I’m relieved it is Friday. I’m hoping for a sunny weekend and plan on making a quick stop to Neimans and Nordstrom to check out Chanel Fall and replenish my facial cotton as well. Some inspirational reads I’m loving right now:
Erica Choi, Digital Art Director, Barneys is featured on Into the Gloss Top Shelf Series, I love Erica’s instagram so I was happy to see the post this morning, you can follow her @eggcanvas
Some thoughts on the two of the new Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadows at Front Row Beauty, like many others in the US, I’m eagerly waiting for this release and these look pretty amazing in formula and color options
A sneak preview of MAC Nail Transformations Nail Lacquers on Temptalia
See what’s in Co-founder & Co-CEO of Cult Beauty Alexia Inge’s handbag on What’s In My Handbag
NARS just launched their Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows on narscosmetics.com this morning
Rescue Beauty Lounge’s new collection is called Anatomy of a #KDrama, swatches on Kellie Gonzo
Some deals I’ve spotted if you have any weekend shopping plans, if you see any other good shopping deals please share in the comments!
Shu Uemura is offering 3 travel sized cleansing oils with any $50+ purchase using code SWEETSUMMER (this weekend while supplies last)
Giorgio Armani has a Friends and Family 20% Discount on any purchase of $75 or more using code FAMILY14 valid through June 30, 2014
YSL Beauty also has their Friends and Family 20% Discount on any purchase of $75 or more with code FAMILY14
Marc Jacobs Beauty is offering a complimentary deluxe-size Lust for Lacquer Sheer Lip Vinyl in Kissability and free shipping with $75 order on MarcJacobsBeauty.com with code KISS at checkout, valid through June 30, 2014 while supplies last
Caudalie is offering a cosmetic case and 30 ml Hand and Nail Cream with any $50 purchase with code GiftDuo at checkout, offer available through June 25, 2014
I hope everyone is having a great week so far. Some new things in beauty on my radar.
There will be nine limited edition shades of nail polish in a 3.1 Phillip Lim for NARS Nail Collection. One of the shades, Insidious, will be a NARS Boutique exclusive. In addition a canvas nail pochette will be released. These will be available July 15, 2014 at NARS boutiques and narscosmetics.com; August 1, 2014 at Sephora and Dept./Specialty stores.
Frédéric Malle and Carlos Benaïm have created a new fragrance Eau de Magnolia that launches this month. I haven’t checked it out yet but I’m hoping to soon. It sounds absolutely divine. Some details on Kafkaesque Blog.
Chanel Fall Beauty has arrived online Chanel.com and Bloomingdales. I have yet to check out the collection in person but reports on Twitter and Instagram indicate it has arrived at some counters. I ordered the three nail polishes in Secret, Orage and Atmosphere online and expect them this week. I’m eyeing the glossimer and liquid eye liners but undecided on most of the collection. Several have e-mailed me that this is a see-before-you-buy kind of collection. If you’ve checked it out, please share in the comments.
Burberry has two new eyeshadows out in Storm Grey No. 27 and Graphite No. 28. Thanks to Café Makeup for letting me know about these. I called the counter in San Francisco and found they aren’t with any full collection but were two new colors released. I’ll have a review soon. In the meantime check out the swatches on Gummy Vision.
NudeStix is a new line of natural and nude pencils, exclusive to Space NK (or Space NK via Bloomingdales). All the products are in pencil/stick form. The Eye Pencils look like they have quite a few lovely neutral shimmers. The Lip and Cheek Pencils have a wider range of colors from light to dramatic. I think a trip to Space NK is in order soon.
I’ve started to explore more in skincare the past couple of years. Through my 20’s I had pretty good skin that didn’t need much treatment other than a basic cleanser or moisturizer. As I transition into my early 30’s I’ve found my skin in need of more. So many have told me about the benefits of using a serum under moisturizer, but I have sensitive skin. Several serums I’ve tried at the counter or at make over events have ended up being too rich and heavy-feeling so I avoided them for a long time. In the past I’ve tested mini samples of several serums, I’ve found many feel nice but didn’t didn’t really seem to make a difference in my overall skin appearance.
Both serums come in a convenient pump dispenser bottle. The serum textures are on the thin side with a slight gel-like finish but blend easily onto clean skin. Chanel Le Jour de Chanel is clear while Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum has a subtle pearly finish that contains 24k gold.
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First up is the Chanel Le Jour de Chanel ($85 for 50 ml/1.7 fl oz). I’ve been using this for a year since it was first released as a Nordstrom exclusive. This one has Salicylic Acid which helps exfoliate the skin gently and clears up any clogged pores and small blemishes over time (but doesn’t make the skin peel). It claims to tighten pores and reduce the size. I have small pores but I found it does improve the look of the skin and make pores smaller. It layers well under moisturizer to make the skin feel hydrated, smooth and slightly more radiant. I wouldn’t recommend using this if your skin is irritated or has any open or healing blemishes. This one is best for unbroken skin and if you’re not extremely sensitive.
I made the mistake of using this alone as a moisturizer when I first received a mini sample in the mail. The artists at the Chanel counter explained to me that I was using it incorrectly and it was not sufficient to be used alone. Adding this under your moisturizer helps improve the T-zone area and extends the wear of your foundation throughout the day as it helps to draw in your moisturizer to the skin.
A quick tip on application – if you feel that it stings the skin, make sure your skin is completely dry after you cleanse and tone before you apply this. I’ve found that applying items to a wet face can sometimes make moisturizers or serums sting. I’ve used this in conjunction with a number of moisturizers, my current favorites to use this with are the Chanel Le Blanc Moisturizing Cream, Chanel Sublimage La Creme Texture Fine and Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Cream.
If you’ve shopped online with Tatcha you know that their orders come with generous samples and often have good promotion codes to try new items. My first order with them came with their Deep Hydration Firming Mask which is amazing. They’ve recently expanded their Water Collection with the Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum ($95 for 30 ml/1.0 fl oz). They kindly sent me a sample to try and I’ve been thrilled with it. Several readers have already raved to me about this one before I had the chance to try it. Many have said it’s worked wonders on their dry skin so I was worried this might be too strong for my skin but I found the Deep Hydration Firming Mask to be amazing on my skin so I had high hopes. I am really happy to find that even though it’s super hydrating that it isn’t too strong.
This serum has a hydrating blend of Okinawa red algae and hyaluronic acid to soothe and firm skin – and the it does just that. The 24k gold shimmer isn’t overpowering but gives that glow from within kind of luminosity. I’ve been using this for a week and already have noticed a difference in the overall look of the skin. It appears more radiant and it has soothed my skin which has been acting up for the past month. I’ve been using this during the day under regular moisturizers but I’ve read many like to also use this at night (which I haven’t tried yet).
If you’re unsure about purchasing the full size, Tatcha now has a selection of mini travel sized skin care items. The Deep Hydration Firming Serum comes in a $33 mini travel size option nicely priced proportionally to the full size.
I like to alternate serums weekly depending on what my skin feels like. On normal skin days I find the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum to be a good everyday kind of serum suitable for all skin types (even sensitive ones). When my skin is in need of some texture improvement the Chanel Le Jour de Chanel works wonders to clear up the skin. I wouldn’t recommend this for super sensitive skin but it is gentle enough for me. For extra hydration and soothing of irritated skin I like to use Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Serum.
What do you currently use for a serum? Or do you skip it entirely? I’d love to hear what you’ve tried, what you loved or what didn’t work for you.
This post contains a press sample sent by Tatcha for review consideration. For more information refer to my disclosures.
Troy Surratt’s beauty line has been on my radar for quite some time. Every time a Barneys New York beauty catalog arrives in the mail, I make a reminder to myself to check out the line the next time I am at a Barneys store. If you’re like me and don’t have easy access to the line in person, you will find blog reviews and swatches immensely helpful. I’ve used the Surratt features on the Beauty Professor as a pre-shopping guide. On my last day trip to Beverly Hills I stopped by the Surratt Beauty counter at Barneys. I picked out three items to try as a first run with the line, all focused on lips:
The Lipsliques ($34 each for 0.05oz/1.6g) are a twist up lipstick in a skinny tube. These are sheerish but buildable in pigment. The formula is extremely hydrating with a slight glossy finish. The texture is slightly thick so it stays put on the lips. I was really impressed with the coverage, texture and lasting power. The two colors I picked are natural. Gamine is a peachy color with a slight hint of pink. Hevyn is a natural rose. Both look more like creams on the lips. They apply with a flawless finish. No lipliner needed. Also no tweaking required. The Lipsliques are extremely pricey for the size and amount of product provided in the tube (for reference, a YSL Rouge Volupte Shine is 0.15oz/4.5g priced at $35). That being said the formula is phenomenal and pretty close to perfect.
The Lip Lustres ($32 each for 0.2 oz/6g) are a high shine gloss with a thick finish. These come with a flexible flat sponge tip applicator. I tested a few at the counter and settled on Soigné a stunning rose pink sparkle. It has a warmish-toned base with a cool-toned shimmer making this unique and naturally flattering because it has both warm/cool colors. The lasting power is quite good although the texture is a bit tackier/stickier than most glosses I use (think similar to MAC Clear Lipglass).
One last snapshot of Gamine (peach lipstick), Hevyn (rose lipstick) and Soigné (gloss):
Based on my first visit to the Surratt counter at Barneys, it appears there is lots to fall in love with. The price points seem to be a bit high with their palette system but I’ve heard so many good things about the blushes and eyeshadows, I will be checking them out on my next visit. My personal favorite out of the three items I picked is Gamine. It brightens the face in a natural way.
I’m really pleased with the three lip items I purchased. The formula, coverage and texture are phenomenal and worth the high price point. The Surratt beauty line is available at Barneys New York in the US and now at Sephora. In the UK, the line is available at Liberty London. If you’ve checked out the line or tried anything I’d love to hear your thoughts. I’m always looking for recommendations.
This time of year my favorite colors for beauty are the bronzey metallics for well, everything: lips, nails and cheeks. For nails there have been quite a few lovely releases from early spring that I wanted to highlight.
Dior Vibrato 618 Gel Shine Nail Lacquer ($25) is a new color that was released with the reformulation of Dior nail polishes. This one is a bit harder to find in the US. You can order it from the Dior Boutiques (I ordered mine from Las Vegas Palazzo) or online at Dior.com or Selfridges. It’s a stunning metallic loaded with tons of different colors of sparkles. It has the complexity of Chanel Graphite but with a gold bronze base and with much better coverage. I found this to be a one-coat wonder but prefer two.
Tom Ford Incandescent ($32) was part of the Spring 2014 Collection and was highlighted back in February (here). It’s miraculously still available for purchase. If you haven’t looked at it yet, I highly recommend it. It’s a stunning rose gold bronze nail polish.
Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar Nail Lacquer ($15) was released with the Raw Sugar Collection (Shimmer Brick Eye Palette featured here), it’s a beautiful cool bronze metallic. I had to go to several counters before I found one that still had this in stock but it’s definitely still out there for purchase. You can still find it at Bloomingdales, Barneys and Bobbi Brown.
Burberry Metallic Khaki #202 ($21) is a dark bronze khaki gold shimmer. I like this one because it’s dark but not so dark that the shimmer doesn’t show through. In sunlight it’s really pretty. The texture is really smooth with the first coat being slightly transparent/jelly like. The second coat is what makes this one perfect.
YSL Bronze Aztec #28 ($25) is a dark metallic deep blackened bronze with gold shimmer. It has really good coverage with two thin coats and dries quickly.
Close ups and swatches, Dior Vibrato and Tom Ford Incandescent:
Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar vs Bronze:
Bronze:
Raw Sugar:
Burberry Metallic Khaki and YSL Bronze Aztec:
Comparison swatches below to some other bronzey metallic nail polishes: Chanel Delight (still at Chanel.com), Chanel Golden Sand (discontinued, similar Gold Shimmer in this Le Vernis Trio), Tom Ford Burnt Topaz (still available at Saks)
My current favorites are tied between Bobbi Brown Raw Sugar and Dior Vibrato. What’s your favorite bronzey metallic nail polish?
For the eyes, I picked up a few more By Terry Ombre Blackstar Cream Eye Shadows and have been thoroughly impressed with the pigment and wear time. NARS has new Dual-Intensity Eyeshadows coming out July, I’ll have two to share with you soon. (Pictured above is Europa). Still making it to my favorites list is Guerlain Maxi Lash Waterproof. It stays put, separates the lashes, thickens, volumizes and holds the curl. Let me know if you want a full review. Topshop Coal Eye Kohl Pencil has become a staple in my weekly makeup routine (review here). I love that it’s a true black, applies very smoothly and stays put.
My skin has been acting up for the past few months because of a number of things. I’ve started running and that combined with weather changes and a bit of extra stress has turned everything upside down. I’ve started experimenting by adding a few extra steps to my skincare routine. I’ve found that using a cleansing oil such as MAC Cleansing Oil helps break down long-wear sunscreens and foundations. I’ve also been mixing up my serum routine with Chanel Le Jour and Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Firming Serum under my regular moisturizer. I alternate with these and my skin has improved in texture within the course of a week.
I’ve also found myself reaching for Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream on a regular basis (review here). I alternate hand creams depending on what’s closest to me or what’s in my purse (I have various hand creams scattered around the house, car and desk). I like the fresh scent of Caudalie and the compact size is perfect for putting inside my makeup bag. Last but not least I got a Sephora Beauty Insider sample of the Elizabeth and James Nirvana White which is a pretty light floral. (It’s still available online for redeeming and I spotted it in stores last week.) There’s a new 1000 point perk online for VIB Rouge Members. Seeing as I only have 50 points, I don’t think I will be getting it any time soon.
What are you loving right now? Did you discover anything new or fun over the weekend?
This post features some items sent as press samples from Topshop and NARS for consideration. All opinions are my own. For more information refer to my disclosures.
The MAC Sharon Osbourne Collection has four Patentpolish Lip Pencils ($21.50 each for 2.3g/0.08 oz, limited-edition). These are a swipe-and-go kind of lip pencil that come in a twist up packaging. No sharpening needed. Two of the colors are repromotes from the spring release of the Patentpolish Lip Pencils ($20 each) although the ones with the Osbourne Collection come in a special edition red packaging and are slightly more expensive. The four shades include:
Innocent (repromote) is a pale nude, it goes on streaky and extremely pale upon first swipe, after letting this one sit for a minute, it warmed up on my lips, it works alone for me but I prefer to add a bit of a darker lipliner to blend and warm up the color
Patentpink (repromote) is another pale pink, another slightly streaky color and upon first swipe looks extremely mod and pale, once it warmed up it looked better
French Kiss is an easy to wear brownish warm nude, this one since it’s darker went on smoother in color and has better coverage
Ruby was a pleasant surprise, it looks dark and brown in the tube but goes on a natural ruby red with a good shine, out of all four this is my favorite
Swatches show a slightly transparent texture and glossy shine:
I didn’t test out the colors from the original release but the swatches I saw of these from other bloggers looked promising and several were kind enough to e-mail me recommendations to check these out. The Patentpolish Lip Pencils are a unique formula. It’s like a chubby stick with a thicker smooth texture and a slightly glossy finish. They glide on easily and even though there is a good amount of shine, I found they stayed put without feeling super glossy or emollient. They aren’t drying but at the same time I didn’t find them super hydrating either. My lips usually peel a day after using MAC lipsticks if I don’t use a balm underneath. The same happened with these. As long as I moisturize well in the morning and at the end of the day with a good lip balm then my lips are fine.
These are designed as a swipe-and-go kind of product. I like the convenient twist up factor and especially am a fan of the fact you don’t need to sharpen. I didn’t really find them to be a one-swipe kind of lip pencil though. My feelings for these are mixed. For the lighter colors, to get an even application I had to swipe back and forth several times for smooth decent coverage. If you try these you might not like what they lighter colors look like at first swipe. I certainly did not but after letting them sit for about 30 seconds I found they melded to my lip and warmed up to a better more natural looking finish. The darker shades applied easily and flawlessly. French Kiss and Ruby both have very smooth coverage and better pigment. Coverage on these is medium-sheer with a slight transparent look.
Here they are swatched on my lips:
Out of the four shades, my favorite is Ruby and it’s the only one that I would say is a must-have. Good natural looking reds are hard to come by for me. Most either turn fuchsia on me or have too much brown. This is the perfect balance of bright and natural to be flattering for day or night.
The Sharon Osbourne Patentpolish Lip Pencils in Innocent, Patentpink, French Kiss and Ruby are all limited-edition. Even though many items from the MAC Osbourne collection have sold out, these pencils are still relatively easy to find in stores, at counters and online. All the colors are limited edition but you can find all the Patentpolish Lip Pencil shades right now at maccosmetics.com, Nordstrom, Macy’s, and Bloomingdales.
