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Edward Bess Black Sea Cream Wave Lip Tints

September 5, 2014

Edward Bess has released a new lip product called the Black Sea Cream Wave Lip Tint ($31 each for .13 oz/3.8 g, made in USA). These are exclusive to QVC through September of 2015. Edward Bess will be featuring these on QVC tonight (Friday September 5th at 9 pm EST) and I cannot wait to see the full demonstration. 

The Black Sea Cream Wave Lip Tints are creamy lip products. They have the cushy and smooth feel of a lip balm but have a high pigment color more like a lipstick. I found them to be extremely smooth and emollient on the lips. On me they applied with more pigment than I expected. These come in three colors: Sunset Allure is a bright coral, Mystic Passion is a red plum, Blushed Dune is a neutral nude with pink/mauve tones. All are cream finishes (no shimmer).

These come in a unique black tube. You open them by pressing the bottom of the tube to pop open the lipstick. The lipstick pops out so you can pull out the lip tint and then twist up the tube. I found it really fun to play with.

Each color gives medium to full coverage. They adhere much better to the lips versus the arms for swatching. I have swatches both ways and close ups. The Cream Wave Lip Tints do have a slight scent to them. I found them to be a bit sweeter than his traditional fig scent he has in his regular lipsticks. The scent does fade after a few minutes and I didn’t notice it after a while. I like the darker ones blotted because they give the lips a natural looking stain. Lasting power applied as a regular lipstick is medium for several hours without fading. They are emollient so if you find glossy finish lipsticks don’t last long on you, these perform like glossy lipsticks. I do find they last slightly longer than Chanel Rouge Coco Shines, YSL Rouge Volupte Shines and Armani Sheers.

In sunlight without flash:

Swatched with flash:

Close ups of each shade:

Another winner from Edward Bess in my book, but I do have a soft spot for everything he comes out with. The Cream Wave Lip Tints are extremely natural looking while still managing to offer enough color to give the lips a polished look. My favorite is the neutral one in Blushed Dune. It’s an easy no-fuss kind of color that you can wear anywhere. I was really surprised by Mystic Passion. It’s a gorgeous wearable plum that has color but isn’t loud. Do note that my lips tend to pull a lot of red in most plums, so this one will most likely look closer to the tube on most beauty lovers. I really like Mystic Passion blotted because it leaves the perfect plum stain on the lips. Sunset Allure is a flawless coral that brightens the face. Even if you can’t wear orangey shades, I think this one is one of the easier orange/corals to wear.
These are designed to be hydrating. I didn’t really feel like they added moisture although they did feel very cream and smooth. A huge plus for me was that they didn’t dry out my lips.
Edward’s show goes live on QVC soon. I can’t wait to hear what you think if you end up trying these out. If you’re unsure about these, I highly recommend you visit each product page on QVC, so many others leave really helpful reviews. Full ingredient listing is also available online.
The Black Sea Cream Wave Lip Tints are currently exclusive to QVC through September 2015.
Many thanks to Edward Bess for providing me an early preview.

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Dior Vernis Massaï 853

September 5, 2014

Dior Vernis Massaï 853 ($25 for 10 ml/0.33 fl oz) is a classic deep red cream. It was released in the new Gel Shine Long Wear Formula (swatches of multiple shades here) and is also a repromote with Dior’s Fall 2014 collection. Massaï applies flawlessly with two thin coats. You get full coverage and a nice glossy lush finish. It does need a top coat to extend the wear (I like the Dior Gel Top Coat) and I’ve gotten a full week of wear without any tip wear or chipping (more on my nail tips and essentials here). Check my other Dior Gel Shine review on Tra-La-La for close ups of the brush. It’s been redesigned in a curved shape which makes it super easy to apply on the fingers.

A few comparisons to:
Chanel Accessoire (swatched here)
Tom Ford Shameless (d/c, review here)
Louboutin Rouge (review soon)

It’s pure love. I probably sound like a broken record by now, but I really do think Dior’s nail polish formula keeps getting better and better. It’s always been phenomenal as far as I can remember, but they’ve really improved the lasting power and shine. If you’re looking for a classic deep red that is super easy to apply, this is it. 

Massaï currently retails for $25 at all Dior retailers. Mine was gifted to me by Nordstrom which I was thrilled about since I’ve had my eye on it since April. Even though it’s part of the fall collection, I don’t think it is a limited-edition shade so it should be relatively easy to track down.
What’s your go-to classic deep red?
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On My Radar / New In Beauty

September 5, 2014

Happy Friday everyone! September is a big month for beauty lovers, there are a number of new product launches and gift with purchase events. Space NK and Barneys New York have phenomenal beauty gift bags coming up next week, I’ll have more details posted shortly, but I recommend you start making your lists. The price points for the minimum buy is on the higher end, but the gifts they have are best I’ve seen in the industry.

Some items on my beauty radar:
Diptyque has a number of beautiful new items for fall. There is a beautiful La Redoute Candle (1) with a marble ceramic jar. Ambre (2) now comes in larger amber tinted hand-blown glass jar. There is also a new Vanille Candle (3). I smelled it at the South Coast Plaza boutique months ago (they had a preview) and it’s a lovely smokey vanilla, perfect for fall.

Dior has released a new lip item called Rouge Dior Baume (4). Saks has an early exclusive this month. These are supposed to be lip balms with rich pigment. There are 15 shades Dior describes as “easy to wear” ranging from soft nudes, feminine pinks, and luminous fuchsias.

Hourglass Cosmetics fans will be thrilled to know they open their first boutique at the end of this month (5). Also on my radar is their newly repackaged Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint (6). I played briefly with the colors at Sephora last week but was in a rush so I didn’t get to look at the colors in detail.

Tom Ford Fall Beauty collections have been incredibly difficult to locate for some. Items have sold out at a record pace online. If you found that you missed out, don’t fret, items keep restocking online so don’t give up. Both of the Contouring Cheek Color Duos in Softcore and Stroked (7) are now online at Nordstrom and have been restocked at Neiman Marcus (see this post for my swatches).

Charlotte Tilbury Beauty has been on everyone’s beauty radar. I have been really impressed with the Lip Lustre Lip Lacquers (8) and K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Lipsticks (9). She has some outstanding neutrals.

Bobbi Brown has a new Limited-Edition set called the Mixed Metals Collection (10). It’s exclusive to Neiman Marcus and Bobbibrowncosmetics.com. I hope to have the swatches completed this weekend to post early next week (keeping fingers crossed I’ll have the time).

The 30 shades of Christian Louboutin Nail Polish have launched in The Pops, The Nudes and The Noirs (11) (featured above). I don’t have a store near me that carries them yet, so I’ll be relying on online reviews and swatches. I did order a few of the colors from Nordstrom sight unseen. My fingers are working as fast as they can to swatch the colors I picked out.
What’s on your beauty radar?
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Monthly Beauty Favorites

August 31, 2014

I discovered quite a few new favorites in August it was difficult to narrow down my list to under 20 items. My Sony NEX-6L/B
just broke right after photographed my monthly favorites along with some new items from Tom Ford Fall and Edward Bess. It will take 2-3 weeks for me to get it back after it goes to the repair center. As a blogger and photographer, I really should have more than one camera for times just like this. I called up my brother to ask for a camera recommendation. I wanted something that was super easy to use, easy to hold, affordable and compact. He said hands down buy something from the Canon G Series – after doing a few hours of research and watching several videos, I ordered a Canon PowerShot G16 as my second camera. I took my first photos with it for the Tom Ford Black Cherry post and am so impressed with the image quality and functions. Many of you have asked me for more info on my cameras, as soon as the Sony gets back from repair, I’ll do a post on both to compare. If you have any camera favorites I’d love to hear what you love. I hope to upgrade to an SLR by the end of the year.

Onto my favorites for the month of August:

  1. Truffle Privacy Clutch in Blush has become a favorite for a classic, sleek and compact clutch. It’s super sturdy and extremely well made. Use code LABORDAY for free US shipping through Monday. (Review and more photos here.)
  2. Clare Vivier Wallet Clutch is another new favorite, it’s the compact version (measures 8″ x 5″) of their regular Flat Clutch (measures 11.5″ x 7″) making it perfect as a change purse that will also hold a lipstick, business cards, and keys. 
  3. West Elm Acrylic Trays are a new discovery for me. I’ve been a huge fan of their Lacquer Trays (we have them all over the house). I’m thrilled West Elm made one that is high quality at an affordable price. Huge thumbs up (they come in the square and rectangle options).
  4. YSL Volupté Sheer Candy has been a go-to this summer, I almost always have one in my bag or purse with me. (Review on new shades here.)
  5. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black is a favorite darker scent. It will be perfect as we transition to fall and suitable to wear through winter. (Full review here.)
  6. YSL Gris Deco has been the most commented-on polish I’ve worn all month. It was amazing how many people asked me “what nail polish are you wearing?” It has this unique mix of blue in it to make you wonder if it’s blue, grey or white. I love it for a super polished look that’s not too pale. (Swatches and review here.)
  7. Diptyque Figuier is one of my favorite Diptyque scents. I never tire of it no matter what the season is. I’m particularly fond of it in fall/winter. It’s a warming soothing scent that completely lifts one’s mood. It’s super relaxing and lush. (Cleaning and recycle tutorial here, find the 411 on size options here.)
  8. Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad in Nude Dip sold out online within a few hours, I still haven’t seen it pop up on Nordstrom or Bloomingdales yet, there is a possibility some other retailers might re-stock. You will have to do a bit of calling around to locate one but it’s definitely worth the extra effort. I’d recommend calling Neiman Marcus Fashion Island or Beverly Hills to see if they have any left. (Review soon.)
  9. Guerlain Cils D’Enfer Waterproof Mascara is something I’ve been obsessed with for a few months now. I discovered this one thanks to The RaeViewer’s channel (if she loves it, I usually end up loving it too). It really stays put, doesn’t smudge, has a deep lush black finish and doesn’t make the lashes look crunchy. (My review here.)
  10. Garance Doré x Rifle Paper is one of the cutest collections I’ve seen for stationary. I love the chic designs, they have cards that are really fun. They make great gifts, I know my friends have loved the notepads and birthday cards. 
  11. L’Occitane Hand Cream Pouch has been selling out very quickly (it’s a steal!), I managed to buy three sets when they restocked a couple weeks ago, it looks like it just sold out again, but I recommend you keep checking, I expect they will restock again.
  12. Clé de Peau Beauté Almond Concealer is an exact match for me. I’m thrilled they expanded their color options. I hope they do the same for foundations as well, I just tested a couple and fell head over heels with two of the formulas (my wallet is crying now). (Swatches here.)
  13. Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow has been a staple duo this month. The line will launch in a few days in the US. (I’m so excited!) I am still photographing the two sets I ordered from the UK. Reviews will be posted as soon as possible.
  14. Edward Bess Illuminating Eyeshadow Base is one of my holy grail eye bases. (My thoughts here and here.)
  15. Kat Von D Ink Liner has seriously made my life easier when it comes to liquid liner. (Review here.) You can’t beat the ease of use, color, pigment, and quality at an affordable price.
  16. NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel is my new favorite nude pink. It’s literally everything I have ever wanted for that perfect nude pink lip color. I can’t always pull off nudes on the lips because they often look so pale. This one is absolutely perfect. It’s a good nude pink that doesn’t wash out the complexion. (Swatches here.)

What have been your favorites this past month?
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Tom Ford Beauty Black Cherry Nail Lacquer | Fall 2014

August 29, 2014

Tom Ford Beauty has released a new shade of nail lacquer in the fall collection called Black Cherry ($32 for 0.41 fl oz/12 ml, made in France). It’s a lush deep blackened cherry just like the name implies. The undertones are a deep purple with a very slight hint of red. I have mixed feelings about many of the original nail colors released by Tom Ford. Some of them like Viper, Pink Crush and Bordeaux Lust are extremely sheer requiring at least three coats for full even coverage. Others like Bitter B*tch, Ginger Fire, Indian Rose, Toasted Sugar and most of the newer releases have excellent coverage. I didn’t know what to expect with Black Cherry but am so happy it applies flawlessly with two coats. It’s a super dark vamp with a slight jelly finish but goes on the nail evenly without any issues. On me it’s almost a pure black. The plum base prevents it from looking too harsh but it’s still very very deep.

In sunlight at an angle you can see some of the plum undertones:

Swatched with two coats (it’s absolute perfection):

Tom Ford Rose Crush Lip Gloss, Indian Rose Lipstick, Nude Dip Eyeshadow Quad (sold out online, but still available in stores for a limited time, check Neiman Marcus Fashion Island or Beverly Hills)

Next to the black leather card case you can see the nail polish has a bit of plum undertone on the nails, but it’s still extremely dark:

Chanel card case, Wallet Clutch by Clare V.

Some nail polish comparisons to:

JINsoon Risque
Chanel Feu de Russie (discontinued)
Chanel Western Light (discontinued)
Chanel Strong (discontinued)

I’m 100% in love with this polish. I don’t think it will be everyone’s cup of tea since it is so dark and you can probably duplicate this easily with other shades. I couldn’t find anything in my collection quite like it, but most of my vamps have more red or plum versus black.

Tom Ford Black Cherry retails for $32. You can find it now at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, Tom Ford and Harvey Nichols.
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Truffle Privacy Clutch in Blush

August 29, 2014

Truffle recently launched their Privacy Clutch ($54 each, 6 1/2″ H x 10 1/2″ W) in four colors White, Blush, Seaglass and Dove Grey. It’s a chic flat leather zip pouch perfect for carrying just the essentials. I recently discovered and fell in love with the Small Clarity Clutches for keeping beauty essentials compact in your tote or purse while making it easy to see what’s inside (no more digging of fishing around in your bag). The Privacy Clutch is a similar sleek option but one made of solid textured leather with a beautiful red lined interior. Truffle sent the Blush as a gift and I’ve found it perfect for on-the-go holding just the essentials. (Update, Truffle is offering free US shipping this weekend for Labor Day, use code LABORDAY at checkout.)
Items I’ve featured that fit inside my clutch:
Close up of the texture of the leather and detail features:
For size reference on the two kinds of Truffle clutches I own, the Small Clarity Clutches measure 7 1/2” H X 9 1/2” W. They are similar in size to the Privacy Clutches. Both styles come in four different colors White, Blush, Seaglass and Dove Grey. I can fit more items into the clear version, with the solid leather clutch, I need to stack things well otherwise they bulk up the pouch.

The construction of the Privacy Clutches are well made. The leather is sturdy, interior is nicely lined, zipper is also well constructed. When I told my husband I spent $40+ on the Clear Clutch, he said, “you spent what on a clear pouch?” but when he saw the actual product he was very impressed with the quality and design. He also approves of the Privacy version as well. Contents featured above all inside the pouch (minus the jewelry).

Bottom line love. The Privacy Clutch is functional as a makeup bag yet sleek enough to use as a stand alone clutch. At $52 I do find them on the pricey side for something simple, but those who own a Truffle Clutch or Pouch know that once you have one, you absolutely love it. The products from the line are sleek, classic and well made.

The Privacy Clutches retail for $54 each at Onetruffle.com. There are currently four color options. If you’re interested in other designs, they offer a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to choose from. Do you own any Truffle pouches or clutches? What’s your favorite?

Update: for Labor Day, Truffle is offering free US shipping on order with code LABORDAY. 

The Privacy Clutch was gifted by Truffle. The Clarity Clutch in Grey was purchased by me. For more information, refer to my Disclosures.

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Close Dupe Alert: Chanel Steel Le Vernis and JINsoon Nocturne Nail Lacquer

August 27, 2014

If you missed out on the stunning Chanel Steel Le Vernis from the 2010 Soho Collection and have been looking for a dupe, the Jin Soon Choi x Tess Giberson collaboration has a pretty close dupe in the Nocturne Nail Lacquer ($18 for 11 ml/0.37 fl oz). I was lucky to get several bottles of Steel when it launched several years ago (I backed up my backup). Those who missed out have e-mailed me for dupe, but nothing I’ve seen comes close to having that perfect mix of midnight blue, grey, black and silver shimmer. Dior’s NY 57th (also discontinued) came pretty close but was quite a bit lighter and more silvery. I ordered JINsoon Nocturne from Nordstrom last week and it just arrived. I put it next to Chanel Steel for comparison and from arm’s length it is pretty darn close. JINsoon Nocturne is slightly deeper with less silver shimmer and a slightly deeper blue base. I love that it’s a dark grey black with navy blue mixed in and it’s fairly streak free for a metallic. The first coat goes on sheer, but the second one levels out the color to full opaque coverage.

More photos and swatches:

Chanel Steel on Ring Finger and Pinky
JINsoon Nocturne on Middle and Index Fingers

JINsoon Nocturne:

Chanel Steel:

One last side by side shot:

Have you ever found a good dupe for Chanel Steel? I’m head over heels in love with JINsoon Nocturne which you can find now at Nordstrom and Space NK. What do you think?

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