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Guerlain Terracotta Princess Powder

June 12, 2009

Guerlain has released a new terracotta bronzer called their Princess Powder – Tan Magnifier Powder for Face and Body. I found this online at Nordstrom.com thanks to a friend over at makeupalley.com. As soon as we both saw it online, we ran to our local Saks/Neimans to inquire about this new beauty. However, we both found it was not instore anywhere near us and some associates told us it was a Nordstrom exclusive, however I have a feeling this will just be released in the next month in most stores.

The product description:

“The Terracotta Princess Powder: a unique bronzing powder that captures the spirit and magic of Bollywood. A dust of this powder with its touches of amber and specks of gold lends the complexion a sensual radiance and enchanting shimmer of an Indian princess.”

The product arrived today and is a gorgeous amber gold shimmer – almost like a duo-chrome color when you look at it in sunlight. Those of you familiar with Guerlain are aware that some of their limited edition products contain an overspray of shimmer and have a plain matte color underneath. This product has a light gold overspray, however, you will be pleased to know that underneath is a pretty bronze amber golden shimmer.

The bronzer is extremely expensive at $70 USD. The product weight is 11g/.39oz. To compare with some other products in price/weight:

* Guerlain Terracotta Pearly Sun Powder $57 USD (6g/.21oz)
* Giorgio Armani Bronzing Powder $48 USD (7.2g/.25oz)
* MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Powder $27 USD (10g/.35oz)
* MAC Bronzing Powder $21 USD (10g/.35oz)
* Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder (Regular) $33 USD (8 g/.28oz)
* Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder $33 USD (9g/.31oz)
* Chanel Soleil de Tan Bronzing Powder $50 USD (11g/.38oz)

The texture is soft and velvety, similar to those MAC Starflash Eyeshadows and some Urban Decay Shimmer Eyeshadows. The pigment is rich and shimmer is definitely noticeable, but not frosty or overly-metallic. Since it is very pigmented, I recommend applying with a soft hand – but don’t worry about it being too rich, it is easy to blend b/c the texture is soft.

Comparisons to some other warm golden/amber bronzers and shimmer powders:

1. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder Laguna Bronze (similar to Aruba, see original post HERE)
2. Guerlain Terracotta Princess Powder
3. Guerlain Terracotta Pearly Sun Powder in Orient Sun
4. Giorgio Armani Bronzing Powder #5
5. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Gold Deposit
6. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish So Ceylon (this was the original one released with the High Tea Collection in 2004)

Swatches (applied primer and Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation in Bamboo Beige first):

1. Bobbi Brown Laguna Bronze (to me, Laguna Bronze and the new Aruba were already warm, you can see here how the Guerlain is even warmer)
2. Guerlain Princess Powder
3. Guerlain Orient Sun
4. Giorgio Armani #5
5. MAC Gold Deposit
6. MAC So Ceylon

So – is it worth the $70? Yes and no – this is definitely one of the most beautiful bronzers I have ever seen, but even so, still extremely pricey and I have no idea how I talked myself into buying this one.

Thoughts/opinions? Have you tried or seen this in person yet?

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Bobbi Brown Metallic Lip Colors

June 11, 2009

Last fall (around September/October 2008) Bobbi Brown discontinued her Lipshimmer Lipsticks and came out with a new formula of shimmer lipsticks, her Metallic Lip Colors. She kept a few of her best-selling shades, but discontinued the rest and released new colors. However, the ones she did keep are slightly different than the originals – just as pretty, but better.

“Metallic Lip Color features a unique combination of high-shine emollients and light-reflective pearls. This creamy lipstick feels soft and comfortable on lips, and offers medium coverage.”

They are in fact creamier in texture than her original Lipshimmers (which were on the dry-side) and offers a true medium coverage. The only downside to the soft texture is that it makes them prone to breakage (2 of mine have broken already). But the colors and textures are lovely and I find that these are one of the few lipsticks I find pretty enough to wear alone without liner or gloss added. These currently retail for $22 USD.

A few of her shades along with Bobbi Brown’s own descriptions and color-pairings:


1. Baby Peach – golden peach (apply with Naked Lipliner & Rose Gold Shimmer Lipgloss)
2. Pretty Pink – warm pink rose (apply with Ballet Pink Lip Liner & Pink Brightening Lip Gloss)
3. Ruffle – bright medium pink (apply with Ballet Pink Lip Liner & Pink Sugar Shimmer Lip Gloss)
4. Gilded Pink – warm golden pink (apply with Pale Pink Lip Liner & Petal Lip Gloss)
5. Vintage Rose – warm golden rose (apply with Ballet Pink Lip Liner & Rose Gold Shimmer Lip Gloss)
6. Berry – medium red berry with golden shimmer (apply with Mauve Lip Liner & Punch Lip Tint SPF15)
7. Raspberry – medium pink raspberry (apply with Mauve Lip Liner & Pink Brightening Lip Gloss)
8. Plum – medium pink plum with pink-red pearl (apply with Plum Lip Liner & Maple Lip Tint spf15)

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Color Focus: Golden Glow

June 11, 2009

One of my favorite color categories for eyes lips and cheeks is that pretty golden color – pale gold, light bronzey gold, honey golds, amber golds. I’ve decided to share some of my favorite golds for eyes, lips, cheeks and nails – especially those who like MAC’s Naked Honey Collection, but are looking for a bit more variety or other options.

Cheeks – Bronzer, Highlighter, Blush:

1. Bobbi Brown Illuminating Bronzing Powder in Aruba (see previous post HERE)
2. Dior ‘Diorskin’ Shimmer Star Pressed Powder in Copper Diamond
3. Dior ‘Diorskin’ Shimmer Star Pressed Powder in Amber Diamond
4. MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in New Vegas (was released with McQueen Collection)
5. MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Enough Said (was released with Red She Said Collection)
6. MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Trace Gold

Eyeshadows:

1. Chanel Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Shadow in Gold
2. Nars Cream Eyeshadow in El Dorado
3. Nars Powder Eyeshadow in Cyprus
4. Nars Cream Eyeshadow in Cosmic Girl
5. Bobbi Brown Metallic Eyeshadow in Golden Peach
6. MAC Veluxe Pearl Eyeshadow in Soft Force (released with Style Warriors Collection)
7. MAC Veluxe Pearl Eyeshadow in Femme Fi (released with Neo Sci-Fi Collection & Blonde/Brunette/Redhead Collection)
8. MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Bagatelle (released with D’Bohemia Collection)
9 + 10. Laura Mercier Eye Color Pot in Solid Gold
11. Laura Mercier Eye Color in Sunlit (released with the Saks Exclusive Orange Blossom Collection)
12. Becca Eyeshadow in Lurex
13. Giorgio Armani Maestro Eyeshadow #28 (see original post about new Maestros HERE)
14. Giorgio Armani Maestro Eyeshadow #2
15. Shu Uemura Eyeshadow in P Brown 820
16. MAC Frost Eyeshadow in Ricepaper
17. Dior One-Color Eyeshadow in Beige Select #525 (UK/Asia Exclusive, Spring 2009)
18. MAC Pigment in Dazzleray
19. MAC Pigment in Blonde’s Gold
20. MAC Pigment in Jardin Aires
21. MAC Pigment in Melon
22. Bobbi Brown Cream Eyeshadow in Sandy Gold

Lipglosses:


1. Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Gold
2. Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Creme Caramel
3. Guerlain Terracotta Gloss and Shine Beige Sun #52
4. Nars Lip Gloss in Greek Holiday
5. Nars Lip Gloss in Moon Fleet
6. Chanel Glossimer in Pin-Up
7. Chanel Glossimer in Sunset Gold
8. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Pearl Sugar
9. Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Rose Gold
10. MAC Plushglass in Nice Buzz
11. MAC Lustreglass in Instant Gold
12. MAC Lipglass in Bonus Beat (released with Heatherette collection)
13. MAC Lipglass in Gold Rebel (released with Style Warriors collection)
14. MAC Dazzleglass in Goldyrocks
15. MAC Dazzleglass in Moth to Flame

Lipsticks:

1. Trish McEvoy Glaze Lip Color in Golden
2. Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color in Sunset Nude
3. MAC Glaze Lipstick in Sunsational (released with Style Warriors collection)
4. MAC Frost Lipstick in Gel
5. Chanel Aqualumiere Lipstick in Cancun
6. Nars Lipstick in Mojave
7. Nars Lipstick in Promiscuous
8. Chanel Rouge Allure in Lumious
9. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Lipstick in Candlelight (today’s equivalent is Metallic Lipstick in Beige Gold)
10. Laura Mercier Stickgloss in Tiger Lily

Nail Polishes

Left to right: Nars Adelita, Chanel Golden Sand, MAC Golded

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Dior Addict Lip Polish: Smoothing Lacquers

June 8, 2009

Dior seems to be going through a trend of releasing new items with a twist on their regular products, such as their Designer Eyeshadow Palettes (cream-to-powder textures with gel liner) and their new Lip Glow (looks like clear lip balm, but turns your lips a bright cherry pink). Their newest release includes a extension of their addict line consisting of three smoothing glow glosses that have a roll-on/spinning type of applicator called Addict Lip Polish.

The description on the box is extremely detailed and states the following:

“LIP POLISH: the first spin-on lip lacquer for perfectly smoothed and redefined lips. Immediate smoothing action: the high-tech formula, enriched with line-filling ingredients and superfine iridescent powders, instantly corrects the surface texture of your lips. Redefined lips after just 15 days of use: a firming and moisturizing agent helps smooth fine lines and redefine lips, with lasting results. Radiant shine: shades have been specifically developed to flatter different lip tones. A new and pleasurable application technique: the unique spin-on applicator gently massages your lips.“

The preview first came from Sephora’s Beauty Insider e-mail, and the website currently says they are exclusive and only at Sephora, but at this time I am not sure if it is just released early at Sephora or truely a Sephora-exclusive:

I just found these at the Sephora store today and being the gloss addict that I am, bought all three, they are pictured here left to right:

* 001 Radiance Expert – a sheer beige
* 002 Fresh Expert – sheer cotton candy pink
* 003 Glow Expert – sheer tangerine/coral

And some swatches on MAC NC30/Chanel Teint Innocence Shell 1.5 skin:

Overall thoughts – I’m a huge fan of Dior’s Addict Glosses, these are on the sheerer side, which is expected since they are meant to be smoothing with slight shimmers for a glow-effect. They are pretty expensive, retailing at $29.50. I just tried them on my lips and it did give me a glowing luscious lip look without being too wet. Textures are smooth and non-sticky with a slight cotton candy scent.

I usually don’t look for multi-purpose beauty products (meaning color and skincare in one), but it is an interesting concept. I personally think there is too much information on the box – I usually don’t have time to read through the entire product description unless it’s skincare. Three things I focus on with new products include smell, texture and color.

If $29.50 is too much for you for a sheer tinted gloss, other similar products I’d recommend include Becca Glossy Lip Tints $23, Trish McEvoy Beauty Booster SPF15 Lip Gloss $25, C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Tints $5, Kiehl’s Lip Gloss $14, MAC’s Plushglass $17.50 or MAC’s Lip Lipgelée $14.

What are your thoughts? Have you tried these yet? Yay or nay?

* Promotional image from Sephora Beauty Insider E-mail Distribution

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Nars Makeover Event: Sugarland Duo Eyeshadow Duo + Luster Blush

June 7, 2009

This NARS makeover was done at a Bloomingdales event by one of the National Artists, but unfortunately I do not remember his name! I told him about a few items from Nars that I love (like the Luster Blush and Maldives Multiple) and he then picked out some new items to compliment what I already owned into a new fresh glowing look.

If you love neutrals, but are looking for something a bit different than your regular champagnes or beigey colors, this is a gorgeous look to try out. I’ll include descriptions of each product according to the Nars Website.

FACE:
* Oil Free Foundation in Budapest (equivalent to Chanel Teint Innocence Beige 2.0/MAC NC35/Armani LSF 5.5 or 6)
* Concealer Stick in Custard
* Sparkling Pressed Powder in Machu Picchu (Eden pressed powder with gold shimmer, not pictured)

CHEEKS:
* Multiple Stick in Maldives on apples and temples to highlight (pink champagne with shimmer – although to me this is more of a golden champagne peachy shimmer with a hint of pink)
* Blushes in Luster (sheer golden apricot) mixed together with Gina (tangerine)

EYES:
* Cream Eyeshadow in Corfu as a base (shimmering taupe)
* Eyeshadow Duo in Sugarland mixed onto lids (sparkling apricot & gilded orchid pink)
* Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon (dense black – the one swatched is MAC Smolder though)
* Eyeshadow Single in Bali on top of liner for a softer look, also used on brows (neutral taupe)

LIPS:
* Lipliner pencil in Papua (cinnamon – this is a great neutral)
* Lipgloss in Orgasm (sheer warm pink with golden shimmer – but goes on a peachy gold)

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Neiman Marcus Exclusive: Dior Pearly Lilac Quint

June 6, 2009

This year Dior released some beautiful bright colors for summer, however their summer launch seemed disorganized and extremely confusing since each retail store received different products for summer. It took a bit of researching online and in-store to figure out that each store did not receive the same items! For details on what was released where, visit Karlasugar’s Post on the summer collection HERE. For some excellent nail polish swatches and details, visit Steph’s Closet HERE.

One particular item I fell in love with and felt should have been launched/distributed through all Dior retail stores was the Pearly Lilac Quint. This was exclusive to Neiman Marcus in the US, but appears to have been part of the Dior Lilas collection available in Asia, France and some duty free locations.

Here is the picture of the Pearly Lilac Quint (#129):

Petal Shine (#809) versus Pearly Lilac (#129):

There was a limited distribution of this quint, each Neiman Marcus store only received a few items in their stock and it was never made available for sale online. Missed out on the quint? Not to worry as it can easily be replicated with some duplicate shades in other lines, my suggestions are as follows:

Top left shimmery pale white gold shade is similar to:
1) MAC Pigment in Quick Frost
MAC Eyeshadow in Nylon (not pictured)

Bottom left shimmery cool rose pink shade is similar to:
2) Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals Eyecolor in Bahamas
3) Chantecaille Eye Shadow in Quartz (this is now available in the iridescent formula)
4) MAC Eyeshadow in Wintersky

Center iridescent eggplant is similar to:
5) MAC Pigment in Grape
MAC Eyeshadow in Fertile (not pictured)

Bottom right frosty pale whitish pink is similar to:
6) MAC Eyeshadow in Phloof

An in-between shade of the two right shades is:
7) Laura Mercier Eyeshadow in Dusk

Top right iridescent lilac is similar in effect to:
8) MAC Eyeshadow in Crystal (looks different in pan, but when swatched, almost identical)

Any other suggestions for dupes?

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Bobbi Brown Sheer Color Cheek Tints: Hit or Miss?

June 6, 2009

Bobbi Brown launched her Nautical Look Collection this past spring and released a few new products including her Sheer Color Cheek Tints and Sheer Color Glosses.

These tints come in 6 different shades, retailed at $22 for 3.8 grams of product:

* Sheer Blackberry is a deep berry tint
* Sheer Coral is a bright warm pink tint with golden shimmer
* Sheer Lilac is light pink tint
* Sheer Mauve is pink mauve tint
* Sheer Pink is pink tint
* Sheer Raspberry is deep rose tint

There was a pamphlet sent out from Neimans for a mini preview:

I’m usually a huge fan of Bobbi Brown for the universally flattering colors she releases in her collections. I love how she can take simple color themes and turn them into a fresh modern look. This season’s Nautical Look was somewhat disappointing, especially these new Cheek Tints. Instead of fresh and modern, the look she created appears dated and the blue eyeshadow featured on the look appears to make the model look older. I love her Pot Rouges and if she had released these in the same formula and packaging, I think they would have been a bigger hit.

Even though I was underwhelmed, I still managed to get sucked in and purchased 3 from the Saks Friends and Family event, here they are photographed next to Clinique’s GWP size cheek tints.

From left to right:
1) Bobbi Brown Sheer Pink
2) Sheer Lilac
3) Sheer Coral
4) Clinique Rosy Blush
5) Glow Blush

At $22 per product, I expected a lot more. Even with the FF discount, I still feel ripped-off. What are your thoughts about these sticks? Hit or miss? Did you end up purchasing any? How are you liking them?

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