Friday, December 31, 2010

 Chanel Spring 2011 Makeup Collection


Peter Philips, Global Creative Director of CHANEL Makeup, captures the quality of light-reflecting luminosity in a radiant Spring 2011 Collection, LES PERLES DE CHANEL. Luminous shades of pearlized black and white are accented with pinks and corals, creating a natural glow to the complexion, eyes and lips, whilst nails exude trend with blackened pearls.





 Poudre Universelle Compact


• Rose Merveille




Le Crayon Yeux


• Gris Scintillant


 Glossimer


• Aragonite
• Nakkar



Le Vernis


• Pearl Drop
• Peche Nacree
• Black Pearl

 




Ombres Perlees de Chanel (Limited Edition)


 Les 4 Ombres


• Regard Perle

 Rouge Double Intensite


• Cristal Rose

Le Crayon Levres

• Peche
• Framboise

Joues Contraste


• Espiegle


 
 
Rouge Coco


• Peregrina
• Jersey Rose

Rouge Allure

• Coquette
• Flamboyante


 
 

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Edward Bess and his Boxed Beauties


Part of the recent release from Edward Bess is the boxed set containing three new shades of Ultra Slick Lipstick. And ultimately, all are absolutely stunning! They are romantic shades of nude and rose of a French love affair. With names like Demi Buff, Blush Allure and Rose Demure you can’t help but fall in love with the little beauties housed in the little black box.




The shades seem to resemble each other quite closely when seeing them in the tubes; however each has a distinct shade difference when worn. This is Edwards’ first collection to contain all nude shades, and while most nudes have to be worn carefully and might not be a good fit for all skin tones, this is fantastically done. It’s a nude collection with neutral undertones so most skin tones can sport any of the shades. The tube is a bit different from his other lippies, they are square this time. I’m not sure if this is a prelude to a packaging change or a special design for just this collection but they are sleek and modern none the less. The formulation is nothing less than you would expect of Mr. Bess, smooth and creamy with just the right amount of shine.

I recently introduced a friend to the Edward Bess line and told her to start out with a lipstick and she would not be disappointed. I warned her that this would be the beginning of something wonderful and somewhat of an addiction. She informed me later that I was right; she loved the lipstick and was now onto the other wonderful products in the line. I warned her, but what a great thing to become addicted to, right?

Friday, December 24, 2010




MAC Cham-Pale Collection


This is the must have collection to toast to the New Year! Cham Pale is a collection of Champagne and a shimmering golden glow of the brightest New Year celebration. With shimmer and glow in these tones, this is one collection that will brighten any skin tone and set you up for an alluring New Year night! Available December 26, 2010.
Special Reserve Highlighter Powder

• Chez Chez Lame

• Rose Ole

Eye Kohl

• I Get No Kick

Kohl Power

• Feline

Chromagraphic Pencil

• NC15/NW20

• NW25/NC30

Paint Pot

• Chilled on Ice

• Let Me Pop

• Vintage Selection

• Dangerous Cuvee

Nail Lacquer

• Soiree

• Very Important Platinum

Lipstick

• Tanarama

• Quiet, Please

• Flustered

• Gel

Lipgelee

• Bubble Lounge

• Sin-tillation

• Straight to the Head

• Luxure

Caviar Dreams Eyeshadow Quad

• Brule

• Et tu, Bouquet?

• Caviar Dreams

• Retrospeck

Studio Fix Lash

• Black Fix

Complete Comfort Creme


Fix+ Lavender

Lip Conditioner SPF 15 + Lavender

Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 + Lavender

• Calm Mode



Tuesday, December 21, 2010

philosophy's holiday greetings



As all who read my blog know, I LOVE philosophy’s holiday sets. No exception for this one! It’s absolutely yummy and once again, I am wishing they made these little pretties in the full sized items. But for now I will enjoy them while I can.





The set contains the most scrumptious Brown Butter Cookie 3-in-1 and Coconut Macaroon Body Butter with a Pink Frosted Cookie Lip Shine to add shimmer and shine for a delicious holiday pout. The wash is 4oz and the body butter is 2oz with the lip shine in full size. The set comes housed in a box shaped like a mailbox with holiday scenes which is perfect for gift giving should you chose to gift this. I gifted it, right to me, myself and I! I love foodie comfort scents and this one has hit the spot. Especially with the cold weather upon us, this gives me just the right amount of comfort and joy. It’s a sweet cookie scent but not so sweet that it overwhelms. And the body butter is wonderfully yummy and doesn’t clash with the wash. I’ve been using this with my night time bath so I can enjoy the scent while I am relaxing for bed. How’s that for getting relaxed for a good night’s sleep!

Friday, December 17, 2010

CHANEL BEIGE Les exclusifs


While at a recent Sniffapalooza event in NYC, I was determined to bring home this scent. I have tested and tried this so many times that it was time I caved and purchased it. My only reservation was the size. I honestly didn’t want a 6.8oz bottle that I had to pack in my suitcase for fear it would fall to its death in hands of the infamous baggage handlers. Imagine that I spend $230 on a bottle of perfume to have it coat my suitcase contents before it made it home! Well, luck was on my side; Chanel has released it in a 2.5oz bottle that sells for $110. Now if this didn’t entice me, nothing would!

Crafted in 2008 by Chanel Master Perfumer Jacques Polge, Beige is a powdery floral with an elegant blend of white petals and hints of honey. Stunning and elegant Beige starts out lush and full bodied with touches of frangipani, but becomes calming and woody with a final touch of honey. Although Beige has a highly floral beginning, its eventual base is toned down into a concoction a bit less heady and ever so slightly sweet. Don’t be put off by the honey and the sweetness it lends the fragrance, it’s a grown up and ever so sophisticated sweetness. Not being a floral lover, I tried over and over to ‘not’ like this fragrance, hence the repeated test runs. I wanted to one day say that it just wasn’t for me. This has never happened!

Its original release was in a 6.8oz for $230, however its sister bottle is 2.5oz for $110. A bit more wallet friendly and certainly easier for me to trek home (it fit into my plastic bag!). If you think you will use the 6.8oz to its end, it is a much better value. However, if you are like me and tend to like a bit of variety, the 2.5oz is perfect since it will take me forever to use up. Part of the Exclusifs Collection, Beige is released in limited locations that includes Bergdorf Goodman, select Saks Fifth Avenue locations as well as Chanel Boutiques.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Coach and Estee Lauder Purchase with Purchase




These were selling out before they even hit the stores since pre-orders flooded the sales counter for those who saw these and had to have them! I don’t blame them since I was one of the ones who said “are you kidding, this is a steal”! The set was a purchase with purchase; when you purchased any Estee Lauder fragrance item you could purchase the Coach cosmetics bag for $35. So, what makes this like the best deal ever? The bag is currently at Coach stores for $68 and does not come with any of the cosmetic items included in the PWP. This PWP came with an eye/cheek palette, eyeliner, two lipsticks, a lip-gloss, a retractable eye brush as well as a retractable face/blush brush. Now, tell me that isn’t the best deal ever! So if you could get one, this was the way to go.  I purchased a fragrance gift set for a friend and got this for me!!


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

philosophy Holidy Hostess Gift Set


As much I love any thing philosophy, I love their holiday creations even more! It always makes me sad that they are only her for a quick short time; I wait all year for the yummy holiday treats. This year I am especially in love with the Icy Cinnamon Sugar collection. It’s a yummy treat without the extra calories and even though it sounds very sweet and sticky, it’s just enough to fulfill the craving for the foodie comfort scents.



The Holiday Hostess is a perfect little set to get or give; it contains a body lotion as well as the infamous 3-in-1 shower gel, bubble bath and shampoo both in an 8oz size. This particular scent did not come with the lotion in the normal 16oz size, so it was a special treat for the set to contain a matching lotion. Plus, at the price point of $20 for the set it is an affordable treat. When you think of Icy Cinnamon Sugar you would think it would be an overly sweet scent, but it really isn’t. The cinnamon tones down the sugar making it a bit more of a grown up sweetness. The shower gel does not clash with anything you might chose to moisturize with, but if you layer with the matching lotion you can carry the scent outside of the shower. The lotion is a great body moisturizer and absorbs quickly; and the scent is soft and not over powering. So no worries on smelling like a sugar cube!

I purchased my first set during Sephora’s friends and family event. Luckily I got my order before the event was over because I was able to place another order and stock up on a few more. They are still available at most locations that carry philosophy. But I must warn you, they have a lot of holiday goodies this year!

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Bare Escentuals-'Samantha’s Smoky Eye' Set


This set was part of my Sephora’s Friends and Family event; I passed on it originally but did a second order when I saw it in person. It’s a fantastic set for achieving a quick yet stunning smoky eye. And I love my smoky eye these days! The set contains a black chubby eye liner/shadow pen, a Buxom Mascara, Buxom Lip Gloss in Samantha and a smudge/shadow brush.


Generally I don’t like to buy sets since there is always an item or two I won’t use and it doesn’t end up being such a great deal because of this. But this set is the exception since I love every item in the set. The eye liner is a perfect base for stay put shadow; it is budge proof once it sets and dries. But it’s just as good on its own as a liner or cream shadow. I layered a black shadow with gold shimmer over it and had a perfect smoky eye. The Buxom Mascara has a following of its own, it adds great dimension and has great thickening capabilities. My two favorite items in the bunch however are the Samantha gloss and the smudge brush. The gloss is the perfect nude shade with a tad of peachiness and just the right amount of shimmer. It adds dimension to a nude lip without being over the top glittery. I only pray they release this as a stand alone item now. It has become a favorite! And finally the super usable smudge brush. It is dense enough to use as a smudge brush but also great for adding shadow at the lash line and even in the crease. It is a really great quality brush that has more than one function.


I must say that I think this is one of the best sets they released this season. Not to mention the very reasonable price of $42, each item alone would have been $72. There is nothing better than getting great product at great prices! This set is still available at Sephora and Sephora.com so get it while you can. It would make a great gift too!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Dior Gris City Le Vernis Collection


A stunning and very exclusive polish collection has hit the streets of New York, London and Paris! Right now these are only available at the three locations in each of the city’s Dior Boutiques, but hopefully the collection will expand to other Dior Counters. Each city has a shade of their own with a different take on the texture and color of ‘grey. From sleek and metallic to deep and dark Bond Street, NY 57th and Gris Montaigne pays tribute to Dior's love of the color grey. Currently the collection is available exclusively at Avenue Montaigne Paris, 57th Street New York and New Bond Street London.


 Bond Street, NY 57th, Gris Montaigne


Photo: Courtesy of Dior

Monday, November 29, 2010

Black Friday non-beauty haul


I headed out just like millions of Americans the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy some of Black Friday’s deals. Of course I picked up some beauty goodies which I will post on later. But this post is for a few of the non-beauty items I was able to get good deals on. Usually these brands don’t have promos or sales so I enjoyed them while I could!

One of my favorite luxury brands for laundry care is The Laundress. I love it not only for its luxuriousness but for the healthy benefits it lends to our clothing and environment (it is non toxic, biodegradable and allergen free). I usually order this online but pay some hefty shipping charges since it’s a heavy item. The Laundress is always generous with offering either a percent off or free shipping but the offer is never as good as the one I got on Black Friday. My local 7 for all Mankind boutique was offering a 40% discount, and they carry The Laundress! I was thrilled to find out that it extended to all of the products in their store, so I was able to stock up. I picked up a few of the Denim Wash and the Fabric Fresh so I am good to go for awhile.

 The Laundress Denim Wash and Fabric Fresh

Michael Stars

 
My other splurge was at Michael Stars. I love their t-shirts and was able to enjoy 30% off during their Black Friday event. I picked up two of the Vintage tees with the fraying around the neckline. I love these for layering during the colder months, but they wear well all alone too. Just throw on a scarf and you are set in your t-shirt and jeans without looking too blah! Also in my Michael Stars haul were the black fingerless gloves I’ve had my eye on. They are super soft and a nice classic peace the can be worn from year to year.

Considering the lack of sleep and the ugghh feeling from too much food the night before, I think my Black Friday shopping frenzy went very well. I got some great deals, saved a ton of money and got most of my Holiday shopping done. Now I can truly enjoy the season!

Saturday, November 27, 2010

MAC & Marcel Wanders Collection


In collaboration with the Dutch industrial designer – known for everything from his Happy Hour Chandelier to his futuristic old Delft porcelain, Marcel Wanders and MAC bring an arresting collection of fine collector’s items. The sophisticated packaging and enticing products call to all who have an irreverent taste for the finer things in life. Available November 2010.


 Air of Style Scent Concentrate

 MAC & Marcel Wanders Lip Gloss
• Mary
• Beatrix
• Aleydis
• Gertruyd



 MAC & Marcel Wanders Sheer Mystery Powder
• Light Medium
• Medium Plus



 

MAC & Marcel Wanders 187 Brush
MAC & Marcel Wanders Brush Clutch


 


 MAC & Marcel Wanders Lipstick
  • Martha 
  •  Gesina
  • Catharina
  • Digna



False Lashes Mascara
• False Black

Monday, November 22, 2010

Edward Bess Holiday 2010


We have waited patiently for the newest and brightest from Edward Bess, and we shall have it in time to ring in the holiday season. In addition, it will be available just in time for Bergdorf Goodman’s $25 off event beginning Nov 28th; spend $125 and receive $25 off along with complimentary full sized mascara. Put in your pre-orders, I think these will sell out fast!


Little Black Box Lipstick Trio $75

• Rose Demure

• Demi Buff

• Blush Allure

XOXO Lipgloss Trio $75

• Amore

• French Lace

• First Kiss

Blush Imperiale

• Desert Blossom

Thursday, November 18, 2010

philosophy snowsuit body spritz




This has been released for several seasons and it has been a customer favorite. And for good reason, I must say! I will leave it up to personal interpretation on what you think maybe snow ought to smell like. This was not what I expected, but I was still pleasantly surprised!

Fresh scented lemon chiffon is what I picked up for this spritz. And that is certainly not what I expected from something that is named ‘snowsuit’. However, I must say that I like its freshness and instant ‘pick me up’. It’s supposed to be a lightweight moisturizer and scent all in one, and although it does have an ever so slight moisturizing feeling when it’s first applied, I don’t think it’s enough to classify as a moisturizer. It might be the aloe ingredient that gives it the soft feeling when you first apply it, and that is better than alcohol but not enough to use as a stand alone skin moisturizer. I personally only use this only as a scented spritzer rather than a moisturizer. Its light and does not last long, but good for a quick treat. I’ve been using as my night time scent and I love that it doesn’t over power me right before getting into bed. This is limited for the holidays so get it while you can, it will be gone until next year!