! Clarins Is Doing It Again...

They are, again, coming out with a beautiful Summer Makeup Collection!

Splendours Collection

Here are the items I'll be having a second look at. You can also go to Clarins website, just click on the Bronzer picture.

First what I consider the star of this new collection, the Fabulous Face Bronzing Powder compact.

I know, how many bronzers can a girl have? This one is just so stunningly beautiful, it will be hard to resist especially considering the quality of Clarins bronzers. This one goes for $42.00. I did get one of their regular bronzers for my daughter, tried it and it's just beautiful. Read my review here.

Splendours Eye Shadow and Eye Liner Palette

Again the attention to details here is just stunning! Beautiful golds with a powder contour as well as a liner. I might actually go for that one. $42.00

Instant Smooth Crystal Gel, two new glosses that look like ice cream toppings!

Crystal Pink & Crystal Plum, $21.00 each.

Two Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms

Crystal Rose & Crystal Mandarin, $27.00 each.

Three new shades of Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. Believe me when I say the colors here are much paler than reality. These are also more pigmented than the others already on the market. They give that "my lips but better" effect with just a hint of shimmer. Glossy but not sticky.

04 Petal Shimmer, 05 Candy Shimmer & 06 Rosewood Shimmer, $20.00 each.

Shimmer Body Oil

This I'm quite intrigued by. I can't wait to smell it and see if the fragrance lasts on the skin. 

Light shimmer as a bonus, for Summer, could be quite nice. $49.00

Other items also available, Wonder Waterproof Mascara ($27.00), Foundation Brush ($34.00), The Brush a kabuki style brush ($33.00) and Instant Light Brush On Perfector to brighten dark areas in three shades ($36.00)

And to think I was at the Clarins counter on Sunday! I didn't even bother to look to see if there was anything new. I must say I was with my daughter and she hates it when mom starts looking at makeup! I apparently spent too much time...

... The girl simply doesn't know what she's talking about!

Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo / Review

I am a weak person! No sense on control, easily influenced and totally incapable of resisting temptation!!!

A few weeks ago I had mentioned going on a no buy! I had made a few purchases, some to replace items I was low on and a few little indulgences. After having spend such a hard winter I had figured that my daughter and I had deserved a few goodies.

I was done! No buy...  I had promised!

*raises fist* Seems I can't even keep promises... I make to myself!

Oh well! Am I happy I succumbed to this temptation? Ooooh yesss!!!

Meet my new Precious...

Hmmm after this do you really neeeed a review?

Ok I guess you do!

Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in 002 Coral Glow

As far as the blogosphere is concerned I am, again, a little late to the party. This has been out for a while now. Some lucky bloggerettes have tried, swatched and reviewed this already even if this hasn't been in stores for long (in fact they didn't have it at Sephora yet, I purchased it at The Bay). That's fine, I'm not jealous... *nose growing*

So smitten by this compact I think I would have purchased it regardless of the product it holds! I know, a little stupid but what can I say, I love a beautiful compact. This one, as a bonus, has quite the nice goody to enjoy a luminous coralish glow this Summer!

After all, I did need a coral blush...

Ok I could have gone with M.A.C, Tarte or Benefit but, this one was way tooooo pretty to overlook and it comes with the cutest little brush ever that even has it's own little protective pouch!!!

I mean come on ladies! Who can resist?

The price may be a good deterrent but in my case, I consider it my Mother's Day present to myself. I did break my "no buy" but for a good reason, did I not?

Sorry for my bit of rambling, you still haven't had your review, here goes...

The compact, made of a beautiful shiny silver finish comes with a protective pouch. This means it will keep it's good look for a good while and also, since the pouch fits tightly it kind of "cleans" the surface every time I take out the compact. Remember I passed on YSL's powder compact for fear of always having to wipe  finger prints? For that reason I ended up getting Givenchy. Also the fact that Dior's is embossed also makes smudges less noticeable. No clasp, it's held tightly shut with magnets.

This beautiful combo is from Dior's Bird of Paradise Collection, Été / Summer 2013 and it comes in two color combinations: Pink Glow and Coral Glow. I tried Pink Glow but for some reason, the pink didn't show  much on my skin but Coral Glow came out beautifully and like I said, I needed a coral blush. I recently purchased a M.A.C pink blush that I'm quite pleased with and since I don't wear pink every day, no need to have a second one for now, especially at that price!

This is the best I could do to show you the colors. The bronzer side is not too dark, not too light and with just the right amount of shimmer for a natural look. Sheer, it's easily buildable and I believe would suit light to medium colored skin. For dark carnations it may not fair so well so make sure you not only try it in the store but do walk outside to see the results. The blush side, perfect coral! Not too pink and not too orange. You don't need much for it to show and it too has just the right amount of shimmer. Again I shouldn't say shimmer but satin finish. Your face is not going to shine, it will glow, period!

For some reason I found the little brush included a little stiff and using it created a bit of extra powder as you can see below. I'll probably recycle it for something else and will see after it's been cleaned a few times, it may very well get softer. It still is, super cute but I didn't buy this for the brush.

See the fall out created with the little brush.

It sells for $56.00 which is a little on the expensive side but like I said, this is my early Mother's Day gift to moi. Also, on the day I purchased it something special happened and whatever the outcome, I will remain proud of myself and this will be a nice reminder.

So now go get your own, this one is mine!

Terracotta' Makeup Palette for Face & Eyes - *drools*

OMG!!!

I pray this will be available here! It just has to be!

Look at it! Come on look at it!!! The colors look like perfection! 

Guerlain Terracotta La Sélecetion de L'Été is available at Nordstrom in the States but is not showing on The Bay's website nor is it on Sephora's. I didn't see it on Saturday.

These colors simply look amazing! Since it's a Summer selection I expect this palette to be available soon at either store... Please, pretty please!

Milani Bronzer XL All Over Glow / Review

Although Rimmel Natural Glow bronzer is my favorite drugstore bronzer, this one comes pretty close to it. I purchased it at Walmart just for the sake of giving it a try and I must admit I'm pleasantly surprised by it. The pan is quite big so it's easy to either chose which color one wants or simply swirl a powder brush all over. The container, superior to Rimmel but that is relatively easy since I think they have a pretty horrible one to begin with. Sorry Rimmel but you do have to do something about that!

The two shades are quite distinct and easy to chose 

if that's what one wants to do.

Using a soft bristle powder brush, there's little fall out

which translates to little product loss. Here I used Ecotools

large powder brush.

Hopefully it's apparent on this picture, there is just 

the lightest hint of shimmer. This is great to achieve 

a natural look.

If I remember correctly this bronzer was about $12.97 at Walmart. I've also seen Milani products at Pharmaprix/Shoppers Drug Mart. This is my first Milani purchase and I will eventually try some of their other offerings. More than affordable, one doesn't have to go without a good bronzer this Summer or the rest of the year for that matter. I do, after all, wear a bronzer all year round!

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.