NARS Beverly Hills Multiple Tint NARS Sertao Blush NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo Urban Decay YDK Eyeshadow Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush Bobbi Brown Shore Cream Eyeshadow Chanel Nail Polishes MAC Blonde’s Gold Pigment MAC Fleur Power J.Crew Skinny Belts
* Sorry for the misspelling on the NARS blush, it’s Sertao, not Serato
Paul & Joe Creamy Facial Foam – I tried this from a sample and finally purchased the full size. It’s thick and creamy and cleanses the skin really well. Leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
NARS Beverly Hills Multiple Tint – See more swatches and the review here, a nice swipe & go type of product, easy to use and blend, gives a pop of color, can’t rave enough about these
NARS Sertao Blush – A pretty shimmery light golden tan
NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo – Great for a smokey bronzed eye look
Urban Decay YDK Eyeshadow – This is from the old packaging, a nice nude-taupey-bronze sparkle
Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush – This is from the Black Plum set, but is available in the regular brush handle, the most luxurious soft bronzer brush you’ll ever find. Definitely worth the price even though it is pricier.
Bobbi Brown Shore Cream Eyeshadow – My perfect lids-but-better base, review here
Chanel Nail Polishes – Especially love Riviera (check out dupes here) and Orange Blossom (see the manicure here)
MAC Fleur Power – The perfect healthy warm pink blush
MAC Blonde’s Gold Pigment – The prettiest wash of soft gold-champagne
J.Crew Skinny Belts – Simple, classic and makes a nice accent to the waist, now I just need to go back and find a black one
What are you loving right now? I always love reading your favorites.
*Update* I wasn’t happy with the swatches for this post – I think they were a bit misleading because the lighting was off so I removed them so I don’t confuse my readers. Sorry for any confusion!
Lemming inspired by Fab Over Forty, British Beauty Blogger and Cafe Makeup. I typically don’t purchase much from Estée Lauder but when I heard the line was being revamped I was intrigued. I have a few Estée Lauder products including some skincare products, the Michael Kors collection items, some items from last fall and Cinnamon Eyeshadow – I like them, but don’t find myself reaching for them very much. Still, I was intrigued by the press release and reviews of the Pure Color Night Collection by Tom Pecheux. Some other blogs that have done excellent reviews are linked below.
Read Amy’s detailed background report, photos and swatches here
The Tom Pecheux Pure Color Night Collection is exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman in the U.S. and includes a Highlight Powder, Kiss Me Lip Gloss and Naughty Black Eyeshadow Trio.
The Highlight Powder feels like it has a slight cream texture. Amy’s description is perfect – it really does give a sheer wash of highlight. Not too shimmery or sparkly. It melts into the skin unlike any powder highlighter I’ve tried. It gives a soft candlelit glow. I would definitely be interested in seeing this released in more shades – preferably darker ones in a golden tan sparkle.
I was excited to learn that the line was being revamped so I was hoping the lipglosses would no longer have that Estée Lauder scent. Unfortunately it still does however, the scent isn’t quite as strong. Kiss Me is pretty in the tube but goes on very sheer. It feels smooth like MAC Lipgelees but seems to have a better moisturizing quality rather than the slippery feel that MAC’s had.
Naughty Black is my favorite item from the new release. It goes on more of a blackened brown, but this is perfect for me. I find it difficult to get straight black eyeshadows to work on my skin (they either look too harsh or greyish) so the brownish undertones make this perfect. I was surprised how pigmented it is. It’s swatched below without a base.
Overall a great collection. However, typical of Estée Lauder ads, I find that the items don’t look anything like they do on the model. They are usually way off from what the featured look is each season. However, I am excited about the new eyeshadow reformulations coming out next month and definitely plan on checking them out. For now, I will think I will pass on checking out the new lipglosses. I’m just not a fan of the scent, although I do have to say I find the packaging sleek and very attractive.
A few summery brights for the tips and toes with Chanel Orange Fizz (a vibrant orange) and Rococo Trash (a pretty raspberry cream). Fall collections are tempting me, but I’m still in spring mode. I just started feeling like it’s really summer – but haven’t quite fully transitioned (in my mind at least).
I have never really been into coral or orangey nail polishes. I usually feel like they are so loud but I thought Chanel Orange Fizz would be fun to try something different. I find it still a bit too bright/loud on the fingers. I think I’ll like it better for a pedicure. Rococo Trash on the other hand is a stunning red raspberry. I’m sure there’s a dupeable color out there by Zoya or OPI, I just haven’t looked into it. It was a bit of a hunt for me to track down Chanel Orange Fizz. As far as I can tell, there are plenty of online places to buy it. I had to go to a few counters near me to find this one even though it’s been out for a while. I finally found it at one of my local Macys and they only had 2 bottles left. The Rococo was found at Space NK Bloomingdales South Coast Plaza.
Chanel Orange Fizz:
Rococo Trash on the toes:
There’s a lovely coral-peachy-pink that I saw at Sephora that I need to check out again. I can’t remember the name but it’s by the OPI for Sephora line.
All the coral nail polish lovers. Do you have any favorites you’d like to share? I’m open for recommendations for summer!
I was invited to my first blogger event hosted by South Coast Plaza for an afternoon filled with fashion, beauty, travel-packing tips, good food and great shopping. It was a great event and I was able to meet bloggers Stef and Tyna from We Heart This, Diane from Orange2LA, Alex from Blab Communications and many other wonderful women from the South Coast Plaza marketing team.
SCP is over an hour drive from where I live, and since I don’t go often, I’m always up for any excuse to go. When I received the invite, I knew I had to attend. While I’m lucky enough to have access to most of my favorite brands, South Coast Plaza does have a number of unique stores that I don’t get to shop at frequently. Among my favorites to check out are MAC Pro, Shu Uemura, Miu Miu, the Bloomingdales Chanel Studio (which carries select imported Asian/European exclusives), and the corner where they have Space NK. In addition they have a gigantic Sephora and large J.Crew store which are always fun. The mall also carries a wide variety of designer boutiques including Tod’s, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Dior, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Ted Baker to name a few. One can definitely say that there’s something there for everyone.
The event was focused around a travel/bon voyage/jet setters theme and they gave us a tour featuring a few select stores with product demonstrations at Tumi, Spa Nordstrom, Henri Bendel, and a new lingerie boutique called Intimacy. While I don’t normally shop at the stores that were featured, I found the product demonstrations helpful, interesting and educational. I know that I will definitely go back to Tumi in the near future with my husband to shop for travel gear. There are so many different options to make packing easy and efficient. So many fun accessories. In my excitement, I wasn’t able to get as many photos as I wanted, but here are a few that I was able to capture.
Tumi Demonstration:
Henri Bendel (smaller version of the one in NY, but still chic and cute):
Rows of my most favorite candles in the world (but I purchase mine at Bath & Body Works):
Loved the design of the cute scent cards:
Found this note pad amusing (want vs. need):
The new Intimacy Boutique:
We were given about 1 hour to shop on our own time before cocktails (hardly enough time) so Diane and I rushed to Bloomingdales to see if Chanel Fall had arrived (no luck yet), then to Molton Brown to check out their shower gels and hair care line. I’ve been a huge fan of Molton Brown’s Coco De Mer Shower Gel – but unfortunately the stores near me no longer carry the line which makes it a bit difficult for me to replace these days. I wanted to try something new, so I picked up several shower gels in their travel size (6 for $49) in Heavenly Ginger, Inspiring Indigo and Cool Buchu (for the husband). For visiting, they gave us a complimentary goody bag filled with some minis to try out.
My Molton Brown purchases (left) + gift (right):
I went back to SpaceNK at Bloomingdales to check out more Rococo nail polish shades. My readers know I am a fan of Rococo Nail Apparel for their color selection and quality. Those not familiar with the line, check out my previous articles, swatches and reviews (linked here) of the nail polishes. I have forever been trying to purchase Fashion Victim Day and Fashion Victim Night but it seems as though they are always out of stock. There was a lovely dusty purple cream shade that I was enamored with, but they were sold out of that color too. I settled for a raspberry red shade called Trash (shocking for me, I know, but the color is really lovely).
One hour later, we were treated to appetizers, cocktails, dinner and a fashion show featuring Jimmy Choo and La Perla at AnQi by Crustacean. I sat with Stef, Tyna and Diane (all beauty bloggers) and we had chatted non-stop about our beauty favorites, compared cameras, discussed our favorite brands, shared skincare tips. Stef & Tyna have a wealth of knowledge from testing a wide variety of products. Both had flawless skin so I need to find out their secret. I am reading through their blog right now to see what new lines I should try out based on their recommendations (I hear Kate Somerville is good). Diane and I hit it off from the start – we both love the same brands (among our top two picks include Chanel and Paul & Joe). Her eyeshadow look was incredibly gorgeous and she has lovely hair (I immediately took note of her favorite hair care brands and am determined to try them out in the next month).
The customized Anqi menu for the bloggers:
The La Perla Fashion Show:
It was an eventful afternoon and it was great to meet other bloggers and marketing professionals. Even though the event lasted from 2 pm to past 8 pm, there was still a lot more I wanted to visit but didn’t have the time. I definitely have more to explore at South Coast Plaza. I’m already planning my next trip – hopefully in the next few months or so.
Diane has also written an article on the event. Check out her fabulous blog and article here at Orange2LA.com.
A rediscovered favorite: I featured Laura Mercier’s Mineral Illuminating Powders last October in my Color Focus: Neutral Sparkle & Glow post. I’ve pulled out my Candlelight shimmer powder again recently and have fallen back in love with it for a pretty soft nude-rose glow. More close ups and swatches. Works wonders on the eyes for an all over natural glow. Also pretty on the temples for a highlight.
Now if she would only release a tan-nude type shimmer! She has a lovely silver, pale gold and a deep bronze. I have been looking for a good caramel-nude-honey contouring shimmer powder.
Do you have a favorite loose shimmer powder? Or series of favorites? Please share!
NARS Turks & Caicos completes my trio of the new Multiple Tints ($38 each). I previously reviewed Beverly Hills and Cadaqués here and am equally thrilled with Turks & Caicos a bright orange shade that reminds me of an orange popsicle. Those who avoid orange (like me) should still try this one out. My first reaction was “orange?!” but having experienced the genius of NARS products, I knew I had to try it out. NARS has a way of making odd or bright colors look amazing. I don’t know how they do it! Turks & Caicos has a sheer transparent-like tint that goes on a sweet peachy apricot with a hint of pink. For some reason, each multiple tint pulls a bit of pink on my skin. The color definitely shows up, but I will say that one swipe might leave you disappointed. Swipe it 2 to 3 times and then you will see the color better. On the plus side is that blending doesn’t make the color disappear.
Swatched on the back of my hand (do note that this is washed out a bit due to the flash and for some reason my camera flash doesn’t do so well with neon colored products hence the almost electric-orange glow on the multiple):
At this time I’m not sure if these are limited edition. I was told by my sales associate that they were (I found mine at Nordstrom instore), but I’m never really sure the sales associates know for sure until the product is sold out and not restocked. For more details on how they compare to the regular multiples, refer to my previous post on Beverly Hills & Cadaques.
Face: Chanel Sunkissed Illuminator MAC Refined Golden Bronzer MAC Dollymix Blush
Eyes: Paul & Joe Eye Gloss 05 Bobbi Brown Seashell Shimmerwash MAC Naked Dark Pigment (swatches here) Bobbi Brown Java Metallic Eyeshadow (Java comparisons)
Lips: MAC Dervish Paul & Joe Liplacquer 06
Brushes Used:
Eye look was a smokey taupe, here’s how:
Step 1: Apply Paul & Joe Eye Gloss in Murmur 05 on lids (for asian eyes, 1/2 way up eye from lash to middle of eye, heavier near lash line)
Step 2: Apply Bobbi Brown Java Metallic from lash to 1/2 way up lid for a smokey eye, also heavier near lash line
Step 3: Apply MAC Naked Dark Pigment over center of eye to blend out any harsh lines from the darker shades
Step 4: Apply Bobbi Brown Seashell Shimmerwash from brow downwards softly to create a subtle highlight
Step 5: Curl lashes and apply mascara
Nails of the Day: Chanel Django & Nouvelle Vague
The mani/pedi combo:
I’m surprised that I’m liking the blue nail polish! FYI – the Jcrew top seems to run a bit small. I’m normally an XS in their shirts but found it to be a bit too snug. Or perhaps I just have been having too many sugary drinks and gained weight.
Feedback appreciated! Too much info in one post? Is the look too casual to write about? Would you style the top differently? I like that it can be dressed up a little with a nice skirt or dress pants. But it’s nice as a loungy-carefree-top too. Being in Southern California – my daily style is pretty casual.
I already did a lip swatch and EOTD attempt – neither turned out decent this morning. I’ll try and feature the Paul & Joe Lip Lacquer by itself in another post in the near future.
* Sorry for the misspelling on the NARS blush, it’s Sertao, not Serato
