Chanel Bikini Peach Glossimer

I wanted to write a quick update of the Bikini Peach glossimer from the Spring Pop-up collection. It was the only glossimer in the collection; the other two glosses were the Aqualumiere glosses. Being one of the top sellers of all glosses industry wide, it’s obvious why. They are long wearing and have great color payoff. This particular one I love because I’ve been looking for a true peachy shade for some time. I find the shade then I don’t like the formulation! So to have the perfect peach shade in my favorite formulation is fantastic. It has a slight shimmer to is, as most of the glossimers do. But it’s not too much to take over your lips with a spotlight of glitter. It has enough pigmentation to wear it alone, over a liner or in my case perfection over the Bondi Aqualumiere lipstick, also from the Summer Pop-up collection. My only heart break is that its limited edition and soon will be gone!

Edward Bess Ultra Luminous Eyeshadow

Dusk Ultra Luminous Eye Shadow

Originally available only in the Private Eye collection, these fabulous shadows are now available for individual purchase. Given the silky texture, these creations give Dior something to be scared about! The finely milled texture of the Ultra Luminous Eye shadow from the Edward Bess collection offer super blendability and long wear. The long wear formulation can be applied with a dense brush for immense pigmentation or layered with a softer brush(such as the Edward Bess Luxury Eye Brush) for sheer luminous color. What I’ve found to be true is that the more finely milled the formulation, the longer wearing it is. No exception here, Mr. Bess did an exceptional job on this creation. And should we have expected any less? I think not! Currently available in six individual all flattering shades at Bergdorf Goodman or Edwardbess.com.

The shimmer of falling snow flakes

It’s still early in the season, but my list is growing ever long. So I took some time to go out and see the many enticing goodies I had on my list. And I picked up a few that at the moment I just couldn’t live without! One of the items I ended up taking home was not even on my list, Estee Lauders Opulent Shimmer Powder from their Ultimate Red Holiday collection. I’d posted the collection a few days before and in the pictures, this did not jump out at me. Just another shimmer powder, is what I thought. Oh no, not just another shimmer powder I tell you! This one is stunning; you must see it to appreciate it. It has shades of gold and champagne that gives a luminous glow rather than a shimmer, like an angelic halo of light hit at just the right places. I’ve worn it twice now, once on an evening outing and once again to work in the office. Usually I wouldn’t wear something like this to the office, but with this one I could pull it off! It can be layered for a more dramatic effect, which is what I’d done when I went out for the evening. I think the champagne tones make it more wearable than a lot of the other one’s I have that are just gold, silver or even pink. Although all of those are great, they would have to be used for a specific look or occasion; I certainly couldn’t wear them into the office and look appropriate for the business world! Overall, I give this an A, for quality, price and oh so pretty packaging!

Kat Von D Tatoo Concealer


I love the versatility of this concealer, it can be used anywhere on your face to covering tattoo’s on your body! A heavy duty, multitasking concealer, Tattoo Concealer is a creamy, blendable concealer that gives instant, customizable coverage. The oil- and paraben-free, long-wearing formula makes covering and concealing blemishes, dark circles, tattoos, and imperfections easy as pie. From sheer coverage to full coverage, light concealing to hiding tattoo’s, build up to the coverage you need for any imperfection imaginable. Comes in 8 skin complimenting shades of Porcelain, Sand. 1 Light, 2 Medium, 3 Tan, Almond, Caramel, Coco.

Siren Red Lips

 The fall and winter months are fast approaching and with dark, alluring lips the look of the season, some of us shudder with anxiety! Finding the perfect red lip might seem like an easy task but for some, like myself, finding the red lipstick is a never ending task. And, not everyone is comfortable wearing such a dark shade, but we must stay in tune with what is going in the beauty arena!

Wearing the red lip does not necessarily mean having to wear a full coverage, opaque or creamy red lip. We all associate the red lip with sirens like Marilyn Monroe but, I’ll tell you, I can’t pull off that look. Maybe for a special event but for everyday, I just can’t do it! You can ease into the look with one that is more sheer, like a wash or stain. One that is perfect for this is Lipstick Queen’s Medieval lipstick. It looks deep, dark and truly red in the tube, but on the lip sheer and stunning! It has a texture and shine more like a lip balm but gives that perfect ting of red. I have been wearing this during the day with any makeup look and it’s absolutely perfect! I’m actually looking forward to wearing this during the colder months; it’ll be the perfect imitation of a “been out for a brisk walk on a cool morning” look!

Lancôme 'Bi-Facil' Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

I always hear people say that they don’t’ like waterproof eye makeup because it’s too hard to remove. But it doesn’t have to be like that, removing waterproof makeup can be just as easy to remove as non waterproof. If you use Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover, that is! The double-phase, fresh-as-water liquid formulation removes waterproof mascara in minutes flat. It activates when shaken to gently wash away even the most stubborn eye makeup. Even those with sensitive skin and contact lens wearers can use this without irritation, and best of all, no oily residue! So go ahead and take out that waterproof mascara and eyeliner, and let go of the worries of removing it!

Bobbi Brown Metalic Longwear Cream Shadow Review

I looked and looked in awe at the beauty of these cream shadows. The colors looked vibrant and I had the dilemma of deciding which one or ones I would take home! Unfortunately I only took home one. I had tried all of them and as vibrant as they seemed in the jars, they needed quite a covering of product to get any vibrancy. There was not as much base color as it seemed to have. Now this does not take away from the long wear of these, they wore for nearly six hours without budging. The one thing I must mention is that they certainly are not a metallic texture; they are quite glittery, and a lot of it. If you are not into glitter, these might not be for you. Once applied they will not budge, I rubbed and rubbed to try and tone down a bit of the glitter as I'd applied to much. No such luck. I had to remove with makeup remover and redo my eyes; with a tad less product I might say.

For those that don’t like a lot of glitter, these would not work for all over color, but would work really well for a pop right in the middle of the eye lid, rather than all over. Since the holidays are fast approaching, these would be great for adding light to your eyes for the many holiday parties with which we must grace with our presence! I ended up with Antique Gold, which is more like a khaki gold; it had a touch of green to it. Gorgeous shade actually, it’s a great compliment for my brown eyes!

MAC DSquared² Collection

Strong, sooty and blackest black wild-child eye, maybe even a bit demented. Neutral and perfected skin with highlighted and sculpted cheeks begin the transformation into the DSquared arena of crazy and sexy fierce fashion forward makeup. This collection is all about the sexy sweet world of DSquared!

Lipsticks:
Nude Rose
Blood Red

Lip Erase:
Dim

Tinted Lip Conditioner:
Fuschia Fix

Grease Paint Sticks:
Black
B
V

Kohl Power:
Feline

Sculpt and Shape Powder Duos:
Bone Beige/ Emphasize
Accentuate/Sculpt

Gloss Texture:
Clear

Brush:
165 Brush

Available October 2009 in US and November 2009 Internationally

Nude Perfection!

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque Santal
Chanel Rouge Allure Laque Santal Swatch

Weekend Beauty Haul Part 1: Chanel Rouge Allure Laque

So yesterday afternoon I ventured out to my favorite leisurely destination, the mall! Nordstrom tweaked my interest with temptations galore! Neiman's made my heart ache for the infamous Louboutin’s I dream of! Sephora pulls me in with the promise that something is just waiting for me to take it home!

My afternoon served fruitful, as I’ve come home with some new products! My haul has left me with several new “favorite” items for the season. But the one I think that stands out is Chanel’s new Rouge Allure Laque. I have been looking for a Bordeaux lipstick; that’s the look this season and I must have it! I was hoping to find it in Chanel’s Laque Dragon, but unfortunately it didn’t work for me. The one I did end up with is Santal. First let me tell you how absolutely decadent this lipstick is. For being a liquid lipstick, it wears superbly! It is moisturizing yet gives excellent color payoff, shine and coverage. Santal is a nudish-light peach shade that is the perfect nude lip for me, I’m a light-medium skin tone, I usually wear Chanel Shell foundation, or in MAC’s range usually NC25ish. I wore a neutral eye while shopping, and this had just enough kick to add a bit of color so not to make me look washed out as some nudes can do. Yet when I went out to dinner later I wore a smoky eye and this was the perfect low key lip. The Chanel sales associate offered me 5-6hrs of long wear with this, although I didn’t get that, I did get about two hours of wear without touchup or fading. But once I started eating and drinking, it didn’t hold up. This is not one of the long-wears that last for hours and has to be taken off with a remover, so I really am not complaining! To have a liquid lipstick that lasts several hours is near miraculous to me. My gloss is usually gone after about 15 minutes and my lipsticks usually have to be touched up after about half an hour. So two hours without touchup, for me is fabulous!

Frederic Fekkai Advanced Hair Care Collection

Frederic Fekkai’s new Advanced Hair Care Collection blends science and technology to deliver a legendary collection. For shiny healthy hair, the Advanced Brilliant Glossing collection infuses Encapsulated Shine Release Complex to the award winning olive oil formula to renew shine strand by strand, all day. We spend a lot of time and money on our hair color so we need all the help we can get protecting our investments. The Advanced Technician Color Care collection with Intensive Anti-fade Color Complex gives hair a powerful UV shield with Galanga Root, to ensure that your color retains its vibrancy and brilliance, extending the life of your gorgeous color. Which ever collection is for you, you will love the end result. And, don't forget about the Shampoo Exchange on September 17, 2009 at participating Saks Fifth Avenue Stores!

Shu Uemura Nobara Cream Stick Foundation

Inspired by Japanese wild roses, the new Nobara Cream Stick Foundation is ultra creamy and offers flawless coverage. Fashioned after the compact version, impeccable quality and superb ease of use are now at your fingertips. Use it anywhere, touch up anytime, choose from 13 shades to fit your needs.

FEKKAI SHAMPOO EXCHANGE

Frédéric Fekkai is pleased to announce the launch of the new Fekkai Advanced™ hair care line. In celebration, Frédéric Fekkai invites customers exchange any full sized shampoo they currently use for one 8oz Fekkai Advanced Shampoo of their choice. Bring your current shampoo to any participating Saks Fifth Avenue stores on Thursday, September 17th, but be there early, this is only available while supplies last!

StellaNude

Delicate, Soft and Sensual, StellaNude is a scent meant to be worn as a delicate veil on the skin. Moroccan Rose and White Peony gives a soft yet delicate air for moments of tranquility as it gently floats onto your skin Grapefruit and Pink Pepper add a tiny touch of invigoration to wake your senses. While Precious Vanilla, Grey Amber and Musk take sensual to a new level. This is the scent for those who cherish closeness, that secret touch, a nuzzle on the neck from that special someone. This is the scent that evokes that mesmerizing stare from a passing admirer, making him yearn to be close to you, to touch your skin.

Available now at Sephora or Sephora.com

Reader Question:

I don’t wear a lot of makeup but for the holidays I’d like to do something special. Any suggestions?

That would be the perfect time to do something special! Even if you don’t wear a lot of makeup, you can look luminous and angelic for the winter and holiday months! Add a bit of lumination to your cheek bones or the bow of you lip. This brings out those features as well as gives you a healthy angelic glow. Lips will look fuller with just a touch of luminizer in the cupid of your lip, and cheek bones will radiate. A luminizer in a champagne shade looks great on just about anyone but a white shimmer looks fabulous for the winter months as well! Kevyn Aucoin has a white shimmer cream that is fantastic! So go ahead and experiment, find one that works for you and go to town!

Oh how Heavenly!

Victoria’s Secret Heavenly Enchanted Eau De Parfum

Sexy and sensual Heavenly Enchanted is inspired by the warmth of Dream Angels Heavenly, only richer, more sensual, wild and mysterious. Sparkling Raspberry, Coconut Milk and Amber give body to the creamy scent for a concentrated touch of Heaven.

Available for a limited time at Victoria’s Secret or victoriassecret.com.

Makeup Forevr HD Invisible Cover Concealer

The newest addition to the HD collection offers an oil-free, medium-coverage concealer that covers flaws and imperfections, while remaining invisible to high-definition televisions and the naked eye. The soft-focus effect brightens the eye area while reducing the appearance of fine lines, leaving a natural, radiant look. A soft and creamy texture blends impeccably for long wear yet is never dry or cakey. The flexible tip is supposed to be good for blending and reaching those hard-to-reach spots, but I didnt' find it to be very efficient. But I wasn't looking at the tip when I bought this, just the product. And its FAB! Not bad in price either, for $28 you get the same as what most other lines charge upwards of $40-$60. While I don’t’ mind paying the big bucks for an item that is just plain miraculous, I love it even more when I get that same miraculous product for less! Finish this off with the HD setting powder and you have a long wearing polished to perfection face!

Life through the Looking Glass

Tokyo Milk Pocket Mirror Treasures

Mirror, mirror in my hand, who is the fairest in the land? Why you are me dear! Especially when you are looking through these little works of art from Tokyo Milk. Flat pocket mirrors nestled in beautifully decorated boxes and luxurious velvet carrying cases, are the glam girls ultimate necessity. Never leave home without it!

Flat Pocket Mirrors-$9
· Geisha Girl motif
· Stamped Rose motif
· King Crown motif

Reader Question

How many shades of eye shadow do you use when doing your eye makeup?

It really depends on the look. If I am doing a quick natural eye, I use two shades; one for base and one for contour. For a smoky or dramatic eye, I use four shades; one for base, one for contour, one for highlight and one to accent the outer corner or lash line. There is not set protocol, play and have fun! Anything goes!

Bobbi Brown Lip Crayon

With all of the great items in Bobbi Brown’s Fall lineup, it was hard to not buy the whole collection! One of the items I fell in love with, are her new Lip Crayons. I’ve not been a fan of the big chubby pencils in the past, they were dry and cakey and it was like using a lip liner all over your lip. So why buy a lip crayon when you can just use your liner and dab on a bit of gloss for some moisture?

These pretty little babies are the “newest” in Lip Crayons! They have excellent color payoff, great wear and best of all, they are ultra creamy and moist. No need for a separate gloss, unless you want to of course! I can’t say enough about how I love not needing to have a separate liner, lipstick and gloss. It’s all packed into one neat little crayon. Plus, how great is it to have a lip color and gloss in one solid crayon, no more fussing with TSA over your beloved lippies! These are totally airplane friendly!

Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Effet Extension Mascara

I’ve been looking at this mascara for sometime, wondering how I would master the little ball-like brush at the end of the wand. It claims to reach every single lash and build long, lush lashes.

I was lucky enough to be at the Sephora in the Ventian Vegas when the Givenchy design team was there promoting the line. I was able to get a professional demonstration of the mascara by one of the designers and let me tell you, it was easy to use and my lashes nearly made flight! Considering that I have little bitty lashes, to have actual length is fabulous! How could I pass up long lashes with lasting curl? I couldn’t! I’ve been using it for a few days now, and I’m just as thrilled with its lengthening and curling effect. Definitely worth the time getting used to the brush, I’m in love!