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Holiday 2014

Diptyque Fragrance

Diptyque Winter Landscapes // Hiver, Épice and Résine

November 11, 2014
Diptyque’s Winter Landscapes Collection for this holiday include three new limited-edition candles in Hiver (Winter), Épice (Spice) and Résine (Pine). The scents this year come in three options: the full 6.5 oz ($68), the mini 2.4 oz ($34) and a trio of 2.4 oz minis ($98). I purchased the full size of each candle. The packaging design is absolutely beautiful this year and all three scents are phenomenal. My favorite is Résine which reminds me of last year’s Pine Bark.


The boxes have an exquisite design, I find them just as beautiful as the actual candle jars:

Up first is Hiver (Winter) which comes cased in a teal blue glass jar, it’s described as a “balsamy world of contrasts, where the biting wind gusts beside the nourishing wood fire.” It’s a unique light and fresh winter scent. This one is the most difficult for me to describe but it smells just like winter. It has a very soft uplifting and soothing feel to it.

Next is Épice (spice) described as “a voluptuous, warm-scented candle filled with vibrant cinnamon rounded with enchanting plum.” This one has a warm spicy cinnamon feel. The plum in it helps smooth and round out the scent with a bit of sweetness. If you don’t like sharper cinnamon spice scents because you find them too strong, this one will be perfect for you. If you want something stronger, I’d recommend you opt for the Le Redoute candle. Epice has a good throw, but it’s not as strong as some of the other Diptyque scents I’ve tried.

Last but not least, my favorite is Résine (Pine) which is described as a “wintery scented candle with notes of generous pine, comfortingly whole amidst bark, crushed needles and resin.” It’s a beautiful scent that I absolutely adore. I stocked up on last year’s Pine Bark but burned through all of them. I was sad when I used up the last one but am thrilled Diptyque released a similar scent. This year’s version of Pine smells a bit softer and greener, more like actual pine. I will be ordering back ups of this one.

All three scents for this holiday are winners in my mind. I find them perfect for the fall and holiday season. The packaging design is absolutely divine this year. I love that they have a packaged trio of minis as a boxed set which will make a luxurious gift. I will be buying back ups and they are for sure on my gift list for close ones I know love Diptyque.

The full sized candles are priced at $68 each, minis are $34 each, trio of minis is $98. All are limited-edition. You can find them now at all Diptyque boutiques and counters. Online at Nordstrom, Space NK, Neiman Marcus and Diptyque Paris.

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NARS Laced With Edge Lip Gloss for Holiday 2014 | Soleil D’Orient, Corsica and Burning Love

November 7, 2014

For the holiday Laced With Edge Collection, NARS has three new Lip Glosses in Soleil D’Orient, Corsica and Burning Love ($26 each for .18 oz/6 ml, limited-edition). All the items in the holiday collection have a unique twist on the packaging design. Each item adapts architectural designer Chris Kabatsi’s digitally-rendered Nebula print with a black gloss embossing. It represents a modern take on lace.

The three glosses have a perfect holiday vibe.

  • Soleil D’Orient is a sparkling cool-pink champagne
  • Corsica is a warm pink raspberry with a slight hint of shimmer
  • Burning Love is a deep but bright ruby cream, it also has a slight hint of shimmer

The glosses come with a beveled sponge tip applicator which is sturdy but still soft to the touch. The angled tip allows for precise application. Views of the top, side and base:

While these glosses might seem familiar in color to many other shades, there is a multi-dimensional feel to each color. The swatches below will show how the base shifts depending on light. Soleil D’Orient has cool-toned shimmer mixed in with warmer champagne sparkles which prevents it from looking like white frost on the lips. Corsica is both warm and cool, it’s a pigmented pink with visible color but still soft. Burning Love is both deep and bright. There is a slight hint of sparkle in it but on the lips it’s mostly a cream. 

Lip swatches on bare lips, for skin tone reference I’m wearing Dolce & Gabbana Caramel Perfect Reveal Lift Foundation 110 with the Dolce & Gabbana Powder Foundation in Warm 100.

A few comparison swatches below:

I already own quite a bit of lip gloss. The one that is most unique for me is Burning Love because it’s a brighter color than what I normally wear. Reds are still fun for the holiday season and I am continuously getting requests to review bolder colors for lips on the blog. Soleil D’Orient is my personal favorite because it’s a warm and cool champagne. Many lip items this color are extremely cool on my lips/skintone and end up looking like white frost. Soleil D’Orient has enough warmth in it, I wish it came in eyeshadow format too.

All the colors are limited-edition. You can find them now at all NARS counters and boutiques. Have you checked out the NARS holiday collection yet? I haven’t been to the counters in a couple weeks, but am hoping to have time soon to see all the holiday offerings this year in person.

Corsica was sent by NARS for review consideration. I purchased Soleil D’Orient and Burning Love.

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Sephora VIB Rouge and VIB 20% Off Sale Event

November 5, 2014

The Sephora VIB Rouge and VIB 20% off promotional event starts this week! For VIB Rouge Members, the event starts today online with promo code GIFTROUGE. It’s valid through November 10, 2014 11:59 PM PST. The promotion will also available in stores. VIB Rouge Members should have received a mailer with the voucher and event details, there is an early-access instore shopping event tonight (the 5th) for VIB Rouge Members but you need to RSVP to your store (hours vary per store).

If you’re a VIB Member, the promotion starts tomorrow November 6, also valid through November 10, 2014 11:59 PM PST. You can shop in store with the voucher you received in the mail, or online with code GIFTVIB.

For both qualifying VIB Rouge and VIB shoppers, you should have also received an additional coupon in the mail to bring a friend with you in store (you need to be present with them in order for them to be able to get the 20% off discount as well.)

If you’re in need of ideas, Sephora has great ideas by price point, recipient, and all different kinds of categories. I think sets or palettes can be hit or miss, but this year all the brands have really good offerings and value sets. Some ideas and inspiration below.

1  /  2  /  3  /  4  /  5  /  6  /  7  /  8  /  9  /  10  /  11  /  12


For reference, you can see my previous reviews on the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Palette, Simple Human Sensor Mirror and Elizabeth & James Nirvana Black (full size & mini).



https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/10/hourglass-ambient-lighting-blush-palette.html

https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/08/simplehuman-sensor-mirror.html



https://thebeautylookbook.com/2014/08/elizabeth-and-james-nirvana-black.html



The fine print I received with my VIB Rouge e-mail. If you’re a VIB or VIB Rouge Member, be sure to check your mailer or the e-mail Sephora sent you for terms and conditions.
Online, use promo code GIFTROUGE. VALID NOVEMBER 5, 2014 THROUGH NOVEMBER 10, 2014, AT 11:59 PM PST. May be used in Sephora stores, in Sephora inside JCPenney stores, and online with any merchandise purchase. Offer limited to Sephora VIB Rouge members only. Voucher must be presented at time of redemption when used in store. No minimum purchase required. May not be combined with any other promotions or employee discounts. Not valid on previous purchases, purchases of eGift certificates or gift cards, or with orders shipping outside of the U.S. or Canada. May not be sold or otherwise transferred. Return of discounted merchandise will be for the price actually paid. Not valid for cash or cash equivalent. Not responsible for lost or stolen promotion codes. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time. Not valid for Sephora employees.

Free Sephora Limited-Edition Tote (13.5″ x 11.5″ x 3.5″) and Shashi Jewelry bracelet available in stores with any merchandise purchase on November 5, 2014 from 7-9pm or while supplies last. Must be a VIB Rouge or guest of a VIB Rouge member to redeem. Not valid on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates or gift cards. This offer is subject to change, alteration, or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

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Edward Bess Lasting Kiss Enhancing Lip Stains

November 5, 2014

Edward Bess has released four new lip stains called Lasting Kiss ($36 each for 0.49 oz/14.5 g, made in USA). These are liquid lip colors that have intense pigment and impressive staying power. They are full-coverage and all shades are without shimmer. The finish is in between satin and velvet, it has a very slight sheen to the finish which prevents them from looking flat (like some matte or full coverage lip creams can do). These come with Edward’s classic fig scent which I’m a huge fan of.

The Lasting Kiss Lip Stains come in a sleek black tube with a slightly angled sponge applicator. The tip is quite study but not stiff. It allows for precise application around the edges of the lips. The four colors include:
  • Risque which is a bright coral pink
  • Au Naturel which is a neutral-cool nude pink
  • Surrender is a cool blue-based baby pink
  • Deep in Love is a medium-bright plum rose

The colors are quite intense. They are vibrant shades which will be great for those who like color. I’m a nude/neutral lip lover at heart, so of course I fell in love with Au Naturel. Straight from the sponge tip, these go on the lips with super rich color. The color stays put once applied and doesn’t budge. If you layer on like a gloss or lipstick, you will find some of the color might transfer to a cup if you drink something shortly afterwards. However these are lip stains and you will still see the color stay put on your lips. I haven’t found anything that lasts as long as these do.

Swatches below on the arm with a heavy swatch and then a blended swatch. You can blot the lips after application for a more stained lip look. I find they apply very smoothly on the lips straight from the tube and require only a tiny bit of blending around the edges.

Swatches on the lips straight from the tube with the sponge applicator. Note that my lips pull cool-toned colors weird. Most of the women I know can easily pull off cool-toned pinks beautifully. On me they tend to turn fuchsia-ish (like with Surrender). For skin tone reference, I used Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet in B30 (swatches and review here).

My top two picks are Au Naturel and Deep In Love. Due to the rich pigment of these I find you do need to take a bit of care in applying precisely around the edges of the lips. If you’re looking for a bold lip or something that lasts on the lips for what seems like forever, these are definitely worth looking into. If you’re a more natural lip lover or want something deeper and less bright, I highly recommend Edward Bess’s Ultra Slick Lipsticks.

Bottom line love. In my mind Edward can do no wrong, I’ve been smitten with (and devoted to) his line for years. You can find the Lasting Kiss Enhancing Lip Stains at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and edwardbess.com. These are also available now at BG in NYC (ask for Lauren 212-872-8826) and Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills (ask for Morgan at the counter 310-550-5900).
The lip stains were kindly sent from Edward for review consideration.
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Chanel Phenix 687 Le Vernis for Holiday 2014

October 30, 2014

Chanel Phenix 687 Le Vernis ($27, limited-edition) is the new polish for holiday. It’s part of the Collection Plumes Précieuses de Chanel. It’s a beautiful classic red cream. The formula is very fluid and applies smoothly like most Chanel nail polishes. In my mind, Chanel can do no wrong when it comes to reds, but Phenix is very similar to past nail polish releases. I don’t mind similar colors but for those who don’t want dupes, you many want to shop your stash before buying. Still, if you’ve tried a lot of different reds you know how there are a multitude of variations. Some are darker reds, others brighter, some with different undertones like blue or orange. Finding a good red that doesn’t clash too much with your skin or make it look drab can be challenging sometimes. Chanel Phenix is a bright red with the perfect mix of orange and pink in it to brighten the hands and give them a polished classic look.

More photos and swatches of Phenix, it applies perfectly with two coats:

In terms of comparisons, there are Chanel reds that are extremely similar. From arm’s length they will look identical. I tried to do some swatch comparisons, but if you’ve photographed reds before, you know the challenge in capturing the differences no matter what lighting you use. I’ll add descriptions to explain what I see the differences are, but bottom line is that many are extremely similar.

  • Chanel Coromandel is deeper in color and more opaque, it also has more orange
  • Chanel Rouge Rubis is almost blue-toned compared to Phenix, it has a cooler undertone
  • Chanel Dragon is darker and more red making Phenix look almost orange next to it
  • Chanel Rouge Flamboyant is similar but a bit darker in undertone
  • Chanel Pirate is quite a bit darker, sheerer and definitely more blue-toned
  • Chanel Enthusiast (discontinued) is the closest match to Phenix, but Enthusiast has more orange undertone and is more opaque

I find Chanel Phenix to be a gorgeous brighter red that pulls slightly warm. I think it will be flattering on most skin tones. If you already own a lot of reds, you may want to skip Phenix and opt for something more unique unless you are a die-hard Chanel fan or collector.

Chanel Phenix is limited-edition. Available at all Chanel counters and boutiques. Online at Nordstrom, Saks, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and Chanel.com.

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Chanel Sweet Star Le Vernis

October 29, 2014

Chanel Sweet Star Le Vernis ($27 for 13 ml / 0.4 fl oz) is a new limited-edition polish described as a “unique metallic silver shade reveals an iridescent glow that changes with the light.” It’s a complex color that has a multitude of different pearly shades infused into one polish. It reminds me of a butterfly wing the way the color changes as you move your hands. It has a silver and purplish base with shimmers of silver, grey, purple, blue and violet. I bought mine at the Chanel Boutique on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. It’s also online now at Chanel.com.

Sweet Star has a beautiful smooth formula. It applies very easily on the nails and even though it has a slight transparent quality, I was able to get very good even coverage with two coats. I’ve tested a lot of different brands of nail polish and have many loves, but I always find Chanel seems to perform best for me (it’s in the top five brands for me which include Chanel, Rescue Beauty Lounge, Dior, YSL and Formula X). Many of my readers have commented that they get 2-3 days wear time out of Chanel – I usually get anywhere between 5-7 days of wear with the right base and top coat (my favorites here). If I don’t use a base or top coat, tip wear begins almost instantly. 

Three photos here show how the color shifts depending on how the light hits it making Sweet Star very difficult to capture.

Swatches in different lighting below also shows how complex the color is:

I don’t think I have anything like Sweet Star. It reminds me of some of the older Hard Candy and Urban Decay shades from the 90’s but I don’t own them anymore so I can’t compare. I did pull three other shades I thought might be similar, but after swatching them, it appears they are completely different. Below is Dior Silver Purple (discontinued), Chanel Quartz and Chanel Graphite. I highly recommend you check out Color Me Loud and Indigo Kir Royale for additional Chanel Sweet StarLe Vernis comparison swatches.

Chanel Sweet Star is one of the most unique nail polish colors I own. It’s very edgy without being too loud. I think it’s definitely worth looking into. I found mine at a Chanel Boutique, but you may find it at various counters. Online at Chanel.com.

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Sneak Peek: New Chanel Le Vernis Shades

October 29, 2014

Chanel has released quite a few nail lacquers this season in various collections. I have a sneak peek for you today. There is a lot of red this year. I’ve run out of nail wheels for comparisons and my fingers can only take so much swatching each day, so I’ll do comparisons where I can. Many of my polishes are still in moving boxes too, so comparisons will be limited to what I can find easily. (I have a huge amount of respect for full-time nail polish bloggers who put their fingers through so much every week.)

The new shades this season include:

The Holiday and Rouge Allure Gloss collection shades can be found at all Chanel counters and retailers now such as Nordstrom, Saks and Neiman Marcus. The Collection Les Rouges Culte are a Chanel.com exclusive, Sweet Star has been spotted at various Chanel Boutiques and Chanel.com.
Here’s another shot, there is a lot of glare from the flash and sunlight but it shows the differences in undertone for the various red options. I do think they are fairly similar in effect and color so for me I definitely did not need all of the reds but as a collector of Chanel Le Vernis nail polishes, I could not pass them up.

I hope to have Phenix and Sweet Star posts completed soon (fingers crossed I can finish them today). For now, if you’ve been debating whether or not to splurge I hope this line up of all the new shades helps you gauge how they look side by side.

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