Monthly Archives

November 2013

Uncategorized

GIorgio Armani Eccentrico Face Palette | Holiday 2013

November 8, 2013

Giorgio Armani’s star product for the holiday is the Eccentrico Face Palette ($88 for 8g/0.27) a limited-edition highlighter palette. The palette has one tier of powder with a silvery overspray and small flat face brush underneath. The powder below the overspray is a mix of pinks, orange and a cool white shimmer. Mixed together you get a beautiful pink glow. Although this is called a face palette, I think this is best used as a cheek blush or highlighter. The quality of the powder is excellent – it’s finely milled and the shimmer is very refined and natural making the skin glow. It’s dark enough for me to wear as blush alone. My feelings about this are a bit mixed mainly because of the price. At $88, most other Armani palettes in this range have a cheek product plus three eyeshadows. I do realize this comes with a little brush encased inside, but I still think this one is definitely overpriced. Armani does have discount promotions through their own beauty side occasionally (most I’ve seen is 20%) which could bring the price down to the $70ish range. Still I think this should have been priced in the same range as their eyeshadow quads at $59 (even if it is a luxury holiday and limited-edition product).

The packaging:

With overspray:

Partial overspray:

Most of the overspray removed:

Swatched:

Comparisons show that Eccentrico has a soft quality that makes the skin glow. The shimmer is finely milled versus a high shine frost. Comparisons below to shades that have unfortunately all been limited or discontinued, but I hope this helps to gauge the level of pigment and shimmer:

Overall a lovely blush palette with exquisite packaging. However it’s one I just can’t get really excited about – especially with other palettes this holiday like ones from Hourglass and Chanel which are more affordable and still unique and creative (in my mind). I will get a lot of use out of Armani Eccentrico – it’s a lovely wearable pink that is safe. As usual your mileage may vary with this. I know some who absolutely love it. I agree that it’s lovely – for me at $88 I expected more. I tried tracking this down at counters but couldn’t find it anywhere in store. Others have had better luck though.

Armani Eccentrico is limited-edition. It retails for $88. You can find it online at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Giorgioarmanibeauty-usa.com.

11 Comments
Uncategorized

Sephora November VIB 20% Off Sale Shopping Guide

November 7, 2013
The Sephora VIB 20% off sale is here from November 7th to the 11th! Instores and online for V.I.B.s only (online code is VIBTOPIA). I’m starting to look for gifts, stocking stuffers and small add-ons as the holidays are approaching. Here are a few gift ideas of what’s sparked my interest, also some staples I love that you might want to save on.
  
Gifts and Stocking Stuffers Under $30

_________________________________

Splurges to Save On

_________________________________

My Picks

For the sale I’m limiting my shopping card to a few items (plus two sets from above):

_________________________________

For Him

For my husband, he loves the Tom Ford Noir and Jack Black Products. I know I’m getting him the Tom Ford Noir and Jack Black Turbo Wash. Contemplating the other items. Do you have any recommendations for him?
What’s on your shopping list? I’ll be playing around with my FF cart today. Trying to limit my purchases in anticipation for upcoming sales from other stores and brands as well. Are you splurging on anything for yourself or stocking up on any gifts? I’m all ears for your recommendations before I hit SUBMIT!
9 Comments
Uncategorized

Chanel Charming Ombres Matelassées | Holiday 2013

November 6, 2013

Chanel Charming Ombres Matelassées Eyeshadow Palette ($80 for 9g/0.32 oz, limited-edition) has finally arrived in stores. It’s a stunning soft delicate palette of neutrals – all shades are come in a lovely quilted pattern. The colors are soft powders but with decent pigment. Layered over a base the colors show up much better on my medium skin. The colors left to right include:
  • A soft delicate champagne ivory shimmer
  • A satiny fawn tan brown
  • A glimmering chocolate gold shimmer
  • A soft semi-satiny brown
  • A cool grey matte tinged with slight blue tones

Chanel Charming retails for $80. It’s limited-edition. My counters report they have received a very limited supply, but not to worry. It’s online at numerous locations. I bought mine online from Nordstrom. You can also find it online now at Neiman Marcus and Chanel.com.

The colors layer quite well together on the eyes. Each color in this palette is wearable enough to wear all five shades at once. I layer from left to right (light to dark). This palette is sometime I envision to be an everyday kind of palette. The middle gold shade gives it a slight holiday feel, although not quite as glitzy or glamourous as the beautiful Illusion d’Ombres in Fatal and Initiation. I suspect layering either shade on top of this powder palette would add a bit of glitz for the holiday.

Shown without flash, there’s a soft glowing quality from each color:

Close up of the shades, here in sunlight:

Here, under artificial light with flash:

The colors swatch very nicely on the skin and the eyes. Being the neutral lover that I am, I adore each shade in this palette. There is just no comparison with the finely milled satiny shimmers here.

In sunlight, no flash:

Comparing this to other Ombres Matalassées Palettes, Charming proves to be the safest neutral. Pearl River (limited from the spring 2013 Hong Kong collection) was a more edgy non-neutral. It’s been sitting in my drawer neglected and unused although I keep intending to use it (I keep getting distracted with Le Metier de Beaute kaleidoscopes and Edward Bess palettes). 51, Montaigne (also limited edition from 2012) is more yellowy and khaki-colored. Charming is the warmest, although still a neutral. Here are the palettes side by side for comparison.

Overall, Charming Ombres Matelassées will be one of my staple work-horse kind of palettes for everyday. It may be too neutral for some although I do love how the shades can be layered for a subtle warm smokey eye. If you’re looking for something different and unique, I’d suggest you opt for the holiday Illusion d’Ombres (reviewed here). This one is definitely must-have for me (although pricey).

Chanel Charming Ombres Matelassées is a limited-edition palette. It retails for $80. Online now at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Chanel.com.

17 Comments
Uncategorized

Diorific Vernis Minuit #995 | Holiday 2013

November 4, 2013
Dior’s holiday 2013 collection brings new nail lacquers in the special round packaging. Diorific Vernis Minuit #995 ($26 for 12 ml/0.40 fl oz, limited-edition) is a stunning vamp-plum mixed with red and gold shimmers. I thought this would be just another standard shimmery plum but Minuit really stands out with a beautiful rich glossy finish. The red and gold flecks are visible but the color is still dark enough to be vampy. In the sunlight this color glows.

Close up of the shimmers:

Swatched with two colors results in a slightly jelly finish. It has smooth coverage but is slightly transparent making the color look more red than plum. I prefer this with three coats for full coverage. The application was smooth and easy to apply.

In indirect sunlight the color is less red and more plum:
I pulled Dior Shadow #783 (discontinued, swatched here), Dior Liquorice #972 (discontinued), Dior Galaxie #992 (reviewed here), Chanel Taboo #583 (swatched here) to compare. Dior Minuit for holiday is closest to Liquorice but Minuit is darker and more dramatic. Compared to the others below you can see how the gold flecks in Minuit make it stand out compared to other shimmers.

One last swatch of Dior Minuit:

LOVE. If you’re thinking about this shade I suggest you buy soon. I’m 100% in love with it and think it’s worth every penny. Dior Holiday should be out at your counters now. You can find Minuit #995 online now at Nordstrom and Sephora.
24 Comments
Diptyque Fragrance

Diptyque L’Ombre dans l’Eau Solid Perfume

November 3, 2013
While in San Francisco both my husband and I fell in love with the solid perfumes at the Diptyque Boutique on Maiden Lane. His favorite for me was L’Ombre dans l’Eau while I preferred the Eau Duelle. I spent several weeks thinking about the options before deciding on the L’Ombre dans l’Eau ($48 for 3.6 g). This scent is the companion to the Baies Candle. It’s described as a “mixture of crumpled blackcurrant leaves and rose petals.” L’Ombre dans l’Eau is a unisex scent that is fresh and green and floral with a hint of blackcurrant all mixed into one. It’s one of those scents I feel is perfect for fall.

The solid perfume comes in a heavy weight oval compact. There is a tiny grey pouch to store it in which protects the packaging. It’s beautiful to look at and I love how easy it is to carry with you in your purse or small clutch. The lasting power is medium. It’s quite strong when you first apply but fades very slowly throughout the day. Most Diptyque fragrances in the liquid form fade very quickly on me. I find the solid perfumes to last a bit longer on me.

Ingredients:

The L’Ombre dans l’Eau Solid Perfume is almost identical to the Eau de Toilette version, but there are noticeable differences. They basically dry down to the same scent, however I prefer the Solid Perfume version which is more earthy and natural smelling. The latter is a bit greener and fruitier which is still nice but a bit synthetic smelling. The only other scent I’ve tried that I can think to compare it to is Jo Malone’s Blackberry and Bay which is significantly sweeter with berry notes. Comparing the two side by side, the Jo Malone makes the Diptyque smell slightly musky. They layer quite nicely together although I prefer to wear them separately since I prefer subtle scents.

L’Ombre dans l’Eau Solid Perfume

Overall love. I’m normally not a fan of strong florals but the more scents I explore, the more I find that I like scents that have some kind of floral blended into them. L’Ombre dans l’Eau Solid Perfume is a perfect everyday rose/blackcurrant scent. It’s not overpowering so I don’t feel self conscious wearing it to work. It’s a nice feel-good kind of scent. It’s also a huge plus that my husband likes it on me. If you can try in person I highly recommend testing it. I still have my eye on Eau Duelle but will hold off for now.
L’Ombre Dans l’Eau comes in a wide variety of other formulas and options. I absolutely love the convenience and compact size of the Solid Perfume. It also comes in an Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum, Roller Ball Oil, Shower Gel, Lotion and Soap. The scent is one of their best sellers.

The Solid Perfume in L’Ombre dans l’Eau retails for $48. You can find it at all Diptyque locations and online at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Barneys and Diptyque.com.

7 Comments
Boutique California Travel

Diptyque Boutique South Coast Plaza

November 2, 2013

Diptyque recently opened a boutique in Southern California at the South Coast Plaza shopping center. This is the sixth store opened in the US. The store is beautifully decorated with Diptyque-themed wall paper. Each section of the store is styled with home accents and vintage-looking books. I hope this will give you a sense of the store ambiance (even though photos were taken with my iPhone in dim store lighting). You can also find Diptyque at South Coast Plaza at the Nordstrom store and SpaceNK Apothecary located in Bloomingdales. The Diptyque Boutique offers a wider selection of scents, including boutique exclusives, body care items and accessories. I could have spent hours in the store. I will definitely be making many trips back in the near future.

If you’re in Southern California, it’s definitely worth visiting! Have you been to a Diptyque boutique? You can read about my visit to the San Francisco Maiden Lane store here. I love how each store seems to be unique.
8 Comments
Uncategorized

Inside My Makeup Bag

November 1, 2013

I find it amazing how much I can cram into a little makeup pouch. Stacking and layering can make a huge difference in making room inside. This week is what I’ve had in my makeup bag:

1. Chanel Eyemakeup Remover mini | 2. Caudalie Divine Oil mini size (featured here) | 3. Chanel Stylo Yeux in Espresso (a classic rich brown) | 4. L’Occitane Amande Hand Cream | 5. Guerlain Crazy Paris Terracotta Powder (review here) | 6. Diptyque L’Ombre Dans L’Eau Solid Perfume (review coming soon) | 7. MAC Viva Glam VI Lipglass (a staple)  | 8. Tom Ford Cheek Brush | 9. Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch Mascara (my current favorite mascara) | 10. Jo Malone Vitamin E Lip Balm (review here) | 11. YSL Sheer Candy #12 | 12. Chanel Rouge Coco in Perle (lip swatch here) | 13. Tom Ford Nude Vanille Lipstick (swatched here) | 14. Chanel Le Jour Face Cream mini | 15. Aerin Mini Rose Hand and Body Cream

What’s been in your makeup bag this week?

16 Comments