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On My Radar / New In Beauty

May 19, 2014

On my radar this Monday morning:

Some good inspirational reads:

  • Buy the June issue of Glamour Magazine, I found it incredibly inspirational for life/career especially with the articles My Zo-Called Life on Climbing That Ladder by Zosia Mamet and Step Into My Office with Alex Wagner
  • Love this article #GIRLBOSS: Career Advice That Actually Matters via The Coveteur
  • Fun video on how to take good instagram photos via Song of Style
  • I’m living vicariously through Rae with this epic Asia Beauty Exclusives haul video from The RaeViewer
  • Really good insights and background on How To Get a Job Beauty/Fashion PR, Social Media or Marketing from Zoe London.
Hope you have a good start to the week! P.S. Don’t forget to check out my Ole Henriksen Giveaway, you have two more days to enter!

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Loving Right Now / In Rotation

May 10, 2014

I have quite a few items in rotation now, both new and older loved items. Currently testing out the new Chanel Les Beiges No. 02 (the darker version), new Hourglass Extreme Sheen High Shine Lipglosses in Ballet (darker pink) and Canvas (nude rose), NARS Malacca Eyeshadow from the summer collection, some of the newly repackaged NARS Lipglosses in Angelika, Istria and Sweet Dreams. (Thoughts and reviews to come in the next couple weeks.)

Some summer items I’ve been loving include the new Reflets D’Été de Chanel Le Vernis colors in Mirabella and Tutti Frutti (first look here), the new Illusion d’Ombres in New Moon and Utopia are to die for (review here).
For fragrance I’ve been reaching for florals like the new Dolce by Dolce & Gabbana (review here) as well as Frederic Malle Carnal Flower.

Two classics from Caudalie and Dior: the Caudalie Divine Oil which is perfect for warm weather, it’s lightweight but moisturizing and absorbs quickly into the skin. Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Oil is a must-have for my frequent polish changes when I swatch colors (nail care essentials coming up soon), Diorskin Airflash comes highly recommended by many of my close friends (several used it at their weddings). I’ve tried it years ago and didn’t like it because I thought it was a bit heavy, but just tested it again at the counter and have decided to give it a second go.
For new stationary and organization, you must check out Garance Doré’s new stationary collaboration with Rifle Paper Co. She has so many chic adorable options from cards, notepads, note cards etc. I found her items online at Rifle Paper Co. and the online shop Garance Doré Goods.
What’s been in rotation for you this past week and weekend?

PS – The Beauty Look Book is now on Facebook, I’m working on updating my sidebar icons. Stay tuned for a giveaway in the next week!

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Dior Addict Fluid Sticks Swatched | 219 Whisper Beige, 239 Frisson, 269 Tiny Pink, 373 Rieuse and 389 Kiss Me

April 22, 2014

Here are lip swatches of the new Dior Addict Fluid Sticks ($35 each) I have in 219 Whisper Beige, 239 Frisson, 269 Tiny Pink, 373 Rieuse and 389 Kiss Me. There are 17 shades total but not all stores and counters will receive all the colors – you may have to do a bit of hunting to find the colors. 269 Tiny Pink is exclusive to Dior.com and I was told it will be available at Sephora (but I don’t see it online yet).

I have a couple application photos to show you how pigmented these are. They look quite intense when you swatch them but they blend out really nicely on the lips. The lighter shades need a bit of extra blending otherwise some of my lip creases show through. You can apply with a brush or the sponge tip – the result/effect will ultimately be the same. If you use a liner you may want to apply/blend with a separate lip brush so your lipliner color doesn’t mix in with the gloss color.

I like how they finally added the product name on the labels, it’s in really tiny print under the numbers but at least they are now on the tubes:

Close up of the sponge tip:

Swatches without any flash, you can see how these have a glossy finish:

Lip swatches show these are full coverage no-shimmer lip colors. Whisper Beige and Frisson are pretty close on the lips, Frisson is a bit brighter and more peach but they look really close on my lips.

Several of you have asked how the Addict Fluid Sticks compare to the Addict Glosses. My thoughts below:
  • Addict Fluid Sticks have more pigment, more coverage, are more opaque and none of the colors have any shimmer. These are $35 for for 5.5 ml/0.18 fl oz. These come with a sponge tip applicator.
  • Addict Glosses have a wider range of finishes (some non-shimmer, some glittery, some shimmery) but in general they have a more glossy finish with a transparent quality. These are $29.50 for 6.5 ml/0.21 fl oz. These come with a brush tip.

Dior Addict Gloss swatch 576 Bed of Roses:

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One last pic of the Addict Fluid Sticks:

Overall very impressed with these. The colors are rich and give lips full coverage color with a nice shine. Lasting power is in between that of a lipstick and gloss. There is a natural sheen to these but the fluid texture has a bit of a dry down after application. It’s slightly sticky/tacky/thick but stays put for several hours without budging. They feel extremely lush on the lips and make them look full. I am dying to try a few of the plum colors but want to wait until they arrive in stores.
I give these a thumbs up. The lighter colors aren’t too pale and will suit those who love neutrals. There is a good mix of medium-brights that aren’t too bright as well for those who want color but don’t want something too loud. Then there are quite a few brighter more dramatic colors for those who live for colorful lips. All classic shades with a modern look.
If I had tested these in person first, I would have skipped Whisper Beige since Frisson is very similar on my lips. I prefer the peachy color but if you want a beige that won’t make you look like a corpse Whisper Beige is very nice. I was worried Kiss Me might be too cool-toned but it has enough color which prevents it from looking too mod/white on my olive skin.

Dior Addict Fluid Sticks retail for $35 each. In stores now at Macy’s (they have an exclusive until the end of the month). Online now at Sephora (select colors), Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dior.com.

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Dior Addict Fluid Sticks – A First Look

April 22, 2014

Dior Addict Fluid Sticks ($35 for 5.5 ml/0.18 fl oz) are the latest in lip innovations. They are a hybrid gloss, lipstick and stain all in one. They have a fluid texture that is extremely pigmented but blends out perfectly to a sheerer but full coverage finish. The Fluid Sticks come with a sponge tip applicator that has a unique design – I found it shaped perfectly to get a precise application to the lips. The formula is a high-impact type of lip color. They cover the lip entirely but aren’t completely full-coverage. There is a soft fragrance to it but it fades quickly. I found these to have a slightly plumping feel – but it did not irritate my lips or and I didn’t feel any reaction (many lip-plumping products cause a numbing reaction for me).

These are currently only available in stores at Macy’s and the Dior Las Vegas Palazzo Boutique. Other stores should have these in the US starting May. Online now at Sephora, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dior.com.

I ordered a few from the Dior Boutique and online, left to right: 219 Whisper Beige, 239 Frisson, 269 Tiny Pink (only on Dior.com and reported to be a Sephora exclusive), 373 Rieuse and 389 Kiss Me.

Swatches on the arm for now, I’ll post lip swatches in a separate post shortly.

  • 219 Whisper Beige is a nude beige but not too nude
  • 239 Frisson is a limited-edition color according to the Dior boutique, it’s a soft peach
  • 269 Tiny Pink is exclusive to Dior.com and will also be a Sephora exclusive, it’s a warm pink
  • 373 Rieuse is a healthy warm pink
  • 389 Kiss Me is a cool-toned pink

The sponge tips are not your typical sponge tip for lip glosses. It has a beveled tip which makes application easier. They blend the color out on the lips really well. No lip liner or tweaking needed.

The packaging is similar to that of the Addict Lip Glosses. The difference is in the finish and brush tips. Addict Fluid Sticks pack in more punch and pigment while Addict Glosses have a higher shine and sheerer finish.

Swatches below to show the difference in pigment and shine:

Dior has hit it big with these new lipstick/gloss Addict Fluid Sticks. At $35 each they are a bit pricey but you won’t be disappointed with the formula. They blend out on the lips in an amazing way with a soft healthy shine. There is a wide range of color options – enough to suit everyone’s tastes. I  ordered sight unseen and gravitated towards the lighter shades. Bubbly Michelle has swatches of all the colors which I found very helpful.

These will be at all Dior counters soon. Right now online at Sephora, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dior.com.

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Dior Front Row #769 Vernis Gel Shine Lacquer

April 15, 2014

Dior Front Row #769 ($25 for 10 ml/0.33 fl oz, made in France) is a hot fuchsia pink shimmer. It’s a vibrant color that flashes hints of neon pink, violet and blue pearls. I found it almost identical to Chanel Tentation (reviewed here). Dior’s flashes more blue and violet while Chanel’s is warmer and more red. The difference from an arm’s length view is virtually non-existent. The color is so vibrant and bright it was hard to capture the real color with a camera. The neon quality makes it hard to capture accurately. I’ll add comparisons below to help show the real color.

Swatches with two coats, applied by myself along with Deborah Lippmann Rehydrating Base Coat and Dior’s Gel Top Coat. I found application to be flawless – these gel shine nail colors from Dior are super easy to apply.

Comparisons to Rescue Beauty Lounge Lotus Elise, Chanel Tentation, Tom Ford Indiscretion (review here) and Tom Ford Trophy Wife (discontinued, review here):

I’m really impressed with the formula of Front Row #769. Some of you may have fallen in love with the older Dior brush but these new ones are really easy to work with and apply on small fingers (my ring finger is a Size 4) but the brush is flexible and will fan out with pressure if you need a wider area covered with one-two swipes.

If you have Chanel Tentation I think you can skip Front Row. The difference is not really noticeable from arm’s length. The formula of the Dior has a more opaque pigmented finish while the Chanel is slightly more jelly-like. I had to look really close at my nail wheel to tell the difference which is really slight (Chanel is warmer, Dior flashes more violet).

Have you picked up any of the new Dior nail polishes? What’s your favorite so far?

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Dior Tra-La-La #155 Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer

April 14, 2014

Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer ($25 each) is a new formula of nail polish that is a regular nail lacquer with a gel-effect. It has a high-shine formula that is designed to “provide you with glass-like shine and extended wear.” I’ve been playing with a few of the shades and am in love with the formula. I have never had a traditional gel manicure so I can’t compare the effect of these new Dior lacquers to the real thing. However the Dior Vernis Gel Shines do have rich intense pigment with a very smooth application. The brushes are slightly different than the last variation – the brushes are thinner and a bit more fanned out/rounded at the end to match the curve of the nail beds better. This makes it easier to apply with two to three swipes. The polishes have a lush cushy look to them even before you apply any top coat.

 

First up is Tra-La-La #155 a soft clean pink (see all shades swatched here). I tested this with my go-to Deborah Lipmann Rehydrating Base Coat and Dior Gel Top Coat. I tend to keep my nails on the short end so they don’t hit the computer or laptop keyboard. Lasting power was quite good at 5 days without tip wear. Tra-La-La is a soft semi-sheer pink. It’s not too sheer that you have to layer on 4-5 coats. I had it applied professionally below with two coats. I swatched comparisons below with two coats as well and it covered the nail well with a slight see-through quality.

The brushes are more rounded this time:

Dior Gel Top Coat and Tra-La-La #155 Gel Shine:

Swatched with two coats:

Featured in the NARS Contouring post:

I really like how Tra-La-La actually shows up on my skin and that it’s not too pale. It’s a good baby pink that isn’t too sheer. Comparisons to some other pinks below shows it has enough pink pigment in the color to prevent it from looking white against my olive skin. It has a soft clean polished look.

On the nails: OPI Heart Throb (with 4 coats), Dior Tra-La-La, Laura Mercier Oh La La (discontinued, with three coats), OPI Pink of Hearts (2009 version), Chanel Frisson:

More pinks on nail wheels, same set with two views: Tom Ford Sugar Dune, OPI You Callin’ Me a Lyre, OPI Heart Throb, Dior Tra-La-La, Laura Mercier Oh La La (discontinued), Chanel Morning Rose (discontinued), OPI Pink of Hearts (discontinued), Chanel Frisson, NARS Trouville

I’m overall really impressed with these new colors and formulas from Dior. I’ve been a huge fan of Dior’s formula and didn’t think it could get better. Somehow it has. They’ve kept some of the classic colors but introduced some new ones. I wish I had the older Tutu to compare but I don’t. Based on what I’ve seen on other blogs Tra-La-La seems sheerer and easier to work with.

Dior Gel Shine nail lacquers should be available at all Dior Beauty Counters and Boutiques now. Online at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdales and Dior.com.

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First Look – Dior Vernis Gel Shine & Long Wear Nail Lacquer

April 11, 2014

Dior has launched a new formula of nail polish called Dior Vernis Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer ($25 each) with some classic and new shades. I’ve been a huge fan of Dior nail polishes and loved the reformulation a few years ago. I didn’t think it was possible to get better but it has.

There are a variety of colors available but you may have to do some hunting to find a particular color. Not all counters or stores received the same shades. I purchased a few from Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and then ordered a couple shades not available at counters from the Dior Palazzo Boutique in Las Vegas.

I’ll have individual reviews of the colors I bought in the next few weeks (follow me on Instagram at @beautylookbook for a few sneak peeks of Tra-La-La, Aventure and Front Row). The brushes are slightly thinner and a bit more fanned out/rounded than the last version of the chiseled tip. Formula is amazing. I’ve been wearing one on my toes for 2 weeks without any chipping or tip wear. And another color on my hands lasted 5 days without tip wear or chipping.
I swatched all the new Gel Formula colors available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus counters (many thanks to the kind associates who let me pull out my nail wheel). Many of the classic colors have been re-launched (colors are identical to older formula with same name/numbers). 

Swatched
155 Tra-La-La
257 Incognito
575 Wonderland
551 Aventure
758 Victoire (ordered from boutique, has gold shimmer)
661 Bonheur
754 Pandore
999 Rouge
769 Front Row
Mirage
853 Massai
494 Junon
403 Palais Royal
803 Metal Montaigne
618 Vibrato (ordered from boutique)
970 Nuit 1947

Not swatched
108 Muguet
237 Milly
268 Ruban
306 Trianon
428 Sienna
537 Riviera
659 Lucky
918 Hypnotic

I will have reviews up in the next week, I’m still putting the formula to the test with various base and top coats 🙂

The Dior Vernis Gel Formulas are available now at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Macys and Dior. Also available at Dior Beauty The Shoppes at Palazzo in Las Vegas, ask for Massiel and tell her I sent you! Their phone number is (702)-734-1102.

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