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Tom Ford Summer 2014 | Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette, Solar Gold and Moonlight Lip Shimmers

April 10, 2014

Tom Ford Beauty Summer has arrived with a new Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette ($95) two new Lip Shimmers in Solar Gold and Moonlight along with a repromote of the stunning Skin Illuminator in Fire Lust ($65). All the items are limited-edition. I purchased the palette and lip items online as soon as I saw them since Tom Ford beauty items tend to sell very quickly.

The Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette comes in a large white and gold mirrored compact similar in size to the Tom Ford Bronzers. It has three shadows in a glittering light beige/tan/taupe, a soft mauve brown matte and an intense navy/indigo color. There are also two cheek products which include a golden bronzer and a coral shimmer blush. The colors are absolutely stunning – I’m completely in love with the bronzer/cheek colors. The eye colors are also beautiful when used together. I’ve been applying the eyes starting with the medium shade first and then with the glittery color added on top. The indigo color is a bit tricky to use. It has intense pigment but can be quite messy when applied. I found it best to use as a liner along the lashes by dabbing/pressing onto the eye over a pencil or gel liner. Once on the eyes it doesn’t budge, but there is fall out and can get messy. The glittery tan is indeed very sparkly (similar to She Wolf). If you’re not 100% in love with every color in the palette, the good news is most of the colors can be duplicated with other shades.
The bronzer is unique in the sense it is more golden and lighter. I wish this came in a full size. I suspect it is very similar to MAC Trace Gold (which I can’t find at the moment) if you want a dupe. The blush is a cross between Tom Ford Flush and Love Lust blushes.

Left to right: Gold Dust Bronzer, She Wolf Trio (partial swatch, discontinued), Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette (partial swatch), Tom Ford Blushes in Savage, Flush, Love Lust, Ravish.

The Lip Shimmers are hit/miss for me. For the price and given my love for other Tom Ford lip products I had high expectations for these. Solar Gold is a very sheer gold. It goes on with only a slight tint similar in concept to the Gold Dust Lip Lacquer from a few summers ago. The texture is semi glossy and moisturizing – it feels incredible on the lips. I do wish the pigment was richer. Moonlight was a huge miss for me. It went on blotchy and uneven. It does feel really nice on the lips but the color just simply did not work on my lips. I have used this mixed with the regular Tom Ford lipsticks and it adds a nice sheen to the pinks or peaches.
Out of the two I like Solar Gold the best. Even though it’s sheer it’s still nice on the lips. If you want a white shimmer lip, I’d recommend you opt for the regular Tom Ford Lip Lacquer (which I adore and think is a must-have for everyone). Or use NARS Copacabana Multiple mixed with any clear gloss.

Left to right: Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Brilliance (discontinued), Burberry Trench Kiss Lip Gloss, Tom Ford Gold Dust Lacquer (discontinued), Solar Gold and Moonlight, Tom Ford Lip Lacquer, NARS Copacabana Multiple, MAC Sugar Rimmed.

I’m a huge Tom Ford fan but have mixed feelings about this collection. I adore the Eye and Cheek Palette but wish they had released a large bronzer/blush and a separate eye palette. I don’t think I could pull off the eyes for everyday but the look is very pretty for evenings or non-corporate work environments. If you’re not a fan of the eyes or mixed palettes, you can get a similar effect with the Tom Ford Gold Dust Bronzer or any of the blushes swatched above (amazing in pigment and quality and worth every penny).
The lip shimmers are hit/miss. Solar Gold is nice to have but not a must-have. Moonlight was a fail for me, but if you’ve tried this and love it I’d love to hear how you’ve been wearing it.

All items are limited-edition. In stores now and selling out quickly.
Unabashed Eye and Cheek Palette has sold out several times online but keep checking because retailers have been restocking. Currently available at Neiman Marcus, Harrods, Selfridges, Nordstrom (backorder). For SKUs if you want to search physical stores info on Bloomingdales.
Lip Shimmers are available at plenty of locations still such as Nordstrom, Saks, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus.
Fire Lust Skin Illuminator is also going fast. Right now it’s still available at Saks, Neiman Marcus, Harrods, and Nordstrom (backorder).
Did you see Tom Ford Summer yet? What did you think?
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Sephora 15% off for Beauty Insiders and VIBs

April 9, 2014
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MeQoh28EORo&subid=&offerid=322274.1&type=10&tmpid=10002&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.sephora.com%252F

Sephora is having a 15% off sale on all beauty for beauty insiders through the 10th/11th. Beauty Insiders should have already received their shopping pass in the mail (or check your e-mail for a printable pass).
  • Beauty Insiders can use code TICKET online through the 10th.
  • VIB members can use code VIBTICKET online through the 11th.
  • VIB Rouge members can use ROUGETICKET online until the 11th.

My top nail picks/recommendations:

A few other recommendations:
  • Diorshow Extase Mascara ($28.50) is one of my favorite Dior mascaras, this is always a good time to replenish or stock up on a few mascaras
  • Dolce & Gabbana Smoky Eye Quad ($60) is hands down THE best smoky eye shadow quad (review here)
  • NARS Matte Multiples ($39 each) perfect multi-tasker with rich blendable pigment that lasts all day long (Altai is my must-have for natural contouring)
  • Drybar The Chaser Shine Pomade ($28) is my holy grail hair product, I use it before or after blow drying and it works wonders on the hair for a sleek and healthy shine, my husband steals this from me all the time
  • Drybar Texas Tea Collection ($23-25) I’ve had such great experiences
    with their Happy Hour Shampoo/Conditioner, I’m so excited to see a few
    new additions to Sephora
Have you already purchased anything from the Sephora sale? I’m all ears!
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Chanel Joues Contraste Vivacité #88 and Canaille #89

April 8, 2014

Chanel’s Perfection Lumière Velvet collection features two new Joues Contraste Powder Blushes ($45 each for 4g/0.14 oz, European/Asia baked version) in Vivacité #88 and Canaille #89. Both are in the baked formula and are more dramatic color than the usual traditional Chanel blush. They look quite intense in the compact but don’t go on as dark on the face. Vivacité #88 is a dark pink rose that has a matte finish. Canaille #89 is a warm shimmery orangey tan color. I think these are a nice addition for spring-to-summer. Although the colors are quite rich, the texture is easy to layer and apply without looking clown-like.

The Perfection Lumière Velvet Collection:

Vivacité #88 and Canaille #89

Vivacité #88 is a darker pink with a hint of fuchsia. The tetxure on this one a bit harder than the US versions. It applies sheer but is layerable for more color. I recommend applying with a light hand though – this is one of those colors that you can easily overdo with one swipe too many.

Canaille #89 is a stunning shimmery coppery brown peach. It’s shimmery but not frosty. It has a softer texture than the Vivacite. This one is also easy to layer for color but the pigment is on the richer side.

Here they are swatched with a heavy hand:

Swatch comparisons (all swatched with a heavy hand): Burberry Hydrangea Pink, Tom Ford Narcissist, Hourglass Radiant Magenta, Chanel Emotion, Tom Ford Savage, NARS Taj Mahal, NARS Lovejoy and MAC Sunbasque:

I wanted to hate these since they are not the US formula (which I prefer). I tested both at the counter and the artist applied them on my face when I tested the new foundation. I could not resist. Both are so different from any other blushes I own. I’ve been playing around with these for a week and the texture seems to be ok in terms of application and wear. I still prefer the soft finely milled texture of the US version blushes but these are winners for color and wear. At first glance, both Vivacité #88 and Canaille #89 look intimidating in the pans, especially to those who prefer natural colors or have fairer skin. I found them to still wear quite naturally with easy to control pigment.

Both blushes should be available at all counters by now. Also available currently online at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks and Chanel.com.
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Monday Morning Beauty

April 7, 2014

Today’s an almost-all Chanel kind of day. Here are a few new items I’ve been testing along with some tried-and true favorites. Stay tuned for reviews of the new Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet Foundation in 30 Beige and Vivacité 88 and Canaille 89 Powder Blushes.

Featured above from left to right: J. Crew ceramic tray, Le Jour de Chanel (full size or new trio here), Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet in 30 Beige, Chanel Foundation Brush, Chanel Bliss Glossimer (swatched here), Tom Ford In the Buff (swatches here), Chanel Canaille 89 Powder Blush, Chanel Les Beiges (review here).

Have a lovely Monday morning!

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NARS Paloma Contour Blush, Altai and Vientiane Matte Multiples and Contour Brush #21

April 5, 2014

NARS has been killing it with some amazing new releases this year. New items on my radar focus on contouring: Matte Multiples in Altai and Vientiane ($39 each for 7.5 g), Paloma Contour Blush ($42 for 8.2 g) and the new Contour Brush #21 ($42).

The new Contour Blushes are powder duos with shades that create dimension
for the face while giving a luminous finish. Each compact has a deeper shade to create definition and contour and a lighter shade to highlight and blend. There are three color options and I picked the middle option Paloma. The powders are very similar in concept to the MAC Sculpt and Shape powders. I find the NARS slightly more velvety in texture. Paloma has a neutral cream powder with a neutral tan. It’s described as having a rose undertone which is nice because it prevents the colors from turning too brown or orange on the skin. I found Paloma to be dark enough to show up on the skin but it is still very natural looking. I’m not a contour pro, but I like to apply contouring/bronzer powders in a 3 shape on each side of the face starting at the temples and down to the jawline. You could use this as a nude blush, however adding a swipe of a brighter blush on top like NARS Torrid really brightens the face after using the Contour Blush first.

Matte Multiples have been all the rage lately. I purchased a handful and have been really impressed with the velvety pigmented texture that is really easy to blend. The Matte Multiples have more pigment than the regular Multiples. The only downside is the new matte multiples are smaller in size than the regular versions and priced the same. Altai is the lightest bronze option which I find perfect for contouring. For those familiar with the older flesh-colored multiples from several years ago, Altai is a close duplicate for Tuomota. Vientiane is a darker warmer bronze. The NARS artist at the Melrose Boutique used this to contour my face in the temples, nose, cheek bone and jaw. The velvety texture of these adheres well to the skin and the formula allows for precise control of pigment. I found these to last on the cheeks quite well (much longer than the regular multiples).

I have swatches and also comparisons, first up swatches of the three new items  I purchased from NARS – Paloma Contour Blush, Altai Matte Multiple and Vientiane Matte Multiple:

Paloma Contour Blush comparisons to MAC Accentuate Shaping Powder, NARS Zen Blush, NARS Douceur Blush, MAC Sculpt Powder, Chanel Les Beiges in 30 and MAC Strada Blush.

Altai and Vientiane Matte Multiple comparisons to other cream contouring products (unfortunately I think all have been discontinued) St Barts Multiple, MAC Naturally Defined Pro Sculpting Cream, MAC Pure Sculpture Pro Sculpting Cream, NARS Tuomota Multiple and NARS Laguna Multiple:

Last item I wanted to feature includes one of the newly re-designed brushes: Contour Brush #21. This is a sturdy basic black angled blush. The bristles are very soft yet dense. It has a medium-sized handle that fits my hand well. It’s not too short but not too long. It picks up powder really well and helps to apply it evenly on the face.

Dior Tra La La on the nails
Views of the Contour blush from different angles:

Overall really pleased with these new discoveries from NARS. You can find the items at NARS counters and boutiques now. Online now at Nordstrom (gift with purchase now), Bloomingdales (also has a gift with purchase now), Barneys and Narscosmetics.com.

What’s your perfect contouring product or tool? Have you checked out the new Contouring Blushes or Matte Multiples? What did you pick up?

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Giorgio Armani Maestro Mediterranea | Fusion Blush 400 and Liquid Summer Bronzer

April 2, 2014

The Giorgio Armani Maestro Mediterranea Collection brings us an extension of the Maestro Fusion makeup line with three new Fusion Blushes in 300, 400 and 500 ($52 each for 15 ml/0.5 fl oz) and one new Liquid Summer Bronzer ($64 for 30 ml/1 fl oz). These come packaged similar to the Maestro Fusion Foundations with a squeeze dropper to dispense the liquid onto the back of your hand or onto a brush before blending on the face. The summer colors have intense pigment and look extremely dark if you see them directly in the bottles. Fortunately these blend extremely well with a blush or fingers and are easily layerable. The texture is very liquid with a satiny finish. The feel on the skin is almost like velvet and lasting power is very good from morning to late evening without fading.

New summer cheek and bronzer items at the counter Fusion Blushes, Liquid Summer Bronzer, Cheek Fabric Blushes and Sun Fabric Bronzers:

I picked Fusion Blush #400 (the lightest of the three) after testing the colors at the counter. This has a frosted bottle that is skinnier and smaller than the other Maestro Fusion items. #400 is a coral red pink that is easy to blend. I really like how pigmented these are. I found the Fusion Blush performed much better than the Face Fabrics – however I’ve never been a huge fan of the Face Fabric formula. They have always felt too silicone-like on my skin. The new Fusion Blushes have a slightly velvety feel but they adhere to the skin well. I give this one a huge thumbs up although I feel this one is extremely overpriced for the size.

The Maestro Liquid Summer Bronzer is a lovely neutral bronze. This one has a very subtle shimmer to the color that doesn’t show up on the face but gives the skin depth. I am surprised that this formula only comes in one shade of bronze. I do think it will suit fair to tan skins but those with darker skintones may find this one won’t show up. I really love this one for the texture and color. I do think application can get a bit messy if you’re not careful with the packaging.

Swatches, three ways to show the intensity of the color and how you can blend/build color.

Packaging comparisons for Armani liquid bottles:

Comparisons to NARS G-Spot Multiple, Armani Face Fabric #2 (discontinued), Chanel Bronze Universel de Chanel (my holy grail cream bronzer/counter product), MAC Weekend To the Beach Creme Bronzer (discontinued) and NARS Vientaine Matte Multiple (review soon).

I’m overall really pleased with the results of the Summer Maestro Liquid Blush and Bronzer. I’m not thrilled with the prices – although these are luxury items and well designed in all aspects from packaging, formula and long-wear quality I do think the prices are on the steep side. Right now they are listed as limited-edition but I’m not 100% sure if they are.

You can find the entire collection now at Nordstrom. All three shades of Blush Fusions are also available online now at Bloomingdales and Neiman Marcus (I suspect they will have the bronzer online soon and the entire collection will show up at other retailers shortly). 

Did you check out the collection yet? What were your thoughts? (PS I picked up a few of the new cheek and sun fabric powders but haven’t had time to test them out yet.)

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Marc Jacobs Beauty | Lola, Role Play and Kissability

March 31, 2014
Marc Jacobs Beauty items from Sephora, accessories Marc Jacobs Sharpies, Heart Notebook and Postcard from Bookmarc located in Los Angeles on Melrose

I’ve recently fallen in love with a few more items from Marc Jacobs Beauty. I’ve been a huge fan of the Hi-Shine Nail Lacquers which I really like for the packaging, color pigment, and price. Today I am featuring three new items I’ve discovered.

  • Lola Hi-Shine Nail Lacquer ($18 for 13 ml) is a flawless bright jelly red, it’s a one-coat wonder nail color that covers the entire nail with one swipe, I’ve only tested for a couple days now but in my experience, Marc Jacobs nail lacquers have decent lasting power with no tip wear or chipping through day 5 or 6 (I use with Deborah Lippmann Rehydrating Base Coat and Dior Gel Top Coat).
  • Role Play Lip Gel ($30 for 3.6g) is my new holy grail nude pink lip, it’s an interesting formula, not quite like a traditional lipstick, it is a gel lipstick with full coverage and a cushy moisturizing feel. This covered my lip entirely, it’s like a lighter modern version of what I wanted MAC Twig/Spirit to be, it’s a neutral rose pink nude that isn’t too light and not too dark.
  • Kissability Lust for Lacquer ($28 for 5 ml) is a sheer rose with gold and pink shimmers. It comes with a sponge tip applicator. The formula is very sheer so I recommend using this on top of lipsticks for more color, it has a vanilla scent with a cool tingley finish (thank goodness it did not irritate or numb my super sensitive lips).

More photos and swatches:

Lola featured on the hands holding some fun Marc Jacobs sharpies:

Role Play lip gel and lip swatch:

I’m overall impressed with the lip products. I don’t know why it took me so long to try them. I am already looking to try more of the lipsticks. Now that Marc Jacobs Beauty has been out on the market for a while, I’d love to hear what your thoughts are. What have you fallen in love with? What would you recommend passing on? Yays or nays are all welcome.
You can find Marc Jacobs Beauty at select Marc Jacobs boutiques and at all Sephora stores. Online at Sephora.com and MarcJacobsBeauty.com.

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