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Diorific Vernis Gold Coffret – Saks Exclusive | Holiday 2013

December 3, 2013

Saks has released an exclusive nail trio this year, the Diorific Vernis Gold Coffret ($70, limited-edition). The colors in this set include Almee #291 a sheer sparkly gold with tiny micro glitters, Aladin #668 a warm metallic copper, and Apparat #871 a shimmery red infused with gold. It’s a repeat of last year’s Printemps Christmas 2012 set released in
limited quantities and stores. It also contains Apparat, a repeat from
holiday 2011.

Each shade comes packaged in the beautiful holiday bottles with the gold twist off caps. Everything from the gold box to the packaging and colors is exquisite. Dior really created lovely nail colors for the holiday.

Almee #291 is a sheer sparkly gold. I suspect this will be a better top coat on warm colors to add shimmer and sparkle. The shimmer is infused with tiny clear glitters. It’s beautiful in the bottle and on the nails (even though it’s very very sheer). Here it is with three coats:

Aladin #668 is a beautiful warm coppery gold metallic shade. The metallic quality makes it apply slightly lighter on the nails compared to what you see in the bottle. I was impressed with this and how it applied pretty much streak-free (considering it’s a metallic). I didn’t have time to photograph swatch comparisons next to other Dior or Chanel golds, but Aladin is softer and lighter with a more refined shimmer giving it a softer look. Two coats below.

Apparat #871 is a repeat from holiday 2011 in special packaging. It’s a lovely neutral-cool red with gold shimmer. The pigment is incredibly rich and applies smoothly. I don’t think I ever swatched this one on the nails on this blog but it’s a lovely metallic red. (Nail wheel swatch here.)

Dior’s Diorific Vernis Gold Coffret Trio is a luxurious boxed set. The colors are lovely – especially for the holiday and I think it would make a lovely gift for the holidays. Even though I already own Apparat in the regular bottle I still think this is worth purchasing just for the packaging alone. It’s limited-edition and available in stores at Saks and online at Saks.com.

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Cyber Monday Deals

December 2, 2013
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=MeQoh28EORo&subid=&offerid=274341.1&type=10&tmpid=8156&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fshop.nordstrom.com%252Fc%252Fbeauty-makeup-perfume%253Fdept%253D8000001%2526origin%253Dtopnav%2526cm_sp%253DTop%252520Navigation-_-Beauty-_-Beauty

Some Cyber Monday Deals on my radar. If you see any other good ones please share in the comments below.

  • Bloomingdales – 25% off sitewide (exclusions apply), valid through end of December 2, 2013
  • Bobbi Brown – free shipping plus 5 free samples, no code needed, ends 12/2 at 11:59 PM PST
  • C. Wonder – 40% off everything, use code GIFTS40, ends 12/2
  • Drybar – Special value sets here
  • Giorgio Armani – 25% off orders $75 or more, see website to generate code
  • Henri Bendel – 30% off cyber monday deals, use code CYBER13
  • Kate Spade – enjoy 30% off sitewide, use code CYBER30, ends 12/2
  • Kiehl’s – 4 deluxe treats and free shipping on every order, use code BIGTREATS, ends 12/2
  • NARS – 20% Friends and Family code online and in boutiques ends tonight, use code NARSFRIENDS
  • Nordstrom – Cyber Monday deals here, Cyber Monday Beauty Deals and GWPs
  • SpaceNK – beauty bag with $200 purchase ends tonight or while supplies last, use code THANKS20
  • Sephora – weekly specials here,  Mystery Sample bag with 5 samples, use code SUSPENSE, or free shipping with $25 purchase use code SHIPNOW, valid while supplies last or through 12/3 11:59 PM PST
  • Tatcha – friends and family 20% off use code FF2013, valid through 12/11/2013
  • Urban Decay – Cyber Monday deals on sets
  • YSL – 25% off purchased $75 or more, see website for code, valid through 12/5
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Burberry Beauty Trench Kiss Lip Mist and Lip Glow

December 2, 2013
Burberry Beauty has some beautiful new nudes and golds for the holiday. There are a couple packaging variations for the Trench Kiss Lip Mist, Trench Kiss Lip Glow and Nude Radiance Face Glow. These are available in regular packaging and a special limited gold packaging. In addition there is a new Gold Light Nail Polish available in the gold packaging.

I ordered the new Trench Kiss No. 216 Lip Mist ($30) and Trench Kiss No. 24 Lip Glow ($27) in the regular packaging from Nordstrom (however it seems only the gold packaging is available now online).

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Trench Kiss #216 Lip Mist is a sheer flesh colored beige with a hint of peach. On the lips it applies very pale – almost corpse like upon first swipe. After letting it set for a minute I found it adjusted better to my natural lip color and warmed up a little. It’s still very pale (similar to Nude Honey #211 reviewed here, but the Trench Kiss is just a tad warmer and more beige).

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Trench Kiss #24 Lip Glow is a shimmery sheer gold. It looks more golden and sparkly in the tube compared to the Nude Gold #15, but when swatched they look almost identical.

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Here are the Trench Kiss Lip Mist and Lip Glow items swatched side by side:

Lip items swatched layered together:

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Comparisons below to:

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I’m overall pleased with the two items once layered together. However they are really similar to previously released items which I already owned. I ordered sight unseen since I do not have a Burberry Beauty counter near me. I hope the comparison swatches above help. If you’re unsure about how these would be on you, I would suggest trying in person before buying. I do really like the Trench Kiss Lip Glow – it has such a lovely sparkle and sheen even if it is similar to other golds. 
The Burberry Beauty Trench Kiss items are available at online at Nordstrom, Saks and Burberry. You can refer to this list for Nordstrom Store Locations that have Burberry Beauty. If you know of others I’d love it if you could add it in the comments below.

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Bobbi Brown Sequin Shimmer Brick Eye Palette | Holiday 2013

December 1, 2013
This holiday Bobbi Brown has introduced a new version of her Shimmer Brick Eye Palette in Sequin ($48.50 for .14oz/4g, limited-edition). This palette packs in 10 different high shimmers in pale colors. It’s probably the smallest palette I own at a little over 4 inches long. The pigment is excellent for these shades similar to her regular-sized shimmer bricks. I never purchased her prior shimmer brick palettes for eyes since they either sold out instantly or were a bit heavy on the aqua colors (light greens tend to make my olive skin look too yellow). I was happy to find this holiday’s version contained more neutral colors better suited or my skintone.

The colors apply quite shimmery on the lids. I usually don’t like frosts but find Bobbi Brown shimmers, metallics and sparkles are very wearable for everyday (sparkles are ok for me with a very light hand). Shades from left to right include a pale cool pink, a tan gold brown, bright baby pink, soft mauve, golden oyster, mauve pink rose, platinum blue, mauve purple, silver taupe and cool silver beige. Close ups of each side.
Left side:

Right side:

Application tips I’ve received include swiping your fingers or brush over multiple colors and blending over the lid or picking 2-3 individual shades and layer them one by one. Since each bar of shimmer is very tiny (brushes shown below for size comparison) I find it hard to take a regular sized fluffy brush and only get one color on. I’ve been experimenting with this for a few weeks now and love using 1-2 shades individually or mixing any number of colors. Since most of the colors are neutral you really can’t go wrong with any combination.
Sizing:
 On the nails, Tom Ford Black Sugar (reviewed here)

For size reference to brushes you can see that some of my smaller brushes can barely fit into each block of shimmer. MAC #219 is a pencil defining brush which I usually like to use for smudging darker colors. You can use this one to highlight corners as well. MAC #239 is one of my holy grail basic shadow brushes. The width is bigger than the blocks but you can still fit into one color by tipping it to the side or at an angle. Trish McEvoy’s Smudge Brush is another one of my tiny brushes (shown for size reference).

Swatches below. Note the combination of sunlight with flash and shimmer highlights the frost.

This one shows the color a bit better:

Overall a huge thumbs up. It’s such a pretty petite palette. Although pricey I love the combinations of colors in this set. It’s small but once you open the compact you can’t help but gasp at all the gorgeous sparkles. It’s neutral enough for everyday wear or to add a bit of shimmer to your look.
I bought mine in store at a recent trend show – it should be available at all Bobbi Brown locations now (while supplies last since it’s limited-edition). You can also find it online at Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus and Sephora.

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Black Friday Deals, Coupons and Sales | 2013

November 28, 2013

I’ve compiled a list of the Black Friday deals and sales for your reference. If you know of any other good deals or sales please share in the comments below. All promotions and gifts are good while supplies last or through the listed expiration dates. I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday!
  • Anthropologie – 20% off all items, Black Friday only (discount reflected in checkout)
  • Barneys NY – up to 40% off select designer items
  • Beautyhabit – free USA standard ground shipping on any order, use code THANKFUL, ends 12/1
  • Becca Cosmetics – Save 20% off your purchase of $50 or more, enter code FAMILY13, ends 12/2
  • Blissworld – 20% off bliss, elemis & remede, use code 20HOLIDAY; 30% off various sets, free holiday gift bag with $125 purchase or more, use code GIFT13, additional promos on their website
  • Bloomingdale’s – Save 20% off your purchase of $75 – $149, save 30% off purchase order over $150 (exclusions apply) valid through 12/1
  • Bobbi Brown – Receive a full-size Black Extreme Party Mascara and travel-sized Instant Long-Wear Makeup Remover with any order, use code TGIBF (plus free shipping on all orders), offer ends 12/1/13
  • C. Wonder – Save 30% off 3 items or more, full price or sale + free ground shipping, use code GIFTS30, valid through 12/1
  • Clinique – Receive 4 FREE Makeup minis with any $25 purchase + FREE shipping on every order, use code PRETTY, valid 11/29 & 11/30
  • Diptyque Paris – Receive two mini candles with any order, use code HOLIDAY2013, valid through 12/2 or while supplies last
  • Giorgio Armani – Enjoy 20% off any order of $75 or more with complimentary shipping, spend over $125 and receive an additional 5 deluxe minis (subscribe to Giorgio Armani emails to receive code)
  • Henri Bendel – Save 25% off your order over $100 or 30% off your order over $300 and receive a $20 Splurge Card with every purchase, use code TURKEY25, valid Nov 29 – Dec 1
  • Jo Malone – Receive two fragrance samples of your choice plus free standard shipping with a $150 purchase or more, use code FRIDAY, valid Black Friday
  • Jcrew – Receive 30% off purchase with code HOLIDAY, valid through 12/1
  • Kate Somerville – Save 30% on all orders, use code HOLIDAY2013, valid through 12/2
  • Kate Spade – Spend $250 and get $75 off, spend $500 and get $150 off, spend $750 enjoy $225 off, valid through 11/30 
  • Kiehl’s – Receive 3 deluxe treats with every order, use code BIGTREAT, ends 12/1; Receive $20 off purchases of $65 or more, use code CHEER, ends 12/3
  • L’Occitane – Buy 2 get 1 free stocking stuffers
  • Lulu and Georgia – Receive 30% off orders over $50, use code THANKS30, expires 12/2 
  • Madewell – 25% off your entire purchase, use code FEAST25, valid through 12/2
  • Molton Brown – 25% off everything, use code FESTIVEJOY, valid through 12/3
  • NARS – enjoy 20% off your order, use code NARSFRIENDS, starts 11/29/13 at 12:00 am ends 12/2/13 11:59 PM EST
  • Neiman Marcus – Scent Event Beauty Event Gift with a $100 purchase, individual offers here
  • Nordstrom – Black Friday deals and Beauty Gift With Purchases instores and online on Black Friday 11/29
  • Nuxe Paris – Receive 30% off all orders + free shipping with any $60+ order (no code necessary), valid on Black Friday
  • Saks – Up to 60% off select styles online through 11/29
  • Sephora – 3-day Shipping Free over $50 orders, Black Friday $10 Dealtopias here, Weekly Specials here
  • Shu Uemura – 20% off orders over $50, 25% off orders over $100 + free shipping, use code SHUJOY, valid through 12/2, 11:59 PM EST
  • SpaceNK – Spend $200 and receive a complimentary beauty bag containing Diptyque Candle in Tubereuse, Caudalie Premier Cru, Radical Skincare Youth Infusion Serum, Colbert MD Heal and Sooth Night Cream, Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray, Bumble and Bumble Hairdresser’s Oil, By Terry Baume de Rose, Rahua Conditioner, Diptyque Mini Shot Candles, NIA skincare samples, Chantecaille Faux Cils, REN Skincare sample, use code THANKS20, ends 12/2 or while supplies last
  • The Body Shop – Black Friday deals to Mix and Match 3 for $30, $25 Tote with any $30 purchase
  • Tory Burch – Save 20% off orders over $300, 25% off orders over $500, 30% off orders over $750, use code HOLIDAY, valid 11/29 through 12/2; complimentary sticky note set with a $150 purchase while supplies last
  • YSL – 20% off any order of $75 or more, 5 extra deluxe minis with $125 or more (must subscribe to emails for code), valid through 12/1/13

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Tom Ford Trophy Wife Nail Lacquer Comparisons

November 25, 2013

Tom Ford Trophy Wife Nail Lacquer ($32 for holiday) was last featured a few weeks ago here. I finally pulled some colors to compare and was surprised to find that I didn’t have many dark pink-red shimmers. Below left to right: YSL Rose Baby Doll (swatched here), Chanel Rouge Carat (swatched here), Chanel Tentation (reviewed here) and OPI Pretty and Privileged.

Due to the shimmer and neon quality of the pinks in these colors I found it a bit difficult to photograph accurately. I found Tom Ford Trophy Wife to be most similar to Chanel Rouge Carat. The difference is very slight from arm’s length. The Tom Ford is more pink. Chanel is more red and more frosted.

In sunlight

Under artificial light 

Hope this helps!

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Tom Ford Shameless Nail Lacquer Comparisons

November 21, 2013

Today I bring you a delayed comparison post for Tom Ford Shameless (reviewed here). You can definitely find colors similar since classic reds are very popular and done in almost every nail polish brand. I still find Tom Ford Shameless a gorgeous red cream that brightens the hands. My thoughts:
  • Chanel Dragon is the closest to Tom Ford Shameless. The Chanel is slightly cooler while the Tom Ford is warmer with a brighter quality.
  • Chanel Rouge Fatal is significantly darker than Shameless.
  • Chanel Rouge Rubis (reviewed here) looks electric next to any other reds I own.
  • Dior Marilyn (from the 2012 holiday set) is also very close in color, but more blue-based with a wine colored finish.

Tom Ford Shameless swatched below:

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