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June 2014

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MAC Sharon Osbourne Collection Picks | Duchess Eyeshadow Quad, Bijou and Pussywillow Lipglass

June 11, 2014

The MAC Sharon and Kelly Osbourne collaboration is my favorite MAC release this year. Items have already launched online and will be available in stores and counters this Thursday June 12th. The entire collection features limited-edition products and as with most popular MAC releases many items sold out online within the first few hours of the launch.

I was able to get three items on my wishlist: the Sharon Osbourne Duchess Eyeshadow Quad ($44) along with the two Sharon Osbourne Lipglasses ($16.50 each) in Bijou and Pussywillow. If you’re contemplating whether or not to get these, my recommendation is a huge yes to all three. The colors are naturally flattering and look amazing on every other blogger I’ve read reviews on, all with different skintones and hair color. Swatched below:

Duchess Eyeshadow Quad has four warmish neutrals, the only shade you can purchase individually right now is Embark. All the others appear to be exclusive to this quad. I found the pigment to be really good – the Veluxe Pearl formula is one of the best MAC has. The colors:

  • Sweet Eyes (Veluxe Pearl) is a pearly pale champagne gold and ivory shimmer
  • Sexy Eyes (Veluxe Pearl) is a soft pinky copper shimmer
  • Femme Fatale (Satin) is a warmer copper shimmer
  • Embark (Matte) is a matte brown (on me it looks more satiny)

Although MAC Duchess has colors that can probably be easily duplicated by other brands, I really like this one because it has just the right amount of shimmer and isn’t overly frosted. The closest I have is Chanel Spices which is sheerer, lighter and more subdued. MAC Duchess by comparison is darker, warmer and more pigmented.

Bijou Lipglass is the perfect nude mauvey pink. I think I will need a back up (it’s that good). It does settle into the lip lines a bit if you don’t blend well but it’s not too obvious and can be easily blended out. Pussywillow Lipglass is a stunning gold shimmer. It looks better in person and for me it has enough color to wear alone without washing out the complexion.

Some comparisons below to MAC Nice Buzz Plushglass, Burberry Nude Glow Lip Glow, MAC Naked Space (discontinued), MAC Summer Crop (discontinued), MAC Rich & Witty (discontinued), MAC Angel Lipglass and MAC Lust Lipglass.

Overall love. I will be at the counters this Thursday trying to get both of the blushes (which sold out online literally in the blink of an eye). I’m undecided on the other items as they look like they are nice to have but perhaps dupe-able. The Kelly collection looks a bit cool-toned for my olive skin tone but if you’ve tried any items I’d love to hear your thoughts.

The Sharon Osbourne Duchess Quad, Bijou Lipglass and Pussywillow Lipglass are all limited-edition and currently still available online now at Nordstrom, Macy’s and maccosmetics.com. Available in MAC stores and counters starting Thursday June 12th.

Did you get anything from the Kelly or Sharon Osbourne collection? What else do you think I should check out?

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Loving This Week

June 10, 2014

This week I’m in love with Tatcha’s Indigo Hand Cream and Caudalie’s Divine Oil for extra moisture and hydration. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments in the mini sizes have found their way to my makeup bag on a regular basis lately as well for added moisture and quick touch ups. As my skin has started to clear up the Chanel Les Beiges Fluid No. 30 has started to be sufficient on its own (just with powder added) for a sheer evening base. As an update to my last review, I got a sample of No. 20 and found it to be a good match as well, just slightly too pink so No. 30 is a better match for me right now. Edward Bess Afterglow has remained a staple for me every day, I just used another one up and opened up a brand new one. Perfect as an eye base or highlight on the cheekbones. Another eye pencil I’ve been loving for an eye base is NARS Soft Touch Pencil in Iraklion as a good nude taupey cream base for powder eyeshadows. It’s a lovely subtle neutral. Sephora Beauty Insider offerings are killing it this summer with the Elizabeth and James Nirvana minis (I’m seriously considering the full size of Nirvana Black). MAC Sharon Osbourne Lipglasses in Pussywillow and Bijou are my new must-haves (review to come soon, I think Bijou is backup worthy). I’m planning a mid-week nail polish change on my toes but can’t decide between Dior Metal Montaigne or Incognito (do you ever do nudes on your toes?). Guerlain Cils d’Enfer in Waterproof Black is a new discovery thanks to The Raeviewer (be sure to check out her summer must-haves). I love it for lush thick defined lashes and the formula stays put all day long. Le Metier de Beaute Dark Orchid Kaleidoscope is a Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Gift with Purchase Exclusive with a $250 LMdB purchase, I purchased items in store to get this, but just checked online to see it it was available. It’s not listed in the beauty offers section but if you add items to your cart the gift will show up once you hit the qualifying amount (while supplies last). I wish Le Metier de Beaute would release more kaleidoscopes that weren’t exclusives but I’m really happy to have this one.

Currently working my way through reviews of so many lipglosses that I’ve accumulated since May. Featured above are Marc Jacobs Overprotected and NARS Lipgloss in Istria, Belize, Sweet Dreams and Risky Business.

What are you loving this week?
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Jo Malone Silk Blossom Cologne | Limited Edition

June 9, 2014

Jo Malone has released a couple new fragrances this spring-summer. There are two new florals, Silk Blossom Cologne ($65 to $120) and Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense ($145). Both are lovely soft feminine spring-summery scents. I opted for the Silk Blossom which I found to be more spicy and well rounded with a mix of spice, florals, apricots and hint of powder undertones. When you smell Silk Blossom by itself, it seems like a basic floral, but if you spray this and compare it to the Tuberose Angelica (more floral and clearly tuberose-ish) or even Peony Blush Suede (sweeter, simpler with a more youthful feel, on me this one turns a bit rubbery), you will notice that the Silk Blossom has more spice and complexity. It’s hard to detect exactly what kind of floral notes there are since there is a blend of many notes. According to Jo Malone:

  • Top notes: White Pepper. Softer than black pepper, it diffuses elegant spiciness through the top notes.
  • Heart notes: Silk Blossom. Its fruity, peachy character and subtle green accent give the fragrance its enticing silky lightness. The heart of the fragrance is further enhanced by rose and jasmine petals.
  • Base notes: The verdancy of moss cushions the base of the fragrance in earthy, woody warmth.

I know many are fans of layering Jo Malone fragrances. I’ve mixed and layered a few on occasion but I prefer to wear them alone as is. That being said I’ve mixed my Silk Blossom with samples from gifts I’ve accumulated, I’ve found it blends well with Peony and Blush Suede and Orange Blossom.

Overall a winner in my book for spring and summer florals which seem to be taking over my fragrance routine these days. I find it lasts longer on me than most Jo Malone scents do and it fades nicely on the skin as it wears throughout the day. It doesn’t turn sweet or bitter like some florals can.

I’m normally not drawn to such sweet florals, but these days I’m loving Dolce by Dolce and Gabbana, Diptyque Geranium Odorata and still going through Jo Malone Wild Bluebell.

Jo Malone Silk Blossom is a limited-edition scent. It comes in three options:

I’ve been contemplating the candle, however it seemed significantly sweeter in the store. The pink packaging is to die for but I have some Diptyque on my wish list right now. Silk Blossom is available while supplies last at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom,  Saks, Selfridges and Jo Malone.

Have you tried any of the new Jo Malone fragrances this summer? What are your favorites?

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Photo of the Day

June 9, 2014

Quick photo for today, there’s been a pink color theme going on at my home with Fresh Sugar Tulip Lip Tint and Dior Wonderland Gel Shine Nail Lacquer (recently reviewed, scroll down to the last two posts for swatches and thoughts).
Stay tuned for more on Jo Malone Silk Blossom later this afternoon (PS the Neiman Marcus Camp Gorgeous Beauty Event is going on with GWPs).
I’ll also feature some of the new NARS reformulated glosses soon, currently loving NARS Angelika (FYI there’s an new GWP offer at narscosmetics.com for three minis of Deep Throat Blush, Via Veneto Eyeliner and Priscilla gloss with any $50 purchase and code SUMMERTHRILLS, good through the 16th or while supplies last).

I need to get the the book store soon for the latest issue of Porter Magazine. I’m trying to figure out when I’ll have a suitable occasion in the near future to wear my new nude patent shoes out.

Hope everyone is having a good Monday!

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Dior Wonderland #575 Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquer

June 8, 2014

Dior Wonderland #575 Gel Shine Nail Lacquer ($25 for 10 ml/0.33 fl oz) is a beautiful warm vibrant pink nail polish from the new Gel Shine formula line. There are a number of different shades released in this new formula, however some are exclusive to certain stores (see nail wheel swatches here). Wonderland #575 is one of those classic shades that is available at all Dior locations.

It’s a bright summery color that has a slight hint of silver shimmers in the bottle. On the nail it applies like a cream. The coverage of Wonderland is like a jelly with good pigment. It has a semi-transparent finish but covers the entire nail with two coats. The Dior formulas continue to get better in my experience. As noted in some previous reviews of the Gel Shine Formula, these have a lush glossy finish with impressive lasting power.

I applied it on my own on several occasions over the past few months. My favorite combination was to use this on top of the Sephora Formula X Base Coat and the Dior Gel Top Coat on top. My manicure lasted 5 days without any tip wear.

Swatched with two coats:

I pulled out a number of other warmer bright pinks to compare. Dior Wonderland proved to be almost identical to Chanel Tutti Frutti and Fracas. All the pinks pull really similar on the nail wheel. The differences in real life are slight:
  • Tom Ford Indiscretion is darker and more rose
  • Chanel Tutti Frutti is slightly warmer and more coral with a golden shimmer (more pigmented) 
  • Dior Rose Cabaret 563 (discontinued) is slightly more pink
  • Chanel Fracas is a bit more blue and has gold shimmers (more pigmented)
  • Chanel Rose Insolent is more blue in undertone
  • Dior Plaza (discontinued) is significantly cooler with a visible blue base

You may find color of Dior Wonderland to be too close to other Chanels to justify owning. I know some find better wear with Dior, I personally find them both to be of similar quality and lasting power. The Dior Wonderland has a slightly jelly finish. The color has enough warmth in it to make it super flattering on a wide range of skin tones. The Chanel colors by comparison are slightly more opaque with a more complex shimmer infused.

Dior Wonderland #575 retails for $25. Available at all Dior retail counters and boutiques. Online at Nordstrom, Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks and Dior.com. For swatches and review of other shades, check out swatches of 16 Colors, Front Row and Tra La La.

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Fresh Sugar Tulip Tinted Lip Treatment

June 6, 2014

The latest from Fresh is a new sheer hot pink lip tint called Sugar Tulip ($22.50 for 4.4g/0.15 oz). It’s currently a Sephora VIB Online Exclusive (one of the perks is early access). I just hit the VIB level a couple weeks ago so this was perfect timing for me. If you’re not a VIB, Sugar Tulip is also available in this new Flower Power Kit (on my wishlist even though I just bought the Tulip, I’ll pass along the extra one to my mom).
For those new to Fresh Lip Treatments, there are 9 tinted shades and one clear option. They all have a blend of oils, including meadow foam seed, black currant seed, avocado, and jojoba. They also have SPF 15 and have a sugary sweet lemon scent. These feel fresh and lush on my super sensitive lips and hydrate well.

On the nails, Dior Wonderland with the Gel Top Coat

Sugar Tulip is a gorgeous cool pink. I’ve had several Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments in the mini sizes over the years. I also adore the Fresh Sugar Honey shade although I don’t use these as frequently as I’d like to because of the super soft texture. I’m one of those women who is extra gentle with her makeup products and I take care of my items, but these are still on the soft side. Sometimes I stick them in the fridge for a couple minutes before applying on my lips. Color and pigment varies per shade, some I’ve found to be sheer and glossy while others have full coverage. Sugar Tulip falls somewhere in between. It’s not as rich in coverage as Sugar Honey but not as sheer as Sugar Rose. You can layer it for more coverage but I find it to be semi-sheer. The color adheres better to the lips versus a hand or arm swatch.

Left – swatched straight from the tube
Right – applied with a lip brush

Compared to the Sugar Petal and Sugar Rose, Sugar Tulip has a lot more blue and fuchsia in the color. I’ve swatched them side by side and also added lip swatches for reference on how they look on the lips. (Minis shown below from holiday sets that I stocked up on.)

Sugar Tulip, Petal and Rose:

Sugar Petal swatched on the lips:

Sugar Rose swatched:

Overall love. It is on the soft side but mine hasn’t broken at the base yet (keeping fingers crossed). If you’re looking for a sheer hot pink that is super moisturizing, Sugar Tulip is a good option.

Currently available at Sephora, VIBs have early access for the individual shade. It’s also part of the Flower Power Kit.

photo FreshSugarTulipSephora_zps65143ab5.jpg photo FreshFlowerPowderSetSephora_zpsb08223f8.jpg

Do you have any favorites from Fresh? I just got a sample of the Lotus Face cream from a recent Sephora visit that I’m testing out. Would love to hear about your thoughts and recommendations on anything from the line 🙂

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Estee Lauder Crystal Baby Collection | Nail Lacquer, Shimmer Lip Gloss and Illuminating Gelée Powder Blush

June 5, 2014

Estee Lauder has released a mini collection called Crystal Baby which I spotted at Nordstrom last week. I haven’t been able to find any information about this on the web so I’m not sure if it’s an exclusive to Nordstrom or will be released elsewhere. I picked up three items, but entire collection consists of:
I snapped a really quick photo with my iPhone at the counter:
The three items I purchased are the Nail Lacquer, Shimmer Lip Gloss and Illuminating Gelée Powder Blush. Swatches here and more details below:

The Crystal Baby Nail Lacquer is a soft shimmering nude pink that flashes a hint of blue, violet and pearl sparkles. On the nails it’s very neutral on my skin. With my current skintone it’s almost a nude because it matches my olive complexion. However I love how it gives a subtle polished look which I find office appropriate for conservative work places. I didn’t have time to test this long since I took it off after two days to try other products. In my experience Estee Lauder polishes are average for lasting power 3-4 days max.

Some comparisons to Chanel Rose Cache, Chanel Frisson, Guerlain Jardins de Bagatelle, Guerlain La Petite Robe Noir, OPI A Butterfly Moment (review here), Dior Incognito (gel) and Dior Frimas (review here, from holiday). I find OPI A Butterfly Moment to be pretty close in color. The difference is subtle but the Estee Lauder is a tad bit more pink.
Crystal Baby Lip Gloss is a warm frosted pink with lots of pearl. If you can tolerate the fig scent it’s a really pretty color. It has enough color to wear alone although I like to wear this on top of other lipsticks for added shine. It’s not sheer but not full coverage – I find it falls somewhere in between.

Crystal Baby Illuminating Gelée Powder Blush is a unique gel-powder. Similar in concept to prior limited-edition Gelées by Estee Lauder, this one has intense shimmer. On my skin it’s not frosty but I do need to apply with a light and gentle hand. It applies well with a loose fluffy brush all over the cheeks as a highlight or on the eyes. You can use the sponge it comes with but it makes the shimmer more intense. I found it did not emphasize pores with a light swipe, although if you swipe one swipe too many it will emphasize imperfections. It’s a lovely light opalescent pink. I recommend applying with a light hand.

Comparisons below to Armani Fluid Sheer #8 (reviewed here), MAC Fairly Precious (reviewed here), NARS Adelaide (review here, still available at NARS), Estee Lauder Tease (discontinued) and Bobbi Brown Pink Shimmer Brick (appears to have been discontinued).
I found this mini collection to be an unexpected surprise. I discovered it on route to the Chanel counter at my local Nordstrom. I’m glad the display caught my eye. All the items I picked out are lovely delicate feminine colors. Thumbs up on all items from me. According to the sales rep the entire collection is limited-edition. Available now at Nordstrom.

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