Brand Archives - Page 47 of 109 - The Beauty Look Book

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette of Pops Supersonic Girl + Superstar Lips Review

October 24, 2018

I’m on a Charlotte Tilbury kick with another review on some holiday launches. I reviewed the Stars In Your Eyes Palette a couple weeks ago and love it, but I received an overwhelming number of requests to also review her Luxury Palette of Pops Supersonic Girl. I ordered it before it sold out and also added some of her Superstar Lips to my online shopping cart. Thoughts, swatches and review today.

Case above by The Daily Edited. Tray from West Elm. Bracelet is Celine.

The Luxury Palette of Pops comes in two color options, I opted for the warmer Supersonic Girl because it launched first. It has already sold out at both Nordstrom and Charlotte Tilbury, I don’t know if they will restock. I hope I can ease your mind if you missed out. It’s good, but not as good as her Stars in Your Eyes or the NARS Singapore Eyeshadow Quad.

There are four glistening shadows that have intense microsparkle. It’s like finely milled glitter that glides onto the lids. The color is very sheer but you can still see color once applied on the lids. The shades include a glistening pink, warm orange shimmer, shimmering warm brown, and warm red sparkle. I love the pink and brown, the orange and red both kinda morph into the same color on my eyes and it’s very very warm. I think it’s beautiful but more of a party palette or layering for me. As a stand alone it doesn’t have deep enough shades to do a whole eye look for me as I prefer having at least one darker shade I can use as a liner or to smoke out. The Stars in Your Eyes is very different even though there are a few similar tones. To me this one is a better buy because of the versatility and color range.

Swatches:

Side by sides, Stars In Your Eyes reviewed here:

NARS Singapore reviewed here:

She also launched a new lipstick formula called Superstar Lips. There are four shades Happy Lips, Walk of Shame, Pillow Talk and Confident Lips at Nordstrom and Charlotte Tilbury. Additionally there are two shades in Sexy Lips and Wild Lips exclusive to Charlotte Tilbury’s website. I ordered four from Nordstrom sight unseen.

These are an ultra slim glossy lipstick. Formula is semi-thick and glossy. They feel lush on the lips and are definitely not weightless. I think the formula is really really good but they’re super tiny especially for the price. They’re $34 each for 1.8 g, one of my Matte Revolution boxes says the formula is 3.5 g for the same price. Granted I have so many lipsticks so I’m not worried about using up colors or running out. I still think for the amount/size they should have lowered the price. They are scented in the same vanilla scent her other lipsticks have. The color stays put for hours, it didn’t slide around even though it’s glossy. Although if you’re lips are prone to having product slide around, I’d recommend you add one of her Lip Cheat pencils on your lips first.

Happy Lips is my favorite, it’s a happy coral peach color. Walk of Shame is a warm glossy red. Pillow Talk is similar to the matte Pillow Talk, it’s a nude pink, I prefer the matte version because it shows up better on my lips. Confident Lips looks black in the tube but has that Clinique Black Honey vibe, it goes on a deep wine plum.

One last look, I took these photos a few days before my hair transformation (more on Instagram in case you missed it!). Also wearing Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 6.5 + 7.5 mixed, Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Finish Powder #2, Supersonic Girl on the Eyes, By Terry Lash-Expert Mascara, Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Warm Brunette.

Overall I do think the Luxury Palette of Pops has a great formula for glitter sparkles. The colors in general are too warm for me to wear alone and also very sheerish on my medium tan complexion. It’s going to be perfect for the holiday season but you can get a similar effect by using similar shades and popping one of the Hourglass Scattered Light shadows on top. I think her Superstar Lips are really good with a beautiful glossy sheen. For the price they are extremely small. My favorite is Confident Lips – it’s the perfect deep fall holiday color that will look different on everyone but I still think flattering regardless of skin tone.

I bought the Super Sonic Girl and Superstar Lips at Nordstrom. Hoping she will restock the palette for those who wanted it! Also available online at Charlotte Tilbury. Did you check these out yet? What did you think?

28 Comments

Lips MAC

MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick Review + Swatches

October 22, 2018

MAC launched a new formula of matte lip color called Powder Kiss Lipstick ($19 each for 3 g/0.1 oz, made in Italy). These were seen all over the backstage beauty photos in recent fashion week coverage and I thought these were going to be too trendy for me but was pleasantly surprised. Long time readers know I really do not like matte lips. These are described as, “A moisture-matte weightless lipstick that delivers a romantic blur of effortless soft-focus colour.” Depending on your lipstick finish preference these are going to be hit or miss for you. For me these are a solid win.

The Powder Kiss Lipstick has a soft blurred matte finish without looking or feeling dry. They have a weightless texture and finish that almost feels like it’s wearing an airy cloud on the lips. The finish is cushiony with full smooth coverage and I am truly surprised at how lightweight it is. MAC describes these as having moisture-coated powder pigments which seems so interesting to me. They’re not really as hydrating as a lip balm, but I do think they have some moisture in them given the fact that they do not look dry on the lips.

I tried these individually on their own. I suspect with some of the lighter shades you can mix and blend together for an ombre lip or to create your own custom color. There is only one shade that didn’t work for me by itself which is the palest option Best of Me. Still it applied smoothly without any patchy issues.

The packaging is just like the regular MAC Lipsticks but it has a slightly matte finish resembling the finish of the lipstick formula. Some have commented on the scent of these. I didn’t notice it while swatching or playing with them until I gave them a good whiff right out of the tube. It has MAC lipstick scent with a powdery slightly rubber smell. It’s not strong enough to bother me but it is noticeable. I consider my nose to be sensitive and it did not bother me.

First a look at all the shades plus descriptions:

Best of Me is a pale milky beige
Influentially It is a pale nude beige
Impulsive is a medium warm brown
Sweet No Sugar is a light warm pink
My Tweedy is a peachy pink blush nude
Scattered Petals is a medium pink
Sultriness is a cool toned pink
Mull It Over is a peach pink-brown
Devoted to Chili is a brick red brown
Mandarin O is a bright orange
A Little Tamed is a muted pink rose
Lasting Passion is a bright red with blue pink tones
Style Shocked is a vibrant coral orange
Fall In Love is a hot pink
Shocking Revelation is a hot pink red
Burning Love is a perfect plum

A closer look at the lighter neutrals, Best of Me, Influentially It, Impulsive, Sweet No Sugar, My Tweedy, Scattered Petals, Sultriness and Mull it Over.

Swatched on bare lips, skintone reference I’m MAC NC35 in Studio Fix and Studio Fix Fluid.

Deeper bold shades including Devoted to Chili, Mandarin O, A Little Tamed, Lasting Passion, Style Shocked, Fall In Love, Shocking Revelation, Burning Love.

Bottom line I’m impressed, especially since I’m a glossy lip girl. I really like how these glide on and give a blurred lip effect without looking or feeling dry. There’s no tugging at the lip when you apply. I also love the weightless feel. They did not dry out my lips. Lasting power is very good, it stays on and adheres well without fading for hours. Color isn’t transfer-proof though. My top 3 picks: Burning Love, My Tweedy and Sultriness.

A few thoughts on this formula compared to a few others I’ve tried and like. MAC Matte Lipsticks are heavier and more opaque in finish with a thicker feel. Pat McGrath Matte Trance has more impact pigment-wise, it has more weight to it while the MAC Powder Kiss feels like air. Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution almost feels like it drags on the lips by comparison, and in reality it doesn’t really drag on my lips, but if you swipe it compared to the MAC Powder Kiss, the MAC glides on easier/smoother.

Available now at all MAC counters. Online at MAC Cosmetics, Nordstrom, Ulta Beauty, Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Have you tried these yet? Or do you have any matte lipstick favorites?

MAC Powder Kiss provided courtesy of MAC Cosmetics for review consideration.

15 Comments

Eye Makeup Highlighters Urban Decay

Urban Decay Naked Cherry Collection Review + Swatches

October 18, 2018

I have an Urban Decay Naked Cherry Collection review + swatches for you today! This is a collection I did not expect to work for me based on the color scheme. I rarely wear reds or pinks on the eyes (Naked Heat was too warm for me) so I was pleasantly surprised to find the colors are actually easy to wear for my neutral-makeup loving self. I’ve been the biggest fan of the original Naked, Naked 2 and Naked 3 eyeshadow palettes. Anytime anyone asks what palette I’d recommend to start out their makeup collection it’s one of those (sad that the original one was discontinued though!). In the Naked Cherry launch we have:

Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette ($49, palette made in USA, brush made in China)
Naked Cherry Highlight and Blush Palette ($34, made in USA)
Naked Cherry All Nighter Scented Makeup Setting Spray ($15 for 30 ml/1 fl oz, made in USA)
Naked Cherry 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Love Drug and Black Market ($21 each, made in USA, although my other eyeliners in this formula say made in Germany)
Vice Lipsticks in Juicy, Devilish and Cherry ($18 each, made in USA)

The star in the collection is the Naked Cherry Eyeshadow Palette. Urban Decay makes some of the best eyeshadow formulas for their mattes and shimmers. They’re buttery smooth, have excellent pigment, are easy to build and layer. They also stay put, even the glitters. Naked Cherry pulls more pink and plum with cranberry tones rather than cherry colors to my eye, but I’m all for that because a true cherry red would probably not work on my complexion.

Colors include:

Hot Spot perfect matte pale pink cream
Caution sheer cool beige matte
Bang Bang shimmery warm soft pink
Feelz matte mauve
Juicy matte warm pink
Turn On shimmering light mauve grey champagne
Ambitious shimmery warm bronze with plum tones
Bing matte violet mauve
Devilish matte warmish purple
Young Love shimmery plum cherry color
Drunk Dial deep shimmer plum
Privacy matte plum brown with red tones

Below wearing the Naked Cherry Eyeshadow shades in Bang Bang, Feelz, Ambitious and Drunk Dial, Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Devilish, Naked Cherry Highlight and Blush Trio. Also wearing Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in 6 + 7, mixed, Charlotte Tilbury Flawless Powder #2, Hourglass Arch Brow Pencil in Dark Brunette, Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara.

A lot of you have asked whether I prefer the Naked Cherry palette or the Charlotte Tilbury Stars in Your Eyes. It’s a tough call because while there are similar tones, I find them very different. The Charlotte Tilbury has more shimmer and glow with lighter warmer gold tones. It has more of a glam feel because of the shimmers. The Naked Cherry has a more monochrome feel with pink, plum and cherry colors. It also has more variety in the deeper colors for plum/pinks. Right now if I had to pick one it would be the Charlotte Tilbury one simply because I like the gold and champagne colors. I do think the Urban Decay one is more unique compared to what I already own.

By request, swatching them side by side (review + swatches of the Charlotte Tilbury one here)

Naked Cherry 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Love Drug and Black Market are smooth eyeliners. The 24/7 Glide-On is among the smoothest pencils I’ve tried and they never tug or dry out. They haven’t always been smudge proof on me and don’t last 24/7 like a liquid liner but they do stay put without sliding around for several hours on my eyes. I usually top/set with a deep powder shadow as a liner to help it stay longer. Your mileage may vary depending on how oily your lids are.

Love Drug is a shimmery plum, Black Market is a satiny black with a sheen. I’ve swatched a few other pencils I still have next to the new ones:

The Naked Cherry Highlight and Blush Palette was very different from what I expected. Colors swatch with medium pigment on the arms, but on the face it is sheer. Also there’s almost a secret shimmer in one of the colors you can’t see in the pan. Once swatched the colors are a soft champagne with a hint of pink, sheer light cherry pink (goes on a lot more natural than I anticipated) and a duo chrome pink flash shimmer. The good news is that this is a palette I think is impossible to overdo. It applies smoothly, doesn’t emphasize pores or fine lines, colors blend naturally on the skin. But if you need pigment and color this might be too natural for you.

Vice Lipsticks in Juicy, Devilish and Cherry are new to the launch with special-edition cherry packaging. They’re not scented (thank goodness, because I don’t like cherry smells). I’ve tried a few Vice Lipsticks before and find the formula hit or miss depending on color. Some were really dry and patchy on my lips, but others are smooth, creamy and comfortable. All three in the Naked Cherry line are excellent. Juicy is a unique sheer shimmery iridescent peach with copper and bronze micro shimmers. It’s sparkly but not gritty on my lips. Devilish is a bright berry pink with micro shimmers. Cherry is the perfect deep cherry cream. Coverage is sheer-medium for the shimmers, full for the cream. Application is smooth and there’s a slight sheen to the finish. Lasting power is very good. They’re creamy and semi-thick so they adhere to the lips but they don’t feel heavy.

Naked Cherry All Nighter Scented Makeup Setting Spray is something I was so reluctant to try simply because I don’t like cherries. I did try it though and it’s actually a lot more pleasant than I expected. It smells like a sheer sweet cherry, almost like a toned down candy cherry. It performs just as well as the regular All Nighter Spray to set makeup and keep it in place for hours. I still don’t know how I feel about scented face sprays that smell like fruit. I’m all about ones that smell like rose or lavender, but the only one I truly love that is food scented is the MAC Fix+ in Coconut because I love anything coconut.

Natural look wearing Juicy Lipstick, the lighter shades of the Eyeshadow Palette and the Highlight Blush Cheek Palette. Same base + brows as what’s listed in the photo above.

Overall a really cute collection! I think the eyeliners are definitely dupeable, so if you have black or plum in your stash you can probably recreate the look with something similar. Love Drug does pull a little more cherry in color and Black Market is more of a muted black rather than a classic deep version. I feel like the Highlight and Cheek Palette is going to be hit or miss for many of you. If you’re lighter than me it will show up. I’m right at the skin tone where it gives a barely there glow. If you’re darker I suspect it will be too sheer/light for your complexion. The eyeshadow palette was an unexpected YES for me. I’m still a peach/gold/bronze kind of gal for eyeshadows but it’s nice to branch out here and there with colors you normally wouldn’t wear. Considering I rarely wear reds or pinks I find myself being braver with color and love trying new combinations.

You can find the Naked Cherry Collection out now. I’m really surprised to find that several items have sold out here and there. You may have to do a little shopping around to find all the colors you want.

Available at Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Nordstrom and Urban Decay.

Have you tried these yet? What did you think? If you wear warm or pinks or reds what’s your favorite palette of the moment?

Naked Cherry collection provided for review.

43 Comments

Lips Tom Ford Beauty

Tom Ford Beauty Boys + Girls Lip Color – 2018 Picks

October 17, 2018

I look forward to the Tom Ford Beauty Boys + Girls Lipsticks every year! Today I have review and swatches of my 2018 picks for the Tom Ford Boys and Tom Ford Girls and the formula is true to Tom Ford style with well made pigment, texture and finishes. They have that subtle vanilla scent to them and lasting power is similar to those of previously launched clutch-sized lipsticks. The sheers are sheer and glossy with medium lasting power while the creams stay put longer. There were a handful I ordered online sight unseen and I received some press sample colors. By the time I stopped by my local counter to see all the shades I noticed they didn’t receive all the testers and I didn’t have a chance to go back and investigate. Based on my online guesses I’ll say up front that I ended up with a lot of similar shades. As a neutral lip lover I’m thrilled, but even on my lips I could have skipped a few and opted for some of the more edgy colors.

Tom Ford Boys and Girls 2018 Picks

The formula for all the colors I tried is excellent. Smooth application, no streaky finish or patchy look. Even with the pale colors I found the finish to be really good. In addition this year the Tom Ford Girls Lipsticks have a stronger base than last year’s versions (at least the ones I have do). I experienced some breakage at the bases with the 2017 version. Some of you had the same issue. With all the 2018 shades I found them all to be 100% ok.

Colors I have reviewed have a mix of the Boys and Girls formulas. In general the Girls are sheerer with a glossy finish. These come in Ultra Rich (creamier but still glossy) and Lip Color Sheer (sheer and glossy). The Boys are more opaque and creamy with either a Matte or Cream finish. I prefer the Boys because they have better color payoff but really all the formulas are nice.

Uma (Girls, Ultra Rich) is a pale flesh nude cream, it’s a lot more wearable on me than Blushed Nude or Spiced Honey, but still very pale on my lips
Ava (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a semi sheer glossy shimmery champagne
Monica (Girls, Ultra Rich) is a sheer light brown cream, pulls a little warm on my lips, but in the tube is more neutral
Camilla (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a sheer shimmery peachy pink (please excuse the typo on the photos, I forgot to add an extra “L”)
Alistair (Boys, Lip Color) is a neutral cool-toned nude, on my olive skin it pulls slightly mauve
Gal (Girls, Ultra Rich) is a medium neutral pink cream
Tomoko (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a shimmery pink cream, has tiny flecks of gold, pulls a little deeper/brighter than Gal
River (Boys, Lip Color) is a medium peachy pink, pulls more peach cream
Bryan (Boys, Lip Color) is a pretty cool pink neutral, pulls the tiniest bit cooler
Ori (Boys, Lip Color) is a medium pink cream
Helena (Girls, Lip Color Sheer) is a sheer cool plum pink
Hudson (Boys, Lip Color) is a cream nude cool-toned pink
Chadwick (Boys, Lip Color) is the perfect brick brown red
Scott (Boys, Lip Color) is a sheer plum with subtle shimmer

A closer look row by row with lip swatches on bare lips. Set 1 has Uma, Ava, Monica, Camilla and Alistair:

Set 2 has Gal, Tomoko, River, Bryan and Ori:

I triple checked my swatches as they all look nearly identical. I do suspect if you have lighter lips or lighter skin tone you’ll see the difference between shades more on your complexion. I’m right at the medium olive point where these tones look the same. The color difference can be seen better from the product shot of colors in the tubes.

I did pull a few other Lip Color classics such as Sable Smoke, Pink Dusk, Spanish Pink to compare on my own. I think that it was a really tough call to detect the differences between Pink Dusk, Spanish Pink and the entire middle row of colors I swatched. If you had your eye on any of the full size neutrals but didn’t want to splurge, the clutch-sized Boys and Girls are a nice way to splurge at a lower price point with similar colors. Comparisons that look nearly identical to me:

Set 3 has Helena, Hudson, Chadwick and Scott (I also added Daniel for comparison):

For the Boys and Girls 2018 launches I tried, my favorites are Camilla, River, Bryan, Ava and Scott. I really feel like I should have ventured to try more of the plums or reds. I received a couple very bold colors (a bright purple and electric red) but since they weren’t colors I felt I’d ever wear so I gifted those away. I do think based on online swatches that Jordan, Ingrid and Nico look particularly stunning. I might take another look if I’m at the counter soon to see if they have testers, but there is so much coming out for holiday I’m thinking about waiting for other things.

You can see swatches of the 2017 Tom Ford Beauty Girls picks from last year. I found myself reaching for Katherine and Lara the most, although to this day Bradley is still my go-to nude.

You can find the Tom Ford Beauty Boys and Girls Lipsticks at all counters now. I bought half of the featured shades from Nordstrom and the other half were sent as press samples. Also available at Sephora, Neiman Marcus, Beautylish, Net-A-Porter, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Have you tried the new Boys and Girls yet? What colors did you pick up?

34 Comments

Base Makeup Charlotte Tilbury Eye Makeup

New Charlotte Tilbury Magic Powder, Magic Away Concealer + Stars In Your Eyes Palette

October 14, 2018

Today I’m covering a few new launches from Charlotte Tilbury including her Genius Magic Powder ($45), Magic Away Concealer ($32) and swatches of the new Stars In Your Eyes Palette ($75). I’ve been the biggest fan of her Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder in #2 for years now. It’s one I still swear by today and I was really excited to put her new face products to the test. I hauled everything from Nordstrom and two of the three products I hauled are hits.

Magic Powder + Magic Away Concealer

Up first is a look at her new face products. The Magic Powder is a loose powder for under the eyes and all over the face. It’s a soft light-diffusing powder to blur the skin. I find that the Airbrush Flawless Pressed and Magic Powder Loose colors don’t match with the same numbers. #2 in the pressed is a perfect match for me while #2 in the loose is significantly lighter in color but it does have a translucent feel to me. The powder itself has a really nice matte effect without looking flat or cakey even though the color is pale. The jar seems well made and has a twist lid inside so you can keep powder from flying around when you store it. The only downside is the smell – it has a very strong plastic smell which I thought was the packaging, which could be the culprit. But if it is, it is also in the powder and it’s pretty bad. The good news is that once it’s on the face and sets, the smell dissipates after a while. Still it’s a scent I don’t think any makeup product should have. A quick look at the product description says it’s made of veggie powder and natural oils to absorb oil and condition the skin at the same time. This could be the reason it smells. For now I’m going to stick with the pressed version and other brands of loose powders. My favorites rounded up and reviewed here.

The Magic Away Liquid Concealer is a hit! I ordered two shades 6 and 7 sight unseen based on the fact that I mix the Magic Foundation in 6 and 7. Both concealer shades work for me, 6 is a good brightening color but 7 is an exact match for my tan skin right now. It’s a smooth finish, full coverage concealer with a sponge tip applicator. I actually prefer tube or wand applicators but this one works to blend out the product right on the face without having to use another sponge. I’ve been a die-hard fan of the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for under eyes because I need something that is a little bit dewy. This comes in very close second. The Charlotte Tilbury has full perfect coverage, stays put, blends easily and does remove the subtle darkness I have under my eyes some mornings. Shade 6 applied below:

Left is applied heavily straight from the tube, you can apply as much or as little as you want. I did a heavy face swatch so you could see the color and texture. Right side is completely blended out with a sponge. Also wearing a mix of Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation in 6+7 mixed all over the face, Diorshow Brow Styler in Universal Brown and NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Swing on the lips. Top from Madewell.

I’ve swatched the concealer below next to the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Custard, Macadamia and Ginger. I’ve also included one of the new MAC Studio Fix 24 Hour Wear Concealers in NC35, NC38 and NC40 (reviewing these soon, but I find this formula runs a tad bit lighter than the foundations).

Stars in Your Eyes Palette

The Stars in Your Eyes Palette is new for the season and it is one of the most beautiful warm palettes I’ve tried. I still don’t consider myself as really loving the red/warm eye shadow trend that’s been going on for a while, but this one is very wearable, doesn’t look too warm on my skin and has excellent color payoff. There is a mix of matte and shimmers. I think it’s a significant improvement compared to last years which I bought and still use but find high maintenance because it takes me a lot of layering to get the pigment I want. This year’s is perfect in every way for me.

This one has four sets of color-themed trios designed to Prime, Enhance and Smoke, but you can mix and match any of the combinations.

Love Eyes has a matte cream, shimmery rose gold, matte warm rose
Power Eyes has a shimmery soft gold, pale champagne shimmer, shimmery bronze
Happy Eyes has a rosy shimmer, warm soft brown matte, deeper soft brown matte
Confident Eyes has a shimmery mauve, shimmery plum and matte plum purple

Below wearing a mix of Stars in Your Eyes Palette Love Eyes and Happy Eyes, First Love Chic to Cheek Blush and NARS Velvet Lip Glide in Swing, same base as mentioned above:

As much as I love the pretty rose gold packaging it makes photographing product difficult. Colors will look slightly different in photos depending on what you see in the reflection, so I’ve included two photos, one with flash, one without.

Overall I highly recommend the Magic Away Concealer. I think it’s worth a look if you want a full coverage, smooth creamy concealer. It doesn’t cake or crease on me under the eyes and it also has enough pigment that you can use it to cover spots like sun spots or dark circles. I find it has better coverage than her other formulas. The Stars in Your Eyes Palette was a pleasant hit given last year’s formula was just ok for me. I’m thrilled that even though it’s warm toned it’s not too red or warm and easy to wear. The Magic Powder was something I had such high hopes for. The shades are a bit odd to me because the numbers don’t match in different formulas and the smell is so bad, but as a product it works on my face just fine. For now if you’re in the market for a new loose powder I’d say my top picks are the Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder and Laura Mercier Translucent Loose (both compared here).

You can find the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away Concealer, Powder and Stars in Your Eyes Palette at Nordstrom. Also available online at Charlotte Tilbury.

Have you tried any of these yet? What did you think?

15 Comments

Shu Uemura

Shu Uemura La Maison du Chocolat Collection

October 9, 2018

Holiday collections have launched early this year and my first look at holiday beauty focuses on the Shu Uemura chocolate-inspired launch called Shu Uemura La Maison du Chocolat Collection. I have most of the pieces swatched for you which I hope will help those in the US since the brand is available online only. Everything is limited-edition. I’ve found some hits and misses. My thoughts on each beauty product that I tried below.

There are two Ganache and Praline Eyeshadow Palettes ($99 each) called Dark Cacao and Framboise Berry. Both have eight shades in a mirrored compact that resembles a chocolate gift box. They are scented like a sweet candy, I don’t really smell chocolate but it does have a sweet scent. The fragrance luckily did not irritate my eyes.

Framboise Berry has a palette filled with pinks and reds that are super popular today. Pigment and texture wise the palette performs well, but I cannot wear these kinds of colors on my olive skin. The top row has a matte red brown, matte cream, shimmery red, shimmery cool pink. The bottom row has warm shimmery rose, shimmery mauve, sparkling rose gold and a deep matte cranberry.

Dark Cacao has chocolate browns and neutrals. The top row has a matte brown, a shimmering taupe, a satiny shimmer plum, a matte ivory. The bottom row has a shimmering silver brown, a shimmery deep plum taupe, a bright yellow gold shimmer and a chocolate matte. The colors are smooth but pigment is medium. They’re not high impact shadows but you can definitely build and layer to intensify color. I think the mattes are excellent. The overall palette runs cool and deep on my skin tone.

Up next are the cheek products which include two Shimmery Powders ($36 each) in Luster Gold Dust and Luster Rose Dust. Both come in a sifter jar with a sponge applicator. The powders are very sparkly and very lightweight so it’s prone to flying with a loose brush, I recommend a denser brush. The shimmer is really beautiful but these are too sparkly for me to wear on the face. I prefer them on the eyes but they’re still very sparkly and glittery. The glitter is superfine. but they look pretty on the eyes if you apply over a creamy base to help the product stick to the skin. I like using them over a cream shadow patted on then blended with a dense brush. For the cheeks there is also a cute Creamy Dome Blush ($30) which has the most perfect cream to powder texture. It glides onto the skin and blends beautifully. The color Passion Fruit Macaron unfortunately isn’t for my skintone – it looks like a straight orange even with blending.

For the skin they’ve launched their best-selling Ultime8 Sublime Cleansing Oil in special-edition packaging. There is a 150 mL ($43) and 450 mL ($91) version of the cleanser. Formula is the same, the only difference is the packaging which has the Maison du Chocolate pattern and color themes. If you’re curious about all the cleansing oil options they have now you can read my Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil review. The formulas have changed and been revamped over the years so this may help as a guide in case you haven’t kept track of them.

For lips there are a few items to pick from. There are two shades of Metallic Lip Liner ($30 each) which come in a Star Dust Gold shade (bright yellow gold metallic) and Star Dust Rose (shimmery pink gold). These come with a brush applicator which resembles a liquid liner applicator for eyes but thicker. I couldn’t get a smooth application with the gold shade. The rose shade applied smoother. Concept to me is a little strange – they are very foiled-looking and metallic. I don’t see how you would use this just as a liner without smoothing it over the entire lip, either alone or mixed with lipstick.

Last but not least are the lipsticks. Since Shu Uemura pulled the line from US stores I haven’t explored their lipsticks. There are two formulas in the chocolate collection called the Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte and the Rouge Unlimited Lipstick ($31 each). All the colors are chocolate inspired so everything is deep and dramatic with a fall vibe. All the colors are creams/non-shimmers. For those who want to see something other than neutrals on the blog, these swatches are for you! The formula of both the matte and regular lipsticks is ABSOLUTELY amazing. They’re one swipe wonders that glide on the lips with perfection. I’m still a neutral lip lover, or pink/peach/plum wearer so all of the shades fall way outside my comfort zone. Still I can appreciate the lipsticks for their phenomenal formula and I know a lot of my readers wear these kinds of colors. As we go into fall these colors are more in style, although summer doesn’t really end here in Florida until maybe end of November. I am truly amazed at how good these are, I really want to look into other color options in the regular lineup for these because the formula is flawless.

Rouge Unlimited Supreme Mattes include:

Ripe Cherry matte deep brown red
Raspberry Syrup matte bright red with blue undertones
Cassis Berry purple lilac matte
Deep Cranberry deep warm red
Black Berry deep vamp berry

Rouge Unlimited Lipstick shades include:

Raspberry Puree bold red raspberry
Framboise Sorbet warm red brick
Caramel Toffee warm orange tan
Hazelnut Ganache deep brownish chocolate with a hint of red

Quick look with the Shu Uemura Dark Cacao Eyeshadow Palette, Passion Fruit Macaron Dome Blush and Raspberry Puree Lipstick. Foundation worn for skintone reference is Armani Luminous Silk Shade 7. Tee by Reformation.

Bottom line pretty for fall with all kinds of dark chocolate vibes. The colors run deeper, warmer and more dramatic than I’m used to wearing but the formulas are nice and everything is really well made. I think the lipsticks are the standouts in the entire collection.

You can find the Shu Uemura La Maison du Chocolat Collection available online at Shu Uemura USA and Canada. If you’re shopping for a few things they’ve offered a promo code for you to use: BLBXSHU at checkout will give you 15% off any order + free shipping.

Do you have any current Shu Uemura favorites?

Chocolate collection provided courtesy of Shu Uemura for review.

16 Comments

Chanel Skincare

Chanel Hand Cream Review: La Creme Main, Texture Riche and No 5 L’Eau

October 8, 2018

I’ve been a little absent on the blog and Instagram catching up on some things at home, doing some de-cluttering and also fixing up things at our house. I have a lot to share with you in beauty this week and today I have a review of the three Chanel Hand Creams that have launched over the past year. Chanel launched their first version La Creme Main Hand Cream last year in the cutest egg shaped packaging I’ve ever seen. The second launch was in a scented version called the On Hand Cream in the No 5 L’Eau which is a soft powdery version of the perfume. Most recently this fall Chanel released yet another formula called La Creme Main Texture Riche which is supposed to be a deeper richer texture that offers eight hours of hydration. I have thoughts on all three for you today.

All of them are packaged the same way in a white squeeze tube shaped like an egg. The cap is removeable and I’m really happy to report it always clicks back on even when in a handbag. They run at $50 each for 1.7 fl oz/40 ml, made in France.

La Creme Main

I reviewed the original La Creme Main when it launched last year and still love it to this day. It’s hit or miss for some. I like it because it has a velvety dry down without any sticky or emollient residue. It smells like a soft sweet floral with a clean linen-like feel. It’s formulated to soften, smooth and brighten the hands. One I apply it, I do notice that my hands experience instant relief from dryness and they also look smoother (probably due to the silicone). The overall texture and feel is very lightweight, easy to blend and absorbs fast. If you have extremely dry hands or cuticles you will need something stronger like L’Occitane’s Shea Butter Hand Cream or Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve.

Shown above, Le Vernis in Organdi, Le Vernis in Nuvola Rosa, Le Rouge Crayon Discretion, Rouge Coco Gloss in Melted Honey and Bourgeoisie, my kitty is obsessed with the shape as well, whenever he sees it, he guards it like it’s his lol! I have gotten quite a few scratches trying to grab it back.

Ingredients:

No 5 L’Eau On Hand Cream

The second version is the No 5 L’Eau On Hand Cream scent which is a soft powdery version of the perfume. I really love the Eau de Toilette but the hand cream has a more powdery feel to it. The scent lingers a long time and is fairly strong for a hand cream. It also offers light moisture with a soft emollient finish like a lightweight lotion. It does dry down nicely but doesn’t quite have the same velvety feel as the others do. Since I wear other perfumes this isn’t one I reach for often unless I’m wearing the Chanel No 5 L’Eau as the hand cream is pretty strong.

On the nails, Organdi, review of the perfume here, review of the body spray here:

La Creme Main Texture Riche

The newest version is the La Creme Main Texture Riche. This has a noticeably thicker feel than the original and also has more moisture while still having that velvet dry down feel. Chanel reports that this offers eight hours of hydration. I can’t say for sure exactly how long I felt it on the skin, but when I apply it in the morning I don’t feel the need to reapply anything throughout the day. It’s thicker with a product called May Rose Wax so it creates a veil of moisture on the skin that stays put without being heavy. It has a similar scent to the original hand cream which I noticed stayed there for hours.

Shown above, Rouge Coco Gloss 172 Tendresse and Stylo Ombre et Contour in Contour Clair, perfume is Les Eaux de Chanel Biarritz (review soon)

On the nails, Rouge Noir

Another look at the packaging:

Packed into the cutest little zip pouch I ordered from The Daily Edited (top also shown here).

I really love all three. I’m partial to the original version just because it works so well for humid weather conditions, night or day. I keep one by my bed and often one on my desk to apply as needed. It works well at night because there’s no greasy residue so if I touch my pillow or face it doesn’t feel sticky. The scent is pleasant as well so it doesn’t interfere with perfume. Going into the dry winter season I think I’ll really like the Texture Riche. It does make the hands feel softer and has a thicker feel without being too thick.

I’m going to start up giveaways again! I’ll be doing one per week either on the blog or Instagram @beautylookbook. This round, one person will receive all three Chanel hand creams. Open internationally but you must be 18 years or older. See terms and conditions in widget for all the details. Runs through Friday October 12th. Winner will be selected within 48 hours after giveaway ends and must respond to e-mail from me within 24 or another person will be selected in their place. To qualify for a chance to win you must complete ALL THE STEPS in the widget. Partial entries will not be considered. Not sponsored or affiliated.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find the Chanel La Creme Main, La Creme Main Texture Riche at all Chanel retailers. Also available online at Chanel.com. All purchased by me. Have you tried any of these yet? Did they work for you?

67 Comments

Older Posts

Newer Posts

Brand