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Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

February 2, 2015
I’ve rounded up a few gift ideas for Valentine’s Day with the theme of treat yourself. Here are some gift recommendations I have ranging from affordable pick-me-ups to more splurgy items.

For those with a sweet-tooth Williams-Sonoma (1) has the cutest Sour Gummy Hearts and these cute pink, red and white Malt Balls.

If you’re looking to get organized, these Weekly Desk Pads (2) by Rifle Paper Co. have been a lifesaver for me. I use them constantly and they are immensely helpful in planning out my weeks. These cute 2015 6-inch Pocket Journals from Gigi New York + With Love From Kat (3) are now 50% off (I just ordered one).

For the lips, Fresh has a new limited-edition Sugar Rosé Extreme Lip Treatment (4). The packaging is covered with a red rose pattern and I’m a huge sucker for well-designed packaging. For a more affordable lip treatment, the Sephora Collection Super Smoothing Lip Butter (6) is always calling my name when I see it in store. One of my friends really loves it. I’m tempted to pick this one up myself. If you’re willing to splurge, hands down go for the By Terry Baume de Rose Set (review here).

For the home, you can’t go wrong with a luxury candle. Diptyque Baies (5) is a splurge but once you try a Diptyque candle, you won’t want to burn anything else.

Net-A-Porter has a limited-edition Valentine’s Day Kit (7) that is quite amazing. It contains nine different luxury hair, skin and makeup sampler sized beauty items. I was lucky to receive one as a gift from Net-A-Porter, a more detailed review to follow soon.

For the hands, a new scented hand cream can do wonders for your skin and mood. L’Occitane’s Delightful Rose (8) is a classic with pretty pink packaging. If you’re looking for something that doubles as a hand and body moisturizer, the Aerin Rose Hand & Body Cream is a sweet rose that I really like.

Essie Nail Polishes (9) are raved about constantly by my readers. I recently decided to give the line another try and am smitten with the opaque colors. (If you have a favorite please let me know!)

If you’re a fan of the Elizabeth and James Nirvana line, there are new Nirvana Black (10) and Nirvana White value gift sets that have a body lotion, roller ball and Eau de Parfum spray.

Last but not least, if you’re looking to go a bit bolder, the MAC Viva Glam Miley Cyrus Lipglass (11) is fun and glitzy. If you can’t do micro sparkles but are looking for a good hot pink, check out the Chanel Crazy Fuschia Glossimer (reviewed here).

Some more gift ideas below:

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Jo Malone Cardamom and Moroccan Rose – Limited-Edition

January 30, 2015

I’ve been neglecting Jo Malone for a while because of my obsession with other lines but I couldn’t resist picking up the Cardamom & Moroccan Rose Candle ($70 for 7 oz, limited-edition) which is part of the My Wanderlust Collection mainly because the packaging looks quite stunning. Cardamom & Moroccan Rose is described as a Moroccan rose with a mix of honeyed spice. Straight out of the box it smells like a citrus orange rose with a hint of gingery spice. I wasn’t sure how it would burn because the mix of honey, citrus and rose seemed very odd. Once it you burn it, it warms up to a beautiful soothing scent. It smells of equal parts rose, ginger and chamomile. It’s floral but also earthy with a warm mix.

The packaging was a bit of a surprise when I saw it in person. I expected an orange and red tinted glass case, instead the outside is an adhesive sticker. I was worried how the sticker would fare after burning but so far I’ve had no issues. The packaging design is quite lovely and adds a festive accent of color to the home, desk or office. Still, I would have preferred a tinted glass jar rather than a sticker but it seems very sturdy and well made so for now, I’ll overlook it.

If you’re a fan of rose mix home fragrances, the Jo Malone Cardamom and Moroccan Rose is a good one to look into. The mix of rose, honey and spice is really quite unique and makes it a more unisex kind of rose (versus a girly and feminine rose). I find it’s been the perfect transition scent for winter to spring. It’s particularly nice on cloudy days to brighten one’s mood. On warmer sunny days here in Southern California I find it gives a soothing feel.

The Jo Malone Cardamom & Moroccan Rose Candle is a limited-edition scent. Available at all Jo Malone stores and counters while supplies last. I bought mine from Neiman Marcus. Also available at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks and Jo Malone.

Have you checked out the Jo Malone My Wanderlust Collection? Did you pick up anything? If not, what’s your favorite rose home scent?

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Dior Kingdom of Colors Addict Gloss – Fastes #154 and Mylord #624

January 29, 2015
Dior has two new Addict Glosses ($29.50 for 6.5 ml/.21 fl oz, limited-edition) for the Spring 2015 Kingdom of Colors Collection in Fastes #154 and Mylord #624. Both are soft and delicate feminine colors that are semi-sheer with a high shine finish. Fastes #154 is an ultra-sparkly warm light pink with multi-colored sparkles. Mylord #624 is a mauve nude with gold sparkles mixed in.

I’m a huge fan of the some of the Dior Addict Glosses because of the smooth texture, high shine and sometimes complex shimmer. I really like that the shimmery ones have a smooth texture and aren’t gritty, but sometimes the sparkles have a bit too much sparkle for my taste. In terms of formula these have medium lasting power, the colors are mixed in the whole line – some are sheer while others have more pigment. I find most of them medium at best (if you want more color opt for the Dior Addict Fluid Sticks). I like that these have no detectable scent or fragrance which is a huge plus for those with sensitive noses.

Fastes #154 is on the super sparkly side. The pale color isn’t too pale to wash out my medium olive-toned complexion but since I have pigmented lips, the sparkle is more prominent on me compared to those with lighter lip tones. I normally love a really good shimmery gloss but this one is a bit too glitzy for my taste alone. I like this one layered over a cream lipstick to add a bit of shine and dimension. This being said, it does photograph well and a flash doesn’t make the lips look white. In real life it’s just too light and sparkly for my comfort but do note my lips are weird with the way they look with lighter pale colors. For me, I prefer my NARS Sweet Dreams or Dior Nuit Boreale (currently missing in action) because they have a bit more color for my super pigmented lips.

Mylord #624 is all kinds of gorgeous. It’s a lovely understated nude mauve that isn’t too cool. It has some gold flecks mixed in it. When this one faded, there were remnants of gold sparkle left on my lips but it wasn’t gritty. I wish this color came in lipstick form because it’s the perfect mix of nude, pink and mauve all in one. I would love this in a more pigmented version.

Here are some comparisons swatted side by side for reference:

NARS Istria (review here)
NARS Belize (lip swatches here)
MAC Lovechild (lip swatches here)

I love Mylord for the color – it’s the prettiest mauvey nude color. Fastes is a stunning shimmer but just too light and too sparkly for my taste but this is mainly because of my skin and lip tone.

Both shades are limited-edition. Available now at Nordstrom, Saks, Bloomingdales and Dior.com.
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On My Radar

January 26, 2015

Soft washes of neutral colors and getting organized are on my mind this week.
Deborah Lippman Whisper Collection (1) has four shades of pale pastels that look so dreamy. The names are absolute perfection with Chantilly Lace (pink), Misty Morning (grey), Dreamers Do (mauve), Fine Romance (nude).

The spring releases from Marc Jacobs Beauty look amazing. Three new #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powders (2) have been released to sculpt, highlight and add definition. Shades include Dream Filter (soft pink/medium bronze), Hi Fi Filter (warm peach/ deep bronze) and Mirage Filter (light gold/ light bronze).

There are new lipstick formulas as well from Marc Jacobs Beauty. There is a long-wear bold color formula called Le Marc Lip Creme and New Nudes Sheer Lip Gel (4).

NARS Spring 2015 is all about soft nudes (5). I have so many things sitting in my cart right now. I’m trying to resist the urge to order sight unseen since nudes can be tricky. They look so beautiful, especially the Guyane and Vent Salé Lip Glosses, Reckless Blush, Valhalla Eyeshadow and Porto Venere Eye Paint.

I’ve been accumulating quite a few flat pouches and clutches but don’t have a way to store them properly. I’ve been propping them vertically next to each other. This GLAMdivide (6) lucite box by Glamboxes looks like it could be the perfect solution for me. (How do you store your slim clutches and flat pouches? I’m open for all ideas!)

New highlighting and contouring powders in different colors are popping up. Clinique Sculptionary Cheek Contouring Palettes (6) come in four shades: Defining Nudes, Berries, Roses and Nectars. Bobbi Brown Brightening Bricks (7) now come in four colors too including Coral, Pastel Pink, Pink and Cranberry.

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a good chic document case, Truffle has a promo on their Clarity Document Cases for 25% off through Sunday 2/1 with code TIDY2015 at checkout.

What’s on your radar this week?
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Dior Vernis Kingdom of Colors – Lady and Glory Comparisons

January 26, 2015

I hope everyone had a great weekend! I was planning to upload swatch comparisons on the Dior Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 Nail Polishes on Friday but took a few days off from blogging for a much-needed weekend break. As promised here are some comparisons for Dior Spring 2015 Vernis Gel Shine Nail Lacquers in Lady #294 and Glory #660. Both nail wheels have the same colors, just two different views for lighting:

Louboutin Madame Est Nue + Tres Decollete (swatched)
Dior Tra-La-La (review)
Dior Incognito (swatches)
Dior Lili (review)
Chanel Rose Cache (swatched)
Tom Ford Sugar Dune (discontinued, review here)
YSL Beige Leger (swatched)
Dior Star
Dior Wonderland (reviewed here)
Dior Lucky (older formula swatches, review)
Dior Pasteque (discontinued)
Chanel Tutti Frutti (review here)
Chanel Pink Tonic (reviewed here)

To me Dior Glory looks identical to my old Dior Lucky and very similar to other pinkish reds. I still love it but definitely think you can find similar colors. Dior Lady on the other hand is powder pink perfection. It’s not too dark, not too light, has full coverage and has just the right amount of cool/pink tones to make it look soft and feminine but not too pastel. I love how elegant and understated it is without being too neutral or nude.

In case you missed it, full review of Dior Lady and Glory (and the spring top coat) with swatches on the fingers here. You should be able to find the Dior Spring Collection at most counters now. I bought both of my polishes from Nordstrom. Also available online at at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Sephora, Bloomingdales and Dior.com.
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Dior Kingdom of Colors Spring 2015 – Blossoming Top Coat and Gel-Shine Nail Lacquer in Lady & Glory

January 23, 2015

Dior’s Spring 2015 collection is called the Kingdom of Colors. There are three new nail polishes with the collection including two new Gel-Shine Long Wear Nail Lacquers ($27 each) in Lady 294 and Glory 660 and a Blossoming Top Coat ($28). Every time I swatch a Dior nail polish I am always impressed by the formula. They’ve done a phenomenal job at creating an exquisite flawless finish and sometimes I don’t know why I use anything else. The two spring colors are stunning with full opaque and smooth coverage. The Top Coat has a clear base with tiny chunks of glitter particles in different shapes and sizes. It’s a really fun item to wear layered over other colors, but it’s just not me. More thoughts on this below.

First up is Lady #294. When I saw this online I suspected it might be very similar to Tra-La-La or Incognito, but it’s really quite different. When I swatched this color on the nails my first thought was “where has this color been all my life?!” It’s a stunning full coverage baby pink that has a hint of mauve and cool-tones in it. Pictures don’t do it justice – on the nails it’s a powder pink but not too powdery or pale and it’s super flattering for a clean polished look. This is definitely going on my backup list.

Glory #660 is a vibrant pink red with a tinge of coral. This has more of a slight jelly finish but still gives complete and full coverage on the nails with two coats. I have lots of other colors similar to this one, but I still think it’s perfect. That being said if you have a lot of warm pink/corals you may want to shop your stash and skip this one.

The Eclosion Top Coat is a party in a bottle. It’s a soft mix of pastel greens, yellow and white glitter particles in different shapes and sizes. The base is clear and the density of the glitters is on the medium side. As with many glitters that are suspended in a clear base, application can require some extra work to get it on the nail evenly. I swatched it below on top of both of the spring shades with two coats. It looks like I’m wearing a sprinkles cupcake on my fingers which is fun, but too much for my conservative makeup wearing/loving self.

I’ll have swatch comparisons loaded later this weekend (I’ll update this post). I’m still trying to find out where a couple of the shades I want to compare are. In the meantime I recommend you check out Color Me Loud’s post and comparison swatches.

Both Lady and Glory are stunning polishes for spring and year round. I would say if you have a lot of brighter summery shades, you may find Glory dupe-able or too similar to what you own. As for Lady, it think it’s absolutely perfect. After testing the top coat for a few days and wearing it around, I tried to see if it would grow on me. It’s so fun and pretty in the bottle I keep trying to love it and see how I can pull it off. I can’t help but feel it’s too trendy for me.

I bought my Dior Polishes at Nordstrom. Also available at Neiman Marcus, Saks, Sephora, Bloomingdales and all Dior counters.
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Kevyn Aucoin Celestial & Sculpting Powders

January 21, 2015

I’m a newbie to the Kevyn Aucoin beauty line. I used to use his Celestial Powder in Candlelight a long time ago when it came in the large compact packaging and liked it for a soft glow, but after using it up never really explored much of the line. Recently I decided to give the brand a closer look. I ordered both of The Celestial Powders ($44 each for 3.1g/0.11 oz) in Starlight and Candlelight and The Sculpting Powder ($44 for 3.1g/0.11 oz) in Medium.

The Celestial Powders are small compacts of finely milled shimmery powders. Candlelight is a soft champagne color with a very smooth shimmer. In the pan it’s neutral and almost has a slight yellow/gold tinge. On my olive/medium skin it pulls more cool-toned. The shimmer is apparent but very natural. It does give a lovely glow and I know it’s reached cult status for many. For me it makes a lovely highlight and also can double as a shadow, but my heart still belongs to Hourglass Luminous Light as my favorite for a light powder highlighter. I favor the Hourglass because it glows more and the color is more luminous on my specific skin tone. If you want a cooler-toned or neutral champagne highlighter that glows but won’t emphasize pores and is on the subtle side, this is a good option.

above, Candlelight
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The Celestial Powder in Starlight is a soft warm pink highlighter with a medium level shimmer. On me this one has more visible shimmer and frost on the skin but the color is darker than your traditional highlighter. It has a lovely medium but soft pink base mixed with a hint of silver sheen. This one is just so beautiful on the skin. I don’t think I have anything like it. It’s hard to find a light to medium pink shimmer that isn’t too dark or light. The shimmer in this one is more visible but not frosty.

above, Starlight
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The Sculpting Powder in Medium has been one of the most-raved about contouring powders. I am not a contouring kind of person. I think the contouring process can result in really good photographs but in person/real life I find it often looks overdone and fake. That being said I am all for a subtle contour that looks natural. Medium is a medium color that is a neutral grey/taupe/tan. There’s no orange undertone and no shimmer. It’s pulls neutral-cool and is very finely milled. On my skin it blended beautifully with a very soft but layerable texture. The only problem for me is that I found it too grey and too brown. For contouring I need something softer or warmer, but I think I’m in the minority – I know many prefer the opposite wanting something cooler with good pigment.

above, Medium
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Some comparisons below to some other shades for reference:

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder Luminous Light (review)
Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow (glow portion, review)
Armani Fluid Sheer #2
NARS Illuminator in Adelaide (review)
NARS Multiple St. Lucia (review)

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow (bronze portion, review)
NARS Contour Duo in Paloma (review)
Dolce & Gabbana Blush in Tan (review)
MAC Sheertone Blush in Tenderling

After testing these products I feel all three are very good and of high quality. The powders are smooth and blend nicely on the skin without streaking of fall out. The texture melds beautifully with the natural skin texture and they lasted all day without fading. I also found that the three powders photograph phenomenally well especially with a flash. In real life however, I found The Celestial Powder in Candlelight and The Sculpting Powder in Medium didn’t fit what I was looking for, mainly because of how these worked with my skin tone. Candlelight is a bit too cool for me, Medium is a bit too dark and brown for my medium/olive Chanel B30/Tom Ford Bisque 04 skin. The price of these powders is on the steep side for the amount of product given. I think Starlight is worth the price tag for the unique color and formula. For the others, I’m not so sure.

You can find Kevyn Aucoin at a number of retailers. I bought my items from Nordstrom. Also online at Neiman Marcus, Beautylish, Net-A-Porter, Bergdorf Goodman.

Do you have any Kevyn Aucoin favorites? What do you recommend that I check out from the line?
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