The Sunday Post, Vol. 28...

I have a week off! Woot!!!

Since November of last year I've been working pretty much non stop. There were a few days off here and there but to have nine days off in a row, let's just say I need them bad!!!

I have several drafts that need pictures and some of these are so overdue! Like for instance the nail polishes I've been sporting this summer along with some new blushes and eye shadows... *fingers crossed* I'll be able to finish these in the next few days.

Ok so my week won't be about blogging alone, I have some major house cleaning to do and some spending time with my girl to do too! Last night we went to a movie and I was able to convince Catherine to take a mother-daughter selfie! No I'm not becoming a selfie addict and by the way thank you all for the nice comments, you know who you are... but I wanted to have a fun one with my girl and it is so. It looks distorted with the 3D glasses but that was the idea, a little souvenir of a great movie. It did take some convincing Cat but I told her, "think of it this way, it'll be fun for you to look at it in 10 years" and so she agreed! Oh and if you've seen it you probably noticed my shiny nose! We were having way too much fun for me to think about powder! :)

This week's makeup love...

I didn't have time to go get a new Rouge Dior #459 Charnelle and so I've been wearing NARS Dolce Vita quite a bit and discovering Guerlain Tonka Impériale reviewed, here. Yes I had been neglecting it after having used it the first week I got it. I was a little disappointed by the color but not the formula. Now I'm enjoying the color, it's no fuss and can be applied discretely without a mirror, love that!

I fell in love hard with Clinique Black Honey (from the All About Shadow Palette seen, here) eye shadow this week and wore it with pink just like Lily of ChloeAsh did back in march. You can see her gorgeous look, here. The difference was that I used Clinique Berry Pop (sent to me by lovely Lena of Lenalure) on my cheeks and Givenchy Rouge Interdit in Secret Pink #3 reviewed, here, which pulls really pink on me. Also...

...I wore a black eyeliner yesterday... and I liked it!

Recently I bought a small size of Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover and it came with a Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner pencil... in black! I figured I would give it a go for blogging purposes not expecting much since all pencil eye liners smudge on me. Well this one surprised me because it did have amazing staying power! The best part was Catherine at one point couldn't figure out what I had done differently but she told me and I swear these are her words "Mom you look beautiful, you look younger!" I was like wow, and then felt a little uncomfortable coz she kept looking at me! I was wearing a somewhat smokey look with Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Khaki.

I'm wearing it again today!

What I have my eyes on...

I had a little YSL swatch fest of the new eye palettes this week!!! OMWord guys! The textures, the colors are just fantastic! Guerlain is coming out with a gorgeous palette that includes great everyday shades and Dior, well they too are launching a truckload of quints! Geez these brands along with Chanel are just killing me but I'll be smart unless I win the lottery!

Remember I'm still on a no/low buy for now and so the only thing I plan on getting is my Dior Charnelle although I can use a lip brush (if I can find one in my chaotic house). Now Guerlain is coming out with a new look for their Kiss Kiss lipstick and Rosy Beige sure looks tempting for an everyday lippie!

For your viewing enjoyment...

So the movie we went to see last night was Gardians of the Galaxy and it was really, I mean really fun!!! Good humor (although one joke was a bit much) and the music was such a blast from the past and no, you don't have to be over 45 to appreciate it. Proof, go have a read of Aaron's review, he's the son of Sue from Cherry Sue Doin' The Do, here. Now the Walkman might be another story... and yes I still have mine! Oh and Cat just told me it was written by a woman!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B16Bo47KS2g

I honestly can say that I wish they make a sequel after all, Star Lord does get a new cassette... Hmm now I wonder if Catherine would be up for writing reviews... Like Sue tweeted me, kids got to earn their keep! :D

I am Groot... :D


Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo  

Chanel Les Beiges N° 10...

As some of you know recently I lost my beloved Givenchy compact and true, I could have replaced it with another identical one but for some reason, didn't want to. I guess I had developed some sort of attachment to it and without going into much details, again, I decided to go for something completely different...

Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder (Poudre Belle Mine Naturelle) in N°10...

Although I'd been wanting a Chanel Compact for a while now I don't think Les Beiges would have been my first choice especially since I much prefer their black compacts to this one but hey, I needed something to use during the day and since spring is just around the corner (or so we hope) I figured that going for a powder with a little color would be a good option. Even if I'm very careful about the sun I still get a bit of a tan and a pale or translucent powder can sometimes leave a lite white cast even if super finely milled.

The name...

Poudre Belle Mine... In English could be translated into "Pretty Face" which is quite charming when you think of it.

The presentation of Chanel Les Beiges is as it should be, classic, simple and luxurious! It comes with an elegant black velvet pouch and a good brush nestled on a plastic protector.

Chanel Les Beiges in N°10 is almost perfect! The color is surprisingly natural and the texture is quite nice. I'll be honest and admit that I do prefer Guerlain powders but since Les Voilettes wasn't available in a compact version and there was no way I was going to spend $140+ for the Météorites compact, Chanel will do nicely for now, hence the "almost perfect".

I chose Les Beiges in N°10 which is the lightest shade but there seems to be some different options depending on where you live as far as the color range is concerned. It appears that in Europe it starts with N°20 going up to N°60 but here in Canada it goes from N°10 to N°50! Also looking at pictures online I believe that N°10 is slightly paler than the European N°20. I may be wrong and correct me if need be but one has to admit, Chanel can be so confusing sometimes!

One note about the color, it is darker in the pan than a traditional "touch up" powder but again, it's finely milled and so this means that it's very sheer and I get the feeling I could have gotten N°20 and still would have been pleased for it's that fine and natural looking. Do note that my skin tone is very pale, if I remember correctly it's around to NC15 on the M.A.C scale for those who know what that means. In other words, in winter I'm super pale! I can easily imagine the darker Chanel Les Beiges options used as lite bronzers for fair skinned gals. You really must try them to know what I mean.

How does Chanel Les Beiges perform? Very nicely.

N°10 is more matte than my Guerlain Crazy Météorites but since it's also a super finely milled powder it still produces a natural look as a finishing powder due some faint light reflecting particles. These are almost unoticeable and you really must look at it up close to see them but they are there.

How does it control my shiny nose?

Not as good as Givenchy. Recently, before I lost it, I would use Les Plumetis two times during the day but must take out Chanel at least three times. I can't really vouch for last summer since I was at home and didn't mind the shine as much but I get the feeling that Les Beiges won't be that effective once the weather really warms up and so I'm predicting having to use it four to five times during the day

Do I recommend Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder (Poudre Belle Mine Naturelle)? 

Yes if you have normal to dry skin for I believe you would be very pleased with the finish. If you have normal to oily skin my guess is you will end up taking it out of your purse more often than not for touch ups but hey, the compact is stunning!

What I don't like about it...

Please somebody tell me, what the heck to I do with the plastic protector??? Do I keep it to avoid damaging the powder's surface or do I ditch it and put the brush directly on the powder?

See? What do I do?

I didn't have that dilemma with Givenchy. That compact was soooo smart! I didn't have to worry about the brush damaging the powder since it was tucked into a little "drawer" under the powder, see it, here (I know, I know I've linked back to it so many times but hey, it was a winner in my book). Now with Chanel Les Beiges I'm at a lost! In fact I do believe I would have preferred a little powder puff instead of a brush... This makes it very awkward to use and not as quick and discreet as Les Plumetis.

I'll admit I'm glad to have this compact but at the same time I know I'll end up getting another Givenchy eventually unless (maybe even if) Guerlain makes Les Voilette available in a compact version for Canada because after all I do believe I've become hooked on their powders...

Have you heard of "The Guerlain Powderpuff Girls"? I think I'm on to something, what do you think? Sunny of Mostly Sunny approved so what say you? :) 

And...

What do you "Powderpuff Girls" like to use during the day to tone down a shiny nose?


 

The Sunday Post, Vol. 14...

Tragedy!

I lost my beloved Givenchy compact!!!

I just can't believe it, it's nowhere to be found and now I think it fell of the stupid bag I'm using at the moment since I almost lost one of my Dior lipsticks on Tuesday. It gave me a pretty good idea of how it happened.

This makes me sad because it was one of the first purchases I made last year that got me back into makeup. As some of you know I love a beautiful compact and this one was way up there for me. Small, with a nifty clap and slide mechanism, it was perfect for touch ups. True, the mirror wasn't ideal due to its size but I got used to it and enjoyed the fact I could powder my nose quickly and discreetly.

I could have replaced it but it wouldn't have been the same. For some reason I had developed an attachment to it, almost as if it had become part of me. This may sound slightly silly to some but hey, last year wasn't easy for me and every bit of pleasure I got meant a lot and this little compact gave me some.

Maybe this is a message to tell me ok, you're done with this first year now let's move on...

So, moving on, I asked my friend Sunny from Mostly Sunny for recommendations for a new compact. She too battles a shiny nose on a daily basis and I figured who better to ask? Why wasn't I surprised when she tweeted back to tell me her favorite was from Guerlain? I mean this company does make the best powders!

I think we should start a club, The Guerlain Powderpuff Girls!!!

Catchy isn't it?

Who wants to be a crime oilies fighter? :D

Her best, Guerlain Les Voilettes. To the store I went but I was doubtful it was still available and when I got there my worries were confirmed. This compact was released last Christmas and for Canada it turned out to be a Limited Edition! *cries* Why? It appears to be part of the regular line in Europe so why not here?

I left the Guerlain counter empty handed (well almost, I got a few more La Petite Robe Noire Couture samples) and landed at Chanel where I got Les Beiges in N°10.

I do believe I'm gonna like it, I'm gonna like it a lot!

It's only been a few days but I like both the texture and finish. Due to the Chanel logo this compact is a little more "in your face" so not as discreet as my Givenchy but hey I'm not gonna flaunt it but I sure as hell ain't gonna hide it.

This week's makeup love...

I wore Diorshow Velvet eyeshadow almost everyday this week with either a Clinique or NARS shadow as a base. I think of all the colors I like to use at the moment this is the easiest to wear on an everyday basis. It's just perfect for my eye color and looks great with everything. It goes on like a dream, buildable, no fall out and the best is that it lasts all day. With it, no head banging on the wall in the morning trying to figure out what makeup to wear.

I've been testing this NARS Orgasm/Laguna compact and it ain't bad, ain't bad at all. M.A.C. Whole Lotta Love has been gettin' some again this week. Constant purse companions, Rouge Dior in Charnelle and Givenchy Rouge Interdit in Secret Pink.

Update of sort on a past review...

One thing I've noticed these past few weeks that made me go huh? I love my Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude palette but the more I use it and the more I see its flaws. The mattes are great and so I use them a lot, on a daily basis actually, especially Cement and Slate but the satiny shades, if not used as bases simply won't blend in. In other words, if I try to use Beige or Twilight Pink over a matte (or any other color for that matter) they seem to just sit on top. It really is the weirdest thing and I have no idea why I didn't notice this sooner.

Nails...

I'm still alternating between Chanel Coup de Coeur and Guerlain Madame Batifole. I haven't felt the urge to go for lighter colors yet and it sure won't happen today since we're in the middle of a spring snow storm in Montreal! I hate winter and I can't wait to be done with it! This week it'll be Coup de Coeur again.

New additions...

The Chanel Les Beiges compact, a new Diorshow mascara and the week before last I finally purchased a Shu Uemura lash curler (that review is coming soon).

Currently testing...

I'm not keen on trying new skin care in general. Except for my love of trying new cleansers my routine is pretty much set in stone for now but this little number I just couldn't resist.

Phyt's is a French skin care brand created in 2003, distributed to skin care and beauty professionals, it's certified Organic, does no animal testing and has no bad chemicals. I chose the Hyaluronic Acid mask and my first trial was more than pleasant. This brand also has a cosmetic line and I was offered a mascara (yay!). I'll let you know how I got to try these and more about each real soon.

What I have my eyes on...

Again, nothing much really. Since I've had to replace my compact I'll have to wait to get a new BB cream. Fingers crossed my Marcelle CC Cream still has enough in the container for another two weeks. There's a good chance I'll go back to Estée Lauder since I had such good results last year and the tube lasted about four months. I ended up loving Marcelle but it made my nose a little shinier so I don't think it'll be that great once the weather warms up... One day soon I hope!

For your viewing enjoyment...

Did I mention we were having a snow storm at the moment???

Let's dream a little with Dior...

 Diorskin Nude Tan - Matte Sun Look

Diorskin Nude Tan - Iridescent Sun Look

Fingers crossed for all this snow to be melted by next week!

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The color...

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

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

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

Natural daylight although on the right my skin looks warmer.

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

The formula...

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

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

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

Look at the pretty duo...

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

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

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

The Perfume Tag...

I was tagged by lovely ChicScience!


Which perfumes are finished?

I thought I would "cheat" a little on this one because at first I just didn't know which I would choose. In recent years I've been more about body oils, Liérac and Nuxe to be more specific, you can read about both, here. These, instead of fragrances per say were my go to and were perfect for the stay at home mom I was. So the cheating part was that I thought I would write about these and the many samples I've emptied but instead I figured, why not do a little trip down memory lane and go with some of my favorites? Some from way back when and some more recent.


Here goes...

Eau de Givenchy

I haven't worn this one in years and taking it out of it's box brought back many delightful memories. The cap is broken and doesn't stay put, in fact I think I broke it the very first week arfter purchasing it. For some reason it makes me smile every time. A beautiful daytime white floral which opens with grapefruit, mandarin orange and bergamot. I then deepens with ylang-ylang, jasmine, narcissus and even rose with a hint of lily-of-the-valley. A summer scent that is fresh and elegant but that doesn't take itself too seriously.


Chanel, Coco Le Parfum

With it's opening of coriander, mandarin orange, peach, rose and jasmine this is a stunning oriental. It came out in 1984 at the height of Opium's popularity. For me, Yves Saint-Laurent's juice which I did wear and loved, had nothing to take me away from Coco. I switched in a heart beat. Love at first smell! Sadly I think I threw away the bottle because I couldn't find it. I'm just not sure, who knows it's probably at the bottom of a drawer or a box somewhere. I never really got on board with Coco Mademoiselle but recently my friend Sunny sent me a sample of Coco Noir and I do believe I'll end up purchasing it.

Gucci N° 1

Another white floral that opens with mandarin orange, ylang-ylang, bergamot and lemon. It then reveals a blend of lily, violet, lilac, jasmine, iris, rose and again some lily-of-the-valley. I see a strong pattern forming here as far as my preferences go... I wore this one so much, it didn't matter if it was summer or winter. It too always put a smile on my face and made me feel grown up. Well, grown up with a twist!


Giorgio Armani Acqua di Giò

Such a dreamy fragrance! A mixture of aquatic and fruity notes. Grapes, pineapple, citrus, watermelon with ylang-ylang, freesia and hyacinth. So different yet so familiar. This one I stopped wearing because there was someone in my not so immediate entourage who kept copying me and after she had been at my house she purchased it. This was not the first time, not the first fragrance! I got Acqua di Giò before everyone else (insider's contact) and although I knew it was gaining in popularity I was really unhappy by the fact that in order to know which fragrance I was wearing she had gone through my things! She really did! I know that to be copied is a form of flattery but when it comes from a person we don't really like and behaves this way it's a little unnerving.

It took me years to reconcile with it and by the time I did, I wanted to repurchase to have a back up, I discovered it had been discontinued and "replaced" by Acqua di Gioia which doesn't have the same beautiful ending, the deep warmth of it's predecessor. Woody and musky, so sexy!


Trésor de Lancôme

A floral that's bordering oriental it was quite à propos at the time it came out in 1990. With a wink to some popular offerings of the time, the heavier orientals, it turned out to be quite a favorite of mine. A nice change from Coco it still had such warmth with it's rose, apricot and iris. It took me a while to appreciate it but I did like it a lot and still enjoy it from time to time. This was the fragrance I was wearing when Catherine was born!


Issey Miyaké L'Eau d'Issey

Aquatic, white, springtime! This is such a beautiful fragrance with it's lotus, freesia, melon. No citrus notes here but I don't miss them. This is probably one of the fragrances that made me feel the most elegant, the most "put together" but yet I wore it with flip flops! With a stunning black top, Capri pants and jewelled flip flops, this one is oh so perfect! This fragrance has a transparency, a certain je ne sais quoi that makes heads turn. So subtle it's like, oh what did I just miss?

You can read ChicScience's tag post here. Now I want to try Hermès Concentré D'Orange Verte!!!


What's the last fragrance you finished or have you ever emptied a bottle?


If this inspired you, feel free to do this tag too, it was fun! :)

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara...

One thing I have to give Givenchy, presentation!

Recently I returned a mascara to Sephora and got into a lengthy conversation about brushes with one of the SAs. She was just lovely and as geeky about them as I am. This was right after my mascara brushes post and she gave me a few suggestions, among them Tarte and YSL because they were out of Guerlain's Cils d'Enfer which is on my "to try" list. I decided to go for...

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara...

What it is:
A four-in-one mascara that creates intense volume, strong curl, infinite length, and complete lash care.

What it does:
This multitasking mascara is formulated with Givenchy’s exclusive Lash Booster Expert Complex that provides nutrition, revitalization, fortification, and protection. 

Research results:
-Based on a self-evaluation on 32 women after 4 weeks of daily application, 91% had visibly volumized, curled, and lengthened lashes.
-Based on clinical scoring on 32 women after 8 weeks of daily applications, 100% recorded lash beauty and strength, surface shine, evenness, and suppleness. 

Sephora is the exclusive beauty retailer for this product.

Such a beauty! The brush... must have been designed by an even more geekybrushpickynut than me! Despite the fact that it's totally out there, it works amazingly well.

If only the mascara itself was up to par with the brush! You can see on the top picture the nice point the formula has. It's just the right consistency, not too thick, not too thin and on the bottom picture, notice the rounded tip of the brush. It surprisingly works extremely well, even in the inner corner of my eyes. Since it does keep quite a bit of product on you must not "wiggle" the brush when applying this mascara otherwise you'll end up with a thick mess.

It does go on smooth, gives length, volume and is a beautiful satiny black but sadly it doesn't last. It tends to flake a little and kind of disappears during the course of the day. It resists the heat of the heated lash curler and does keep the curl for about six hours but it has no oomph!

I could apply two coats but more and it started to clump!

Would I recommend Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara? Sadly no.

Unless you have beautifully long curly lashes to begin with I doubt this one will do much for you. I myself will be using it on weekends when I go for lighter eye makeup and maybe my lashes will take advantage of it's lash boosting properties.

By the way, that nice SA at Sephora was 100% correct about Givenchy's. She told me they often recommended it to women who wanted to achieve a natural look. For this it does work but I'm not ready to let go of a more dramatic effect yet so this one will not be a repurchase.

Have you tried any of Givenchy's makeup offerings?

The Sunday Post, Vol. 6...

Oh my what a week!!!


Update on furbaby Julius...

He's going to be fine! Catherine and I are so relieved and want to thank you all for your kind words last week.

He got sick totally out of the blue and it would seem it was a severe case of upset stomach. We brought him to the clinic on Monday and they took some blood for analysis. The vet gave us a few scenarios one of which was pancreatitis. Apparently schnauzers are prone to this and it would have required hospitalisation. I'm so thankful and relieved that it wasn't what he was suffering from. That dog is so precious to us, he's been our therapist, the one who made us smile when we thought we couldn't. He's one heck of a barking machine but he's our baby and we love him. So does Fifi by the way since she kept hovering and meowing around him as to say come on, snap out of it! :)

Given the highly emotional weekend I spent the week in a mild coma and was only able to deal with my day job. This means that I don't have anything written and I have a bit of writer's block at the moment but I should be able to get back on track soon since I have a few nice goodies to review.


This week's makeup love...

Guerlain Terracotta La Sélection de l'Été! Ok I can see you frown from here but wait! It's not because it was released for summer that I can't enjoy it in January! There I said it! :) The beautiful khaki green paired with the mauvy brown are just sooo smashingly beautiful together and went so well with the clothes I wore. I also enjoyed Chanel Charming palette which has definitely become a staple.

Lipstick love were fuss free NARS Dolce Vita and Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector in 06 Rosewood Shimmer which I could both reapply without a mirror. The was also Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush in Esquisse #683 which hasn't been reviewed yet due to the lack of good lighting. It's a beautiful rosewood color that's a little darker than what I've been reaching for lately.

Of course the pictures are not optimum! It's been cloudy and overcast lately. I'm sorry but this was the best I could do.

Guerlain La Sélection de l'Été (2013)

Nails...

Chanel Le Vernis Taboo!


New additions...

I took back Diorshow Iconic Overcurl to Sephora and wanted to try Guerlain Cils d'Enfer but they were out of black so I decided to go for Givenchy Noir Couture. I also returned Chanel Joues Constraste #85 Évocation due to the fact it wasn't the color I wanted in the first place and in the pan it looked pretty similar to a Bourjois blush I rarely wear these days and keep at the office in my emergency bag. I exchanged it for Illusion d'Ombre in Diapason and Le Vernis in Charivari... :)

Recently I purchased L'Occitane en Provence Ultra Rich Lotion for Body and so this week got a small size of the hand cream.

I got a gift!

Sunny from Mostly Sunny sent me a gift which I received just before New Year's (I think!). I won't tell what it is except that it was extremely thoughtful of her. It's a little something that I really, I mean really wanted to get my hands on, a pretext to write about a certain subject that is dear to me. I don't know when I'll have enough time to do it justice but hopefully it will be soon.


For your... listening enjoyment...

This week it's a song to which there are apparently no video, a rare occurrence these days. Those of you who live in Canada will probably recognise it from a TV commercial. It may be well known in Europe, I have no idea except I love it's retro sound.

On the image below, can you tell which lip gloss she's holding? :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUNcEU6A56M

Have a great week everyone! Hélène xoxo

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?

Beautiful Compacts, Vol. 2...

Hi! My name is Hélène (aka Icaria) and I'm addicted to... Compacts!

Ouf! Now I feel better! I've said it!

They say that admitting an addiction is the first step on the road of recovery, don't they?

Ever since I was a little girl I've been intrigued by them and whenever I had the chance, would grab my mom's double sided mirror compact from her purse, look at myself and imagine I was famous and beautiful like Sophia Loren or Anouk Aimée. Oh and grown up too! :)

Schoolgirl Primping

Saturday Evening Post cover, September 10, 1921

Paul Stahr (1883-1953)

Fast forward many, many years and I have grown up to become a full blown compact lover/addict. No more intrigued I just love to take out a nice one from my purse to discretely reapply my lipstick! I don't use them to put on a complete face makeup in the metro but the small gesture of taking a pretty powder compact out of my purse to have a quick look is pure joy for me, really!

These past few weeks with all the beautiful holiday collections displayed at different cosmetics counters, I've been drooling at a few beautiful options but this time decided to go for content instead of look. I was a little disappointed that Guerlain decided to use the same compact for both Crazy Terracotta and Crazy Météorites but I really wanted those powders and I have no regrets. Since these where my big splurge I've had to pass on some beauties but since they're not all limited editions I guess I can wait a bit.

What makes a compact worthy of consideration for me? It has to look good of course, sturdy, must close shut either with a magnet or have the gentle click of a good quality clasp and it definitely has to have a bit or weight. The product inside must be up to par with the packaging. I guess that last bit is a no brainer unless you decide to go for a double sided mirror.

It's understandable that some will not want to spend over $50.00 for a powder compact. Beautiful ones are indeed expensive but most will last longer then their more budget friendly counterparts. In some cases the powder disappears in no time and in others, well it's the packaging that just isn't good. After a few months of use they either don't close shut anymore or they flat out break!

Finely milled, tightly pressed powder in a good quality compact will last and last. You just can't beat quality!


Here are a few to consider...

Guerlain Météorites refilable compact $140.00

Chanel Les Beiges $60.00 and Chanel Poudre Universelle $50.00

Guerlain Crazy Météorites $82.00 and Diorskin Forever $43.00

Estée Lauder Aries Compact $55.00 and Year of the Horse $138.00

These are limited editions.

These two below are compact foundations...

 Chanel Vitalumière Compact Douceur, $66.00

Givenchy Teint Couture, $61.00

Ultimate splurges...

These two below are both over $200.00 CAD. Clé de Peau and Serge Lutens offer these stunning compacts and I must say the first I've seen and swatched and the powder is indeed dreamy as for the second, it's a complete mystery.

Clé de Peau

Serge Lutens

The one I'm still in love with and use everyday...

Givenchy Le Prisme Visage $52.00, reviewed here.

If you were wondering why I titled this entry Beautiful Compacts, Vol. 2, well it's because I did one last year. Most of the ones shown on it (yes there are repeats) are still available and the prices haven't changed much. The only compact that's on it's way out as far as I know is the more affordable version of Guerlain Météorites shown. You can view this first edition, here.

Erm... I don't think this entry has helped me with my addiction one bit! I'm eying both Chanel Vitalumière and Les Beiges and let's not forget that next spring there will be new bronzers!!! Did you know I was addicted to bronzers too? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to face the fact that there's no way out for me and I'll just have to live with it!


How about you? Is a beautiful compact a must and if so which is your favorite? 

What to do with my Sunday Post?

Before you start you may want to go grab a coffee or tea for this is a long one!

A little personal update...

As some of you may have guessed, I'm still trying to figure out how to organize my schedule between work, blogging and home time. I do think I'm slowly getting it but this week everything went kaput due to a horrible back pain that came out from nowhere!

It started last Friday just as I was going back to work after lunch. For some reason I could barely walk. That evening I was suppose to take Catherine to see a movie and so she had come downtown to meet with me. She was disappointed when I told her there was no way I could suffer sitting in a theatre for two hours straight. I took her to eat something and home we went.

In the morning I would have needed a mechanical lift to get me out of bed! This lasted until Thursday making this Friday morning almost normal. I still feel it but at least now it bearable.

My best friend this week was my heating pad. :(

The movie, we finally managed to go see this Friday. I almost bailed out again due to the fact I was so tired but I didn't want to turn down Catherine again. She rarely asks for anything and is such a good reasonable girl she totally deserved the treat. We went to see The Hunger Games and both loved it!


What to do with my Sunday post...

I'm not sure when I'll be able to continue my Notable Reads post. Having less time I kind of knew that it would suffer and so for now I won't stress and will simply put it on the back burner.

What will I replace it with? I just don't know yet! For now just bare with me. Sundays will likely be either New Additions, Weekly Makeup, New Makeup Love or maybe simply a new review.

This week I have a bit of everything!


Faithful purse companions...

This week with a more smoky eye it was all about Rouge Dior Grège 1947 and 

Givenchy Le Prisme Visage compact is always in my purse!

New additions...

I've purchased several new amazing items that have yet to be reviewed and this past week I've again indulged in a few additions... It would seem that I am doomed!!! Sephora and The Bay just a few minutes away from my office... This clearly means I'll be purchasing a few weekly goodies.

Here are the items I got this week. During my lunch hours I had to get up and walk since this was the only thing helping me with the pain. On Monday I went to The Bay to get Diorific Frimas! Not my kind of color but for some reason I just fell in love with it. On Thursday I went over to the Eaton Center and walked into Sephora just to "browse" and see what special holiday kits were left. I was told by an SA that there would be specials for Black Friday!

ARGH!!! 

Prices reduced on Dior fragrances? Little minis for $12.00?

Of course I went back the next day and took advantage of these specials. On top of those I purchased two sets of pyjamas for myself. Who could resist a 2 for 1? I mean really!

When I purchased Diorific Frimas I received a cute Miss Dior mini! Who doesn't like minis? :)

Both Tocca and Bite where special Black Friday goodies at $12.00 each! 

This week's makeup love...

...For eyes was all about Chanel Charming (yet to be reviewed I know *sigh* time goes by way too fast), Chanel Fatal and Dior Velvet...

... For face, it was Guerlain with  Madame Rougit, Crazy Terracotta and Crazy Météorites (also yet to be reviewed)...

There were of course the tag along, Estée Lauder BB cream, NARS Pro-Prime, Rimmel concealer, L'Oréal Infaillible Lacquer Liner and Diorshow Iconic mascara.


On my list...

This coming week I may get Diorshow Iconic Curl mascara since my Iconic is starting to be a little harder to apply. It seems to have gotten thicker and some mornings I've had to struggle a little which resulted in taking longer to achieve my usual lash look. Not a good thing!

I may also get a new lipstick, been thinking about NARS Dolce Vita but I might wait. Pictures of Dior and Chanel new spring collections have started to surface and of course I've already spotted a few items I'd love to get my hands on. There's also the fact that I'll need a new morning moisturizer soon and Chanel Vitalumière compact foundation is kind of calling my name. I've swatched it several times and the texture is just dreamy.

Then again, I may not get any of these since I do have to think about Catherine's Christmas gift. She may end up with the equivalent of my goodies and more in one gift. As mentioned, she's been such a good reasonable girl and with what she's been through this year I do want to get her something special. Ok she's always had the privilege of getting gorgeous Christmas goodies but this year I want to give her something meaningful she'll remember. I can barely believe it's already December 1st! Seems to me that only last week I was wearing flip flops and writing in my gazebo!


For your viewing enjoyment...

This week is all about Dior makeup, more specifically the Golden Winter Christmas Makeup Collection.

The Ad...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC3O7oAriA4

Le look Golden Winter...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baT8lwO9Dx8&list=PL1BC1B82A424FE06A

This makes me almost want to get 5 Couleurs 644 Golden Snow, almost...


Ouf! I think I'm done! Would you believe I had a bit of writers block yesterday! :)


Have a great week everyone!  Hélène xoxo

My Personal Sephora VIB (Wish) List...

I'll probably go later today but still haven't decided what exactly I will get to take advantage of the 20% rebate. Since I would like to also get some new nice shoes I may skip a few of these but I'm quite sure I'll get at least a Dior lipstick, NARS eye makeup base and the Truth Serum, I think...

NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

Another Rouge Dior, Rose Bonheur maybe and I'll have a closer look at the quints

Givenchy Le Rouge Intense in Rose d'Exception (if I go downtown 

because my local Sephora doesn't carry the brand)

Caudalie duo hand cream and Huile Divine (not shown)

Guerlain Crazy Terracotta Healthy Glow Powder 

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

Want to bet a nail polish might, just might follow me home as well? :)

Poor Catherine! She'll be stuck waiting for me, again! She hates Sephora! I guess I'll better make sure I get her a nice Vanilla coffee for her "troubles". :)

Have you or are you planning to take advantage of the Sephora sale?

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette...

... Love at first use!

In recent years makeup wasn't too high on my list of priorities, putting on my "face" in the morning meant that it was relatively basic and so my look was a kind of no makeup, makeup look. One step I've never skipped has always been powder because of my shiny t-zone and eyes where I use concealer as an eyeshadow base. Last spring when I started my quest to find a new job I went to Sephora looking for an everyday powder compact and I remember seeing Hourglass Ambient Lighting but I was somewhat puzzled about them. Intrigued, I remember trying each one on my arm and then walking around the store looking at the swatches liking what I saw but still not sure enough to go for one and so that day I got my little Givenchy Le Prisme Visage compact.

Not long after it would seem the entire blogosphere was talking about Hourglass and since then these Ambient Lighting powder appear to have become almost essentials to those looking to achieve a flawless complexion. Unlike Le Prisme which tones down shine and lightly evens out the complexion, Hourglass' Ambient Lighting powders create a gentle diffuse light effect on the skin, in other words it softens the way light reflects on one's skin.

When I saw the first pictures of this palette last summer I knew I just had to have it. Having the chance of trying three was just too irresistible considering they are $52,00 each, the palette although still not cheap at $67,00 offers a great opportunity to experiment.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette comes with a small size of the 
well loved Veil Mineral Primer which will get it's own review.

My Current Favorites / Makeup

In a few days August will be over! Where did it go???

This Summer was way too short and I just can't believe that we will soon have to start wearing socks again! The blogging world is going loco for all the new fall collections and I agree, there are or will be some stunners out there but for me, this means the return of the cold! I like Spring the most. It announces the arrival of lazy and care free days. Fall, is the precursor to cold and last Winter was such a harsh one in Montreal that I wish I could win the lottery and move to a more temperate climate...

*Le Sigh*

Recently I showed you what my Spring & Summer Skin Care Routine was like and so I thought it would be fun to show you what makeup I've been going for in the morning for the past month or so. I realise looking at these that this was real basic. No fuss, five minutes and I'm done! Compared to the same type of post I brought you in June, here, a few changes where made but I'm still keeping it minimal.

These have been my absolute favorites, I have used other products here and there but there are the ones my hands reached for most often, especially this past month and all have been reviewed...

Face...

Estée Lauder DayWear BB creme
Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer
Givenchy Le Prisme Visage Mat in Peach Plumetis
Diorskin Nude Tan Paradise Duo in Coral Glow

Eyes...

Bobbi Brown Navy & Nude palette
L'Oréal Infaillible Lacker Liner in Dark Slate
Benefit They're Real! mascara

Lips...

Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Candy Shimmer
NARS Satin Lipstick in Tolède

Nails...

Essie The Girls Are Out for fingers
Chanel Le Vernis in Taboo on toes


True that Estée Lauder's BB and Bobbi Brown's palette are recent additions but oh how I wish I had put my hands on them sooner.

One quick comment about both the Givenchy and Dior compacts, notice how the embossed patterns are still visible? I've used these almost every day since I purchased them and it barely shows. This to me proves that they where totally worth the splurge. Fine and tightly pressed powders that perform well are definitely worth it and these have excellent staying power so no need to reapply repetitively during the day.


What where the staples of your Summer?