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Holiday 2014

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NARS Tech Fashion Lipgloss Coffret

November 26, 2014

NARS has so many beautiful holiday gift sets this year. So far I’ve managed to limit myself to one. I ordered the NARS Tech Fashion Lipgloss Coffret ($39 for a set of 4 mini glosses, 0.12 oz/4 ml each). I’m a major sucker for minis and the lip gloss set was too cute to pass up. The colors don’t have names but are labeled with numbers:

  • Shade I is a super sheer sparkling light peach with silver flecks
  • Shade II is a mix of rose and bronze with gold and silver sparkles, also very sheer
  • Shade III is a cool plum orchid with silver flecks
  • Shade IV is a soft red with a hint of shimmer

Left to right, I, II, III, IV

Shade I and II are both very sheer but still show up on my lips. I think these will be better layered over lipstick if you want a more visible gloss look. Shade III and IV are both medium in pigment. All the colors have some degree of shimmer, I and II are more shimmery, while III and IV are not quite as sparkly on the lips. As far as I can tell there is no detectable scent or fragrance in the glosses. The finish is ultra glossy but not too wet looking. Lasting power is average. They adhere well to the lips but won’t last the entire day without touchups.

These come with an angled sponge tip applicator.

Swatches are shown below applied on the arm with a couple swipes. Lip swatches are also straight from the tube, applied with the sponge tip:

A few comparisons to other colors for reference:

Set 1 with Shade I and II:
Bite Beauty Mix n Mingle Lush Fruit Lip Gloss in Papaya
MAC Cremesheen Glass in Romantic Overture
NARS Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge
Surratt Lip Lustre in Ensoleille
NARS Lip Gloss in Supervixen (review + swatched)

Set 2 with Shade III and IV:
Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Violet and Orchid
Chanel Rouge Allure Gloss Distinction and Seduction (lip swatched)
Burberry Lip Gloss in Oxblood

I have more than enough gloss to last 20 lifetimes but I think this one is a winner. It has a good range of colors to suit a number of needs. The small sizes means I will be able to use them up easily within the next few months and not have to worry about them going bad. I’m a sucker for minis and I’m thrilled with this one. I love each and every shade in the collection which is rare for me when it comes to sets. It is limited-edition for holiday so once the sets sell out, they’re gone.

I give it a huge thumbs up. If you’ve been eyeing this one, you might want to hold off until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to check for deals. I’ll have a roundup in a couple days on deals posted on the blog.

The NARS Tech Fashion Lipgloss Coffret retails for $39. It’s available at Nordstrom, Barneys, Neiman Marcus and Narscosmetics.com.


Did you get any of the NARS holiday sets? Any of them worth splurging for? They look so tempting and I’m trying to resist.

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NudeStix #GILTYLOVE Holiday Kit

November 24, 2014

NudeStix has released a few holiday sets this year, today I have the #GILTYLOVE Holiday Kit ($49 for 3 x 1.41g/0.05 oz) to share with you. It has three Magnetic Eye Colors in Gilt, Twilight and Night along with a compact sharpener, all cased in a limited-edition tin. You can also purchase each of the shades in the set individually for $24 each at all NudeStix retailers, but the trio set is currently exclusive to Sephora.

The three shades in the set:

  • Gilt – a warm shimmery golden beige
  • Twilight – a silvery taupe bronze mix
  • Night – a super intense black

I reviewed the couple of the Eye Pencils back in July. The Magnetic Eye Color pencils surpass the Eye Pencils in pigment and lasting power. They are longwearing eye color pencils with a creamy texture that glide on lids easily. There are different colors to shade, highlight or define and once the pencils set, they will not budge. These have a nice creamy texture that blends nicely with the fingers. For the lighter shades Gilt and Twilight, I like to apply straight onto the lid from the pencil and then either smudge or blend with the fingers. The darker shade Night is best when smudged with a soft brush for me (I like MAC #239).

According to NudeStix, the Magnetic Eye Color pencils are ideal for oily lids. The formula is waterproof and after testing these, I can say that they did last all day for me and did not budge at all, not even Night.

Close ups and some swatches:

There are a number of creamy pencil shadow sticks I’ve reviewed from different brands. I’m really impressed with the long-wear quality many brands have been releasing. Formulas are improving and lasting power is getting better. The NudeStix Magnetic Eye Colors are in between Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks and Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pops. I would say the Laura Mercier is more creamy in texture with softer shimmer and slightly softer pigment. Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pops are more glitzy and shimmery but have pigment that is just as intense as the Nudestix.

I have three sets of color comparisons:

NARS Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Hollywood Land
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Golden (discontinued)
_________________

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadow in Moonriver (discontinued)
By Terry Ombre Blackstar in Ombre Mercure #15
Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Moonlight (review + eye look)
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Suspect (from Naked2)
_________________

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Tuxedo (on the eyes here)
Chanel Stylo Yeux in Black Shimmer
_________________
The colors in the NudeStix #GILTYLOVE Holiday Kit are classics that are easy to combine for a no-fuss look. I’m really impressed with the lasting power and pigment. Some creamy pencils disappear on the lids once you blend them out, but the NudeStix doesn’t disappear on my lids. Given that these are classic neutrals, you may find duplicates or colors with similar effects. You may want to shop your stash, but I give these a thumbs up.
The NudeStix #GILTYLOVE Holiday Kit is limited-edition and exclusive to Sephora this year, if you miss out or don’t like all the colors, you can buy the shades individually at Sephora and Space NK (they are part of the permanent line).
The NudeStix products were provided free of charge for review consideration.
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Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide: For Those Who Already Have Virtually All Things Beauty-Related

November 23, 2014

I’m usually really good at finding gifts for close friends and family. I like finding new things for people to try in beauty, food, home and various accessories. I do have a few friends who are a bit more challenging to shop for. Many of my friends are beauty lovers themselves, these are women very much in-the-know with all the latest and greatest so they own virtually all the cool things beauty-related. I’ve put together a gift guide for the beauty lover who already owns virtually all things beauty, but these really could suit a number of different tastes. I do have some friends who like beauty items but aren’t really into them. Here are some options for them as well.
  1. Charlotte Tilbury Holiday has literally just launched in the US, chances might be that your friend might not have these yet, the Fallen Angel Eyeshadow Quad and Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds Lipgloss look amazing.
  2. Diptyque has a Full Sized Photophore + Feu De Bois Set this year, I’ve featured some photophores before, they are usually a boutique exclusive, but for the first time you can get these at Diptyque counters like Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, any of the three new holiday scents in Spice, Winter and Pine are beautiful as well (review here) and would make good gifts even if they are duplicates of what someone already owns these scents.
  3. Gray Malin makes some really fun iPhone cases (5, 5S and 6 options) with some of his amazing photos printed on them, I have the pink umbrellas one and really love it, I’m constantly asked about it from random strangers.
  4. 2015 Desk Calendars are always a nice gift, this Sugar Paper Black and Gold version is super chic but simple and elegant.
  5. A super soft scarf is always a welcome gift, I adore the Nordstrom Tissue Weight Wool + Cashmere blends for myself, but I’ve given at least one as a holiday gift every year for many years, they come in a multitude of colors.
  6. Tatcha Deep Hydration Lifting Mask is the ultimate luxurious gift for the skin, I’ve purchased several boxed sets in the past and split them with friends to try and they send me selfies with the mask on (also with raves). You can purchase individual packets or a set of four. It’s also available in a number of holiday gift sets and travel sets.
  7. Kate Spade has a number of coaster sets during the holiday like this Silver Street Set of 4. They are fun to pair with a bottle of wine or champagne.
  8. Truffle just released some new colors for clutches. There is a new Nude, Black and limited-edition Metallic Rose Gold for holiday. (There are new color additions for the Clarity Clutches too.)
  9. Tory Burch has a number of metallic Rose Gold and Silver stocking stuffers. This Measuring Tape is just too cute. The Lipstick Case and Cheers Key FOB also look really fun.
  10. Garance Dore Stationary is always a hit when I send out cards. The card set or notepad set can make easy no-fuss gifts.
  11. Smythson makes some of the most luxurious leather covered notebooks. The pink Inspiration and Ideas or navy Notes books are classic and chic.
  12. For the coffee lover, Nespresso machines are amazing. The year the Pixie Machines came out, I purchased four (one for myself and my husband, three as gifts). The new Inissia Espresso Machine is more compact and modern looking. It is perfect for small spaces and the espresso lover who is particular about flavor and intensity.
  13. Clare V Flat Clutches are always a chic and fun option to give as a really nice splurgy gift.
  14. Urban Decay Naked on the Run was just released online last week, it’s not yet available in stores, so if you have a beauty-lover friend, this one might not have made their radar yet.
  15. This Fashion Memoires Book Set can make a nice addition for the home, coffee table or workspace decor. I have many of these book sets on my wish list and have been slowly adding more and more fashion books into my collection.
Shop more ideas:

Also check out:
What do you usually get friends or family who already own almost all things in the beauty world? Or who maybe aren’t beauty lovers at all? I’d love to hear your ideas. I’m always looking for creative options that are different and new.
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Bobbi Brown Black Scotch Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

November 20, 2014

For the holiday Bobbi Brown has a new Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner color called Black Scotch ($24 for .1 oz/3 g). It’s a gorgeous deep shimmery blackened bronze. It fits the gap in my eyeliner collection between black and bronze. The color is quite pigmented and applies easily along the upper lash line. It has an emollient texture which makes it glide onto the eyes. I find it sets and dries after a minute. After that short wait period, there is no smudging. I haven’t tried it along the lower lash line, mainly because I haven’t found any gel or pencil liner that will stay put on the bottom. But on the top lid, it lasted all day without budging or smudging. Sometimes I like to use these Gel Liners as a base for a darker shadow. The combination of gel liner + powder shadow on top really intensifies darker colors and makes a smokey lash line easy with the blending and layering.

Up close you can see the tiny bits of gold and bronze shimmer:

Swatched you can see the gold flecks:

Gel liners have been around so long and are so popular sometimes I forget that some women are new to liners that aren’t pencils. In case you are just starting to explore different kinds of liners, two brushes I really like to use are the Bobbi Brown Ultra Fine Eye Liner Brush and wider smudge brushes like Tom Ford Eyeliner/ Eye Definer Brush #15. For gel liners sometimes I don’t want a super precise line because I like to pack on the color a bit more and then smudge with one brush. Smudge brushes help me do this.

Comparisons below show how Black Scotch is quite different from many other bronzy brown eyeliners. There might be dupes from MAC with some of the limited-edition releases but many of my pencils are still buried somewhere in a storage box (note Bobbi Brown Bronze has been discontinued):

One last shot:

Bottom line: a beautiful classic. I really like that it’s a deep color without being brown or black. The bronze and gold shimmer is visible once you apply it without it being too glitzy. It has just the right amount of sparkle.

You can find the Black Scotch Gel Liner at all Bobbi Brown counters now. Online at Bobbi Brown, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Barneys, Bloomingdales, and Lord and Taylor. Note that it is listed as a limited-edition color, but right now it should still be relatively easy to find.
Did you check out anything from the Bobbi Brown holiday collection? I picked up the gold highlighter, lipstick and nail polish (swatched and featured here). I’m debating whether or not to track down the pink highlighter.
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Fresh Blue Box at The Grove This Thursday, November 20th

November 19, 2014

This Thursday on November 20th, Fresh Beauty will have their special Fresh Blue Box parked at the Grove in Los Angeles for everyone to visit. They will have an assortment of fun activities and the Fresh Beauty team will be giving out free Fresh goodies/samples. You can also create customized cosmetic cases with your own lip print and signature. In addition they will have chances for you to enter contests and experience Fresh’s beloved Sugar Lip Treatments first hand. The Fresh Blue Box will be at The Grove Thursday from 10 am – 6 pm.

If you can’t make it to their stop in LA this week, the Fresh Blue Box will also be making an appearance at the new Fresh store opening in Pasadena on December 10th – 11th. For more information be sure to visit their microsite Fresh Blue Box or follow them through their pages on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date with the latest (look for #freshbluebox).

If you aren’t in Southern California an are unable to make it to either stop, you can still experience the Blue Box from home with their My First Fresh Kiss campaign. This is a fun interactive microsite to celebrate their beloved Sugar Lip Treatment. Now through December 12th, Fresh fans can visit the Fresh Blue Box website to enter the Kissing Confessional. Share the story of your first kiss by uploading a video or photo for the chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree on Fresh.com. (Look for #FirstFreshKiss on their social channels.)
This looks like a fun event I thought I’d share. I totally wish I could visit the Blue Box at The Grove tomorrow, but my schedule is tied up this week so I won’t be able to make it. If you are in the Los Angeles area and are able to go, snap a picture and let me know. I would love to hear about it!
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Holiday Gift Guide: Travel and Trial-Sized Beauty

November 19, 2014

Here is my first gift guide for the holiday season. This time of year always brings about tempting value sets and travel-sized beauty gifts. I think these travel-friendly sets are a great way to try new skincare without committing to the full-sized options. For color, if you’re one of the types that takes forever to use up an eyeliner or lipstick, minis are the way to go and get more options for the same price. Here are some gifts this year that I think look like great samplers.

2 Sephora Favorites Glitz and Glam Party Essentials Sampler
6 Diptyque 5 Piece Mini Candle Set
8 Fresh Sugar Cravings Kissing Trio 
12 Marc Jacobs Beauty The Sky-liner 7 Piece Mini Set
13 NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette

Have you bought any good sets this year yet? I’d love to hear what you’ve been eyeing and any loves so far. I’m always up for recommendations on what is the latest and greatest on the market for the holiday sets and gifts.

Some more gift set ideas below:

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Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Intention 633, Expression 635 and Exception 639

November 18, 2014

Chanel released three new Le Vernis Nail Colors ($27 each for 13 ml/0.4 fl oz) in conjunction with the Rouge Allure Gloss collection. The three shades include:
  • Intention 633 a medium camel-beige nude with a slight hint of gold shimmer
  • Expression 635 a medium-bright pink red cream
  • Exception 639 a deep wine brown with a hint of warm red
All three shades are similar to previously released shades so you may want to shop your stash if you have a lot of pink-reds or brown-reds. Unfortunately I don’t have swatches to compare since I’m completely out of nail wheels and my fingers can’t take a lot of swatching right now with the dry weather and load of polish remover.


Intention 633 is a warm beige with a slight hint of gold shimmer in the bottle. It has a bit of pink in it making a slight salmon colored tint. On the nails the gold isn’t visible. I thought this would be my favorite since I adore neutrals, there’s something about the color that is extremely unflattering on my skintone. It makes my olive skin look extremely sallow. I don’t think I’ve given many Chanel nail polishes a thumbs down on color, but for me this is a definite no. If you can wear warm beiges easily, the formula is very nice and smooth. You can get full coverage with two coats. I do believe this is a unique color. It’s reminiscent of Inattendu which is sheerer and more wearable (for me at least).



Expression 635 is a medium-bright pink red rose. In the bottle it looks like a straight red, but there is a slight hint of bright pink mixed in making it a softer red. The pink brightens the color so it’s not quite as sharp as a true red. Out of all the Chanel reds, Pirate is the most blue-based that I’ve tried. Expression by comparison is brighter and more vibrant. Even though I own a lot of other reds, this one is a must for me. The mix of pink in it makes it really pretty. It has a similar vibe to Suspicious which is more blue-based, while Expression has more red.

Exception 639 is a unique brown and brick red mix. It’s not quite a vamp, but it’s not brown, and it’s not red either. It’s a mix of several different shades making it a reddish brown. The formula is really phenomenal with this one. It’s smooth, pigmented and very glossy. The red in it gives the color a bit of warmth so it’s not too dark on the nails. In direct light it appears more red, in natural light or the shade, it will look more brown. It reminds me of Accessoire minus the plum and with a bit more warmth.

 This is in direct sunlight so it looks more red than it does in natural light:

Out of the three, I like Expression (the pink one) the best even though I own so many pink-reds. Given the similarities of all the colors to previously released shades, I can’t say any of them are must-haves, even for a die-hard Chanel Nail Polish collector like myself. Still, Exception (the brown) is a very nice brown brick red with a classic but soft touch. If you missed out on previously released nail polishes, I would say these are good classic shades everyone should have in their nail polish collection.
Bottom line: Expression and Exception are nice to have, but not must-haves. If you have similar skin to me, I would say skip Intention. I usually always look forward to new nail polish releases from Chanel. They make such lovely colors and I adore the formula. This collection’s releases were a bit disappointing for me because I feel like they could have released more unique colors. Or re-released some past amazing limited-edition colors (such as any of the Russies, Haute Chocolat, Kaleidoscope, Wonderland, Malice etc.)

All three shades are available at Chanel counters and boutiques now. Online at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales, Saks and Chanel.com. Will you be getting any of the shades or are these a pass for you? If you already did buy these, what did you think?

P.S. Chanel Sweet Star is back in stock on Chanel.com, if you were waiting, I suggest you order soon! Swatches and original post here.
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