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2015

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Rescue Beauty Lounge Je t’aime, Je’ t’aime!

March 23, 2015

Rescue Beauty Lounge has released six new beautiful polishes in the Je t’aime, Je’ t’aime! Collection inspired by Ji Baek’s love for Paris (the full story on the Rescue Beauty Lounge blog). I have four of the colors to share today. Each color retails for $20 and they will be available for pre-sale online starting tomorrow, March 24th at 12:00 PM EST through March 26th to those signed up for her newsletter. Available for everyone else starting April.

The four colors, are as usual, are true to Rescue Beauty Lounge’s style which is edgy perfection. I’ve mentioned this before, but Ji Baek is a true innovator when it comes to mixing up unique colors. She’s done it yet again with beautiful shades for spring. I can’t wait to see the other two that are part of her collection (to be released mid-April).

Close ups and swatches of each color:

C’Est Tout is a metallic green grey silvery color. It’s a complex color that flashes different colors depending on how the light hits it. This one is my favorite of the bunch. It reminds me of Chanel Black Pearl but with more silver and grey and it’s more metallic.

From Rescue Beauty Lounge:



This color is a rivalry between gunmetal and green, for sometimes it appears to be a dark gray with blue undertones and in another moment, you will see a green with micro shimmers of pink, blue, and gold. If you are ever asked, “Avec Ça?” You should answer with a resounding, “That’s all!”

Bonne Journee is an ultra-girly pink. It has a slight jelly finish where the pearl looks like it’s suspended in a gel-like polish. It flashes bright pink, silver, a bit of blue. It’s extremely unique. Brush strokes are visible but can be smoothed out with a second coat. You do need to apply this one slowly to get smooth coverage.

From Rescue Beauty Lounge:

Have a good day is how we should all take leave of anyone—this is a happy rose pink with blue undertones and a hint of copper. The shimmery satin finish will put a smile on your face and spread happiness because it works with all sorts of skin colors. This formula just glides on. Pink has never been this good.

Pardonne Moi is a deep blue metallic. There is a brightness to it which gives it life and prevents it from looking navy on the nails. There is a soft pearly quality which gives it a bit of softness even though it’s a sharp blue metallic.

From Rescue Beauty Lounge:

This phrase somehow sounds more chic than “excuse me” when you’re bumping into people in the market. This color is a satin finish of an exceptional indigo, blue overcast with iris purple. Flashes of a beautifully generous shimmer gleams with stunning sparkles.

Last but not least is Ah, Oui which is a periwinkle cream. This one has the most smooth finish being a cream without any shimmer. It’s very bright but has enough blue in it so it doesn’t look lilac or pastel on the hands. I think this one will be fun on the toes for spring-to-summer.

From Rescue Beauty Lounge:

“Ah, yes?!” Just keep saying this if you don’t understand a thing anyone is saying—I’ve fooled so many peeps saying this while exhaling, “Pfttt!” This color epitomizes Parisian chic. It’s not blue, not purple, not gray; just picture a perfect, cloudless Parisian powdery periwinkle sky. This polish is a glasslike periwinkle cream-jelly (I’ve only a few to go to complete my rainbow of crème jellies), transparent in one coat with an exceptionally smooth application; you can even add another coat on the tips of your nails for an easy gradient effect.

One last shot, all together:

Bottom line love. Rescue Beauty Lounge never fails to release unique polishes. These four are really pretty bright spring to summer colors that are different from the classic corals, pinks or reds (which I love, but sometimes it’s nice to wear something different).

For more swatches on different skin tones and nail shapes, be sure to check out these lovely nail  polish and beauty bloggers for their posts. I have major nail envy every time I visit their pages. Their manicures are pristine!

Be sure to sign up for their newsletter on Rescuebeauty.com to stay up to date with new releases and sales. You will receive the 48 hour pre-sale link via e-mail tomorrow. If you miss this round, no need to worry as they will launch for regular purchase mid-April.

Many thanks to Rescue Beauty Lounge for sending me these polishes for review.

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The Makeup Show LA March 28-29th, 2015 – Event Preview

March 23, 2015

The Makeup Show Los Angeles is being held this spring on March 28th and 29th for all beauty professionals and students. This year is the 7th year they will be in LA. Those who attend will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and seminars led by industry experts and makeup artists. The Makeup Show LA will be featuring over 75 beauty brands including MAKE UP FOR EVER, Crown Brush and Temptu PRO, NARS, Smashbox, Pinnacle Cosmetics, The Powder Group and On Makeup Magazine, and Ruby Makeup Academy. Details on ticket information here.

Here is a preview of what you can expect to see at The Makeup Show LA this year. I’m looking forward to playing with these items in the upcoming days:

  • Smashbox is featuring some items in celebration of The Makeup Show LA Smashbox x Donald Robertson Icon gallery. Above is a vibrant red cream Be Legendary Lipstick in Bing.
  • Stila recently launched their Nude Interlude Color Balm Lipstick. Sophie (shown above) was a color sent as part of the press preview kit. It’s a super creamy balm-like nude with lots of pigment. There is a chocolate mint scent to it.
  • Ellis Faas will be making a personal appearance at the show this year as a keynote speaker. The Milky Lips come highly recommended by numerous readers but the line is one that I haven’t explored very much yet. Above is L201 a burgundy cream.
  • Ruby Makeup Academy has just launched their cosmetics line Ruby Cosmetics. One of the items sent as a preview is their LL Cream in Red Lights a super saturated lip creme.

  • Sephora Collection will be making an appearance at the show as well. Above are a sample of the Sephora Collection Colorful Blushes in Over the Moon (soft lilac), I’m Shocked (bright vivid hot pink), and Flirt It Up (soft peach pink). Also shown is one of the Pro Precision Blush Brushes #73. These come with a clever cap to store them and keep the bristles from getting messed up if you travel with them.

  • Smashbox recently released a Step-By-Step Contour Stick Trio. This is a unique method of cream contouring in chubby pencil form. There are three colors: Highlight is a pale cream, Bronze is a medium tan, Contour is the darkest color which is a brown. (Scroll down below for swatches.) I’ve never been one to master the cream contour process but these come with visual diagrams of how to use each color based on face shape with placement charts. I’ll be experimenting in the upcoming weeks and sharing more thoughts on this.

  • Bioderma Sensibio H20 made its US debut via Beautylish and sold out within 24 hours of the initial launch. It will be featured at The Makeup Show LA this March. (I’ve been testing this for a few weeks, still need to test it some more, but a review will be posted soon.)
  • Make Up For Ever launched a collection of skin primers called Step 1 Skin Equalizers. There are 10 options for different effects. Above shown is the Nourishing Primer (more cream like) and Hydrating Primer (more gel like). There are 5 primers designed for texture and 5 primers created to add tone to the skin (tinted versions). I’m really looking forward to testing these, especially as the weather starts to shift and my skin needs an update in skincare, primer and foundation. If you’ve tried these what did you think?

  • SENNA Cosmetics is launching their Brow Shaper Duos and Pro Brow Brush exclusively at The Makeup Show this year. I am very impressed with the brush. The angled tip is dense but soft enough to not feel pokey. The brush at the other end is thick and plush with just the right texture to comb through my brows. For brows I usually use a pencil or brow mascara. Using the powder + wax combination is new to me. I’ve experimented with it a few times but have been searching for YouTube tutorial videos to see exactly how I’m supposed to use it. The color brunette is a good one for my dark brows. I prefer something slightly lighter than my natural hair color so it doesn’t look too dramatic. The pot looks like something that would turn out red but it’s actually a good neutral. 
  • Pinnacle Cosmetics launched their Eye Lights liquid shimmer eye shadow. There are three shades shown above as part of their preview. Purity is a metallic rose gold, Treasure is a warm golden coppery color, Chrome is a pale silvery shade. These have a slight mousse-like feel. The pigment is rich but blendable. The colors set really fast so you need to apply and blend quickly. Once they set though the color really stays put.

  • Static Nails are pop on nails that are non-damaging to your actual nail. Empire is a mix of beige with black designs. I’ve never tried pop-on nails before so these will be interesting for me to play with in the next few weeks.

  • MustaeV is joining The Makeup Show for the first time this year. Above is a unique product called The Bloom Pouch. It’s a zippered makeup pouch with a magnetic clasp. Above shows how you can store brushes and pencils or other items. Below shows how you can turn it into a vertical brush holder that stands upright.

A few quick swatches of the items shown above:

Ticket information and details on the show online at The Makeup Show LA. It will be located at The California Market Center, 110 East 9th Street, Los Angeles on Saturday March 28th (from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm) and Sunday the 29th (9:00 am to 5:00 pm). You can find the full list of Exhibitors online here.

For more information and updates be sure to follow The Makeup Show via social channels on Facebook, Twitter @themakeupshow, and Instagram @themakeupshow.

Have you been to The Makeup Show before? This will be the first year that I will be attending!
The items featured were sent as part of a press preview courtesy of The Makeup Show.
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Burberry Beauty Runway Nail Collection Pink Tones – Hydrangea Pink, Bright Coral Red and Pink Azalea

March 22, 2015

Burberry released a couple nail polish trios featuring new shades from the Prorsum Spring/Summer 2015 runway show back in September. There is a Pink Tones Trio with Hydrangea Pink, Bright Coral Red and Pink Azalea and a Blue Tones Trio with Stone Blue, Aqua Green and Imperial Blue ($66 each trio). Both are exclusive to Burberry.com but you can buy the colors individually at Nordstrom and Saks. I ordered the Pink Tones not realizing it included a color I already owned Pink Azalea which is a re-promoted color from Summer Showers collection. I have swatches of all three to share today plus some comparisons.

Hydrangea Pink is a really pretty medium-toned rose pink. Sometimes I find it odd that finding the perfect classic medium pink is difficult to come across, many are too warm, too coral, too red, too pale, too deep. Hydrangea Pink has reached holy grail status for me as a perfect feminine medium soft rose pink. It’s in the perfect in-between mark of warm and cool making it a good neutral flattering pink. The formula on this is really good. The brushes are on the wide side but the pigment and coverage is smooth and flawless. Two coats are needed to cover the nail entirely but the finish is glossy with perfect coverage.

Bright Coral Red is my second favorite and it’s pretty bright coral red (just like the name implies). It has enough brightness to give it life and prevent it from looking dark like some reds can. At the same time it has enough red to prevent it from looking orange. Formula and coverage on this is also flawless. If you already own Lucky, Glory or some of the other corals from Dior you may want to skip this one, although the Burberry is quite bright making it slightly different from the others.

Third is Azalea Pink which is a raspberry berry pink cream. This is a re-promoted color. In case you missed the original post with the Summer Showers collection, I’ve added the swatch here again. It mimics a raspberry with just enough blue undertone to give it a pink touch.

Comparisons swatched below:

Quick closeup of the brush & bottles:

Overall beautiful classics that are easy to wear. Hydrangea Pink is the most neutral of the three options and it’s the perfect medium rosy pink. If you want something with more color Bright Coral Red is the most vibrant option that has a summery vibe. Azalea Pink is a classic raspberry cream that has a lovely blue undertone, although it’s very similar to Chanel April. In my experience lasting power is quite good with these. I can get around 5 days of wear without any tip wear or chipping. I had on Hydrangea Pink this weekend however I did ruin my nails playing frisbee this weekend and ended up chipping and breaking 3 nails (inserts a big sad face). It’s a good thing I had done a lot of nail swatching before hand (I have some exciting new polishes to share with you in the next few days).

You can find all three pinks in a 3-piece boxed set for $66 at Burberry.com. Also individually for $22 each at Burberry, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.

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On Instagram

March 20, 2015

Happy Friday everyone! The past few weeks I’ve been testing some new haircare and skincare items. There are several items I’ve already fallen in love with. I’m particularly smitten with the Nuxe Rêve de Miel Gentle Shampoo and Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Serum. I hope to have roundup features and reviews in the upcoming weeks on some tried and true plus new favorites.

One thing I’ve been on the hunt for is a good eye cream for day and for night. I’ve accumulated a few sample packets and minis from gift with purchases and samples from online orders (I’ve been testing La Mer, Tatcha, Fresh, Chanel, First Aid Beauty and more). If you have any favorites I’d love to hear what you use and love. The Chanel Sublimage Eye Cream is the best one I’ve tried but I’m trying to find something less expensive (although at the end of the day I think that one is the one for me). If you’ve tried the Le Lift version, what did you think?

If you follow me on Instagram @beautylookbook you’ll notice a wave of flowers filling my feed. There’s nothing quite like having simple fresh cut flowers in the home to change the mood and refresh the look of any room. To all those who follow me and take the time to comment throughout the day, thank you!!! It means so much that you take the time out of your busy lives and schedules to comment and like 🙂

I hope you have a lovely weekend!

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Yves Saint Laurent Pop Water Collection: New Glossy Stains and Nail Lacquers

March 19, 2015

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty and Nordstrom have an exclusive beauty release called the Pop Water Collection. It’s a release of new shades of Glossy Stains, Nail Lacquers and a new Metallic Eyeshadow Formula for spring to summer. The collection is currently available only at Nordstrom until mid-late April.

The Pop Water collection includes:

I picked up some of the items for lips and nails – all of which are fresh juicy bright colors really pretty to brighten up the mood for spring to summer. Here’s a quick look at what I ordered and have been testing this week:

First up are the new Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stains. If you’re a YSL fan you are probably already familiar with the previously released colors of the Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stains (original colors here, also rebel nudes colors here). I’ve had a couple of these over the past few years recommended highly by one of my best friends. She said these give the lips a juicy wash of color and feel really lush once you apply them. I’m not usually a fan of lip stains because they tend to look so dark on me, but I’m glad I tried these. The YSL Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stains have the right mix of gloss and stain so they are like a lipgloss but have enough pigment in them they look like a soft stain of color on the lips. At the same time they don’t look dark like traditional lip stains. The Pop Water Collection features slightly different packaging with the black YSL logo (versus the red in the older versions). It gives these a new updated edgy look.

The sponge tip is perfectly shaped to get precise application around the edges while the flat beveled parts allow you to fill in and cover the entire lip. It’s something you have to test in person to really see how well designed the applicator is.

There are two versions of the Glossy Stain this season. The Plump Up 200 is a hydrating plumper for the lips. It comes in a very pale soft pink shimmer but on the lips it’s basically clear. It is incredibly hydrating and does give the lips a pretty long-lasting shine. It makes the lips look full without making the lips tingle or go numb (huge plus for me). 

Then there are the tinted versions. All are variations of bright summery colors but still very wearable (even for neutral lip lovers) The remaining 8 colors of the Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stains are all brighter colors. 203 Eau de Corail is a warm coral peach with a hint of pink, 204 Onde Rose is a medium red rose pink, 205 Pink Rain (my favorite) is a cool-toned bright pink, 207 Juicy Peach is a warm orangey peach, 208 Wet Nude is a soft peachy color.

I really like how these apply like a semi-thick gloss to adhere well to the lips. It transforms into a smoother feeling gloss once you let it sit. It has texture which keeps the lips hydrated and soft. One swipe gives a soft tint. Adding more swipes will intensify the color.

Swatches + close ups:

Lip Swatches:

For quick reference and comparison to other YSL products, the Glossy Stains are what I wanted the Volupté Tint-In-Oils to be (which turned out to be too sheer for my liking). By comparison, the Babydoll Kiss & Blush is creamier with an opaque finish making them suitable for lips and cheeks.

Next up are the new Pop Water La Lacque Couture Nail Lacquers (four translucent shades). Although I’m a huge fan of the YSL La Lacque Couture Nail Polish formula, I picked out two of the translucent ones to test out before splurging on all four. 63 Rouge Wet is a sheer jelly red, 64 Fuchsia Rain is a sheer jelly pink. Both have a see through formula which requires 3 coats for me to get a glossy smooth finish. The result is very interesting but I’m undecided on how I feel. I tried these layered over soft pinks and they transform the colors into brighter deeper versions and add a super glossy finish. I like the high shine these have. I wish all nail polishes had a finish this shiny.

Rouge Wet with 3 coats:

Fuchsia Rain with 3 coats, it looks very similar to Rouge Wet, but this one is slightly more pink:

Here is Fuchsia Rain layered over Rouge Pablo on the right side shows how it has a lush glossy wet shiny finish (which I really love):

Click icons below to shop:

Bottom line I’m in love with the Pop Water Glossy Stains. My favorites are Pink Rain and Wet Nude. These are scented with a soft sweet grapefruit scent but it’s not too overwhelming and actually is really pleasant (at least for me). I’m undecided about the Pop Water Nail Lacquers. They are definitely unique and fun for summer and I like the high shine they offer.

You can find the Pop Water Collection now at Nordstrom. Have you checked out this collection yet? If not are you a fan of the Glossy Stains? Which colors are your favorites? P.S. Nordstrom has Triple Points going on with gift with purchases online and instores. The online gift includes samples of Volume Effet Faux Cils Shocking Mascara (0.06 oz.), Forever Youth Liberator Serum (2 packets), Gloss Volupte in 3 shades and Touche Éclat in 3 shades with your $125 Yves Saint Laurent beauty purchase.


This post was sponsored by Nordstrom. All items purchased by me, all opinions my own. For more information refer to my disclosures.

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Fragrance Home / Interiors

Cire Trudon Odalisque

March 18, 2015

I purchased my first Cire Trudon candle a few weeks ago at Barneys in Beverly Hills. I have @wendyg_nyc to blame for this splurge (or rather thank) as she has been pleading that I check out Cire Trudon for months. I don’t have close access to the brand and although it’s been on my list for quite some time, every time I stopped by Barneys all the distractions on the beauty floor prevented me from looking into these candles.

If you’ve seen Cire Trudon candles in person at Barneys you will see they are all displayed on the counter covered with a glass dome to help retain the scent. These are the strongest candles I’ve ever smelled or burned and seeing all the options was quite overwhelming. Thanks to Wendy I had a list of three to narrow down my first purchase and I picked out Odalisque ($95 for 270 g / 9.5 oz).

Cire Trudon candles are made of vegetable-based wax. They come in several sizes, the Classic Size is a large brown-tinted class jar. The one I picked out has a mix of orange blossom and cinnamon. It’s quite complex and is extremely rich. It smells so rich it almost smells holy, like it belongs in a cathedral.The official description of Odalisque is:

“Enclosed in citrus and wood bark, the orange blossom weaves a painter’s dream from which escapes the pale volute of smoke from a narghile. As an orientalist painting, furiously romantic, the vigorous scent of the case, and solar splinter of citrus fruits, come out as a thin blade in the silky shadow of vanilla. Top notes of lemon and orange, heart notes of orange blossom, and base notes are cade and vanilla.”

top note : lemon, orange / middle : orange blossom / base : wild juniper, vanilla

The candles have a small label on the back:

Odalisque is a classic orange blossom scent amped up with spice and wood. I find traditional orange blossom candles to be very light and airy, there is a hint of citrus but there is a good mix of florals to prevent it from smelling too fruity. Odalisque is a unique orange blossom because the mix of wood bark and juniper add depth to it that is hard to describe but makes it complex.


This is my first time burning something from Cire Trudon and it’s pure love. Odalisque proved to be one of the strongest home scents I’ve burned, the scent fills the entire room within a few minutes and the scent lingers for a while even after you blow out the flame. It is a luxurious splurge so if you’re unsure about ordering sight unseen at all I highly recommend you try to visit a store first (locator by region here).

I bought mine at Barneys New York. Cire Trudon is also available online at Saks Fifth Avenue, Beautyhabit, Net-A-Porter, Lucky Scent and Ciretrudon.com.

Have you tried Cire Trudon yet? What are your favorites? Do I need the fancy scented matches?

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GWP

Nordstrom Triple Points March 18 – 22, 80+ Beauty Gifts With Purchase

March 18, 2015

Nordstrom Triple Points starts today March 18th through March 22nd. Card holders will receive triple points on all Nordstrom card purchases in store and online (restrictions apply). There are also a number of gift with purchase offers for beauty with individual lines while supplies last. Some gifts are online only, but be sure to check your store for special offers too. (You don’t need to be a Nordstrom card holder to take advantage of the gift offers.) I just placed an order for some Charlotte Tilbury for the gift of the mini magic cream + lipstick charm.

A few of the gifts that caught my eye that look interesting (there are 80+ offers online):

I might stop by my store to stock up on some skincare items I’m running low on. Do you have anything on presale already or plan on picking anything up?
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