Monthly Archives

April 2015

Fragrance

Les Exclusifs de Chanel in Beige

April 1, 2015

My latest in fragrance is the Les Exclusifs de Chanel in Beige ($160 for 2.5 fl oz). There’s nothing quite like a bottle of Chanel fragrance, I’ve been rationing a couple deluxe-sized samples I’ve acquired for quite some time and decided it was time to splurge on a full-sized bottle. I had narrowed down my picks to Beige, Gardenia and No. 22, I decided on Beige. There are three different sizes for most of the Les Exclusifs de Chanel, I purchased the smallest option because it usually takes me forever to go through a perfume, although now that I’ve been spritzing this for a few days now, I think I should have purchased the larger 6.8 fl oz size as I know for sure that I will run through this one.

Beige is a lightweight natural sweet floral. According to Chanel named “beige” because it’s “an elusive colour with infinite variations, beige may seem quite ordinary. And yet, behind this apparent simplicity, it hides a discreet sensuality that builds slowly before revealing itself fully. This sensual outburst is interpreted by Jacques Polge through a bouquet of Hawthorn, Freesia and Frangipani, with shimmering hints of honey. A stunning blend of white petals and yellow gold…in other words, a breath of beige.”

I couldn’t find a better way to describe it. Beige does seems like it could be very ordinary but I like soft scents that seem to meld with the scent of natural clean skin. Beige is a white floral but the mix of honey makes it sweet and not too cloying so it’s not overly floral. The power is quite strong and it’s one of those that doesn’t fade within an hour, it remains noticeable on me for several hours with just 2 spritzes (I do recommend 3 to 4 though, as I do with most fragrances).

The packaging and bottle design are stunning. There is a classic simplicity in the sharp clean lines of a simple glass bottle that make the Les Exclusifs de Chanel stand out. It looks beautiful on my dresser or bathroom counter and it makes me really happy when I wear this.

On the nails Chanel Desirio

If you’re a fan of Frederic Malle Carnal Flower I think you will like Chanel Beige. The two are quite different from each other, but both have this smooth floral dry down that gives these a soft well rounded and mellow feel. Carnal Flower is more complex with strong tuberose while Beige is sweeter and lighter with freesia and honey. I don’t typically find myself drawn to florals because I find they pull powdery on my skin. These two are the exception.

Bottom line perfect for right now as we transition into warmer weather. It’s a lightweight sweet floral that brightens my mood and something my husband really likes on me (huge plus). You can find the Les Exclusifs de Chanel fragrances at Chanel Boutiques and stores with Chanel Beaute Studios (like Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills or Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza). Also online at Chanel.com.

Have you tried any of the Les Exclusifs de Chanel? What are your favorite ones? If not, what’s your favorite fragrance for right now?
On My Radar

On My Radar / New in Beauty

April 1, 2015

It’s a brand new month and this time of year summer beauty collections start to trickle in. So far I’ve been building a wish list that is primarily Chanel, Tom Ford and Marc Jacobs. Can’t wait to see what everyone has in store for the upcoming season. Right now there are a few new things that are on my beauty radar:

Edward Bess recently launched his Matte Artist Eyeshadow Palette (1) I’ll have a review on this in the upcoming weeks. This Friday Edward will be on the QVC Show at 5pm EST where he will be featuring some new product launches. One is his new Fully Defined Brow Duos (2). They will come in a choice of Neutral or Rich (on right) and both feature the same brightener shade to lift the arches.

If you missed out on the two latest runway shades from Marc Jacobs Limited Edition Enamored Hi-Shine Nail Lacquers in Milk and Wine Not (3), the good news is they are now online at Sephora.com (VIB Rouge for now). Swatches of both shades here and here.

Guerlain has a four new shades of the Terracotta Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo (4). The compact is a stunning pearly color and the powders are super soft in texture. Review to come soon.

Nuxe fans will be happy to know they’ve expanded the Rêve de Miel line with a Gentle Shampoo (5). I’ve been testing this and have fallen head over heels. It’s an amazingly soft sweet honey scented shampoo that is gentle and leaves the hair soft. I’ll have a detailed review on this soon too.

Surratt Beauty (6) just launched online at Sephora.com. I’m thrilled there is a new place to buy Surratt items. For reference, three of his lip items previously swatched and reviewed here.

The Dior My Lady – Diorblush Glowing Color Cannage Palette (7) is calling my name but I just purchased this one so I fear the colors will be too similar to justify both. They’ve re-launched the Coral Lip Glow (8) and it’s in my wishlist.

Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks (9) have finally launched in the US. I’ve been waiting for these to launch for months here.

Last but not least, By Terry (10) has 5 new shades of Hyaluronic Sheer Nude Hydra-Balm and 4 shades of a new Cellularose Moisturizing CC Cream. I have the CC Cream in Shade 3 (review soon) but initial thoughts are that it offers good natural sheer to medium coverage that’s buildable and is very hydrating.
What’s on your beauty radar this week?