Patience is not a virtue I possess. I wanted to wait for Beauty Week at Neimans, but in short, failed. As soon as I saw the new Chantecaille Tiger in the Wild Palette $78, I had to bring it home with me. The minimums of the GWPs are usually high and in past years have been rather disappointing. I didn’t think it was worth waiting for, so immediately straight to the cash register I went. The is different than I expected, much prettier in person, unique for fall in my opinion, but still suitable for year round as it is very classic. The Tiger Palette has an overspray making the colors look harsh and almost sharp. Underneath is a lovely glowy palette of ivory, silvery grey with the slightest hint of sage, a lovely smokey navy-plum, and a soft apricot blush. It’s really lovely. I also picked up Anais Lip Chic $30 (very sheer peach) and Classic Lip Gloss $28 (neutral peachy-brownish, but very pigmented).
Tiger in Wild Palette, Anais Lip Chic, Classic Lip Gloss
With Overspray
Swiped (each shade swiped on the left half of each shade)
Swiped on the left side of each circle
Natural light, swiped on left side of each circle
Swatches
Anais + Classic
Anais Lip Chic (it’s very sheer, I wish I had gone with Capucine for more color)
Applying Classic Lip Gloss on top of Anais Lip Chic (so you can see the color)
Both Anais + Classic
Overall thoughts: Pricey but beautiful. I really love this palette. It has that typical Chantecaille glowy quality for a subtle but not-too-subtle look. I think the blush is dupe-able in other brands. The eyeshadows have this beautiful shimmer that I find extremely unique. The photos do not do it justice. I think the palest shade is similar to Laura Mercier Stellar Eyeshadow. I could not find an exact dupe for the silver or navy-plum shade – but I’m sure there are similar colors in other lines.
Of course, check out Karla Sugar for swatches of the whole fall collection. Note we do have different skintones and swatch differently. I usually swatch with a brush which is why mine are usually sheerer.
Everyone has a different definition of “nude.” Even each brand has their own interpretation of what they envision as nude (see various products with the word nude in their name in this article, What’s Your Definition of Nude?) I have been on the quest for the perfect true nude, but now that I have found it, I’m not sure how I feel about it.
Edward Bess Sundown Lipstick ($32) is a true nude in the sense that it is flesh toned beige. It’s more of a slightly greyed beige brown in the tube, but when combined with the pink in my lip, it wears to a straight flesh color. If you like MAC Siss, then you’ll probably like this one too (although Siss was like death on me). Sundown is creamy with full coverage. Makes a good base for glosses whether it’s a sheer sparkle or a bright cherry and it definitely tones down the lip better than concealer (which can sometimes be too dry for the lips). I’m not brave enough to wear it by itself – I think it definitely needs some layering with other colors for me.
For nudes, I prefer Pure Impulse on me which almost looks pink next to Sundown. One of my darker skinned friends bought this recently (Filipino, probably around NC45ish) and it was the perfect nude on her. I wish I could have gotten a picture, it was a perfect contrast to her tanned skin. The other nude Edward Bess has is Nude Lotus which I have not tried yet, although it looks absolutely gorgeous on Jennifer from Edward Bess at Bergdorf Goodman (see it on her on their Facebook page).
Here is Sundown compared to Pure Impulse (see the lip-swatch of Pure Impulse here):
Have you tried any of the nudes from Edward Bess? What are your thoughts?
The Compact Rouge ($38) by Edward Bess comes in three shades: After Sunset, Love Affair (coming soon) and Island Rose. It’s a multi-use product for lips and cheeks and comes in a small mirrored compact. I usually find “multi-use” products more suitable for only one of the uses they are intended for. Cream products for lips and cheeks are typically either too pigmented for use on cheeks (more suited for lips) or too creamy for the lips (and more suited for cheeks). Then there are those that are so creamy they end up making your skin look too dewey after a few hours. Not something that deters me from purchasing cream based products, however the Compact Rouges from Edward Bess are amazing in that they work well on both lips and cheeks without giving you a greasy finish.
Rather pricey at the size you get (I admit my jaw dropped at the size when I saw it in person) but I find them extremely versatile and naturally flattering. A little dab goes a long way. The formulas are creamy and easy to blend, but not too emollient so you can use them on the cheeks without worrying about that greasy/oily look as the day wears on. I like that you can control the level of pigment you want with these to get a wide range of finishes from heavy to sheer. I like mine to be applied with a medium hand on both lips and cheeks – I swipe 2 fingers (usually index and middle) across the compact, dot on cheeks in three places and just blend outward.
Compared to other brands, I find it similar in pigment to Bobbi Brown but easier to blend. It’s definitely more pigmented than Paul & Joe and NARS Cream Blushes, but then the Edward Bess is a multi-purpose product for both lips and cheeks (rather than just cheeks). It simply does not compare to MAC Blushcremes or Stila Convertible Colors (in my opinion). The EB is just different. Compared to Le Metier face creams, the Edward Bess is less sticky to the touch, but just as easy to blend. Note these are my own personal opinions, yours may differ based on your experience.
For the swatches below, I have medium skin with yellow tones. Right now the foundations I use are Chanel Shell Teint Innocence Liquid and Armani’s Lasting Silk Foundation in 5.5 + 6.5 mixed together.
The first shade released was Island Rose (a raspberry pink) with his Jet Set Collection last holiday. It was instant love. (Also guest swatched and compared on Karlasugar here.) I use it on a weekly basis. Occasionally they have promotions, the last GWP they had back in April was a free compact rouge with a $125 purchase. I have an extra one I keep in my purse. It’s been a life-saver several times when I had a last minute dinner date and nothing else in my car except my powder foundation and a compact rouge on hand.
After Sunset (described as a burned rose, almost bronzey reddish-brown) was released in April. Photos of the collection here. This is a versatile shade and great for girls who like warmer colors or browns. On me it’s a chameleon-like shade. Sometimes it goes on more neutral (like shown below). Some days it goes on darker and more brown.
Coming up in September, his newest shade Love Affair (a cool watermelon pink) is just as stunning. It is on the cool side. This shade has not officially launched in the US, but is scheduled to be released mid-September.
Here they are all next to each other:
Swatched at two extremes: heavy and super sheer
Note these may look different on you depending on your skintone and how heavy you apply these. I highly recommend checking out other websites such as Café Makeup, The Non-Blonde, Musical Houses. If you’ve tried these, please feel free to chime in your thoughts through the comments. If you’ve swatched/reviewed them, also feel free to link your website/blog for reference purposes.
I’m so excited to be able to give you a preview of the newest Compact Rouge from Edward Bess in Love Affair ($38) a lovely watermelon pink cream with the slightest hint of fuschia. The new Love Affair Compact Rouge will officially launch in the US at Bergdorf Goodman this September during their $25 off a $100 purchase Gift Card Event (exact dates to be determined, but it’s estimated to occur mid-September).
So why all the excitement? For one, it’s something new from Edward Bess. I love his small well thought out collection, yet I am always eager to see what he has coming out next. They were kind enough to send a complimentary sample to me before the launch date and Love Affair does not disappoint. It works well for both lips and cheeks, but I prefer this one on my cheeks. It’s fairly bright and more cool toned on the lips. On the cheeks, it gives a pretty doll-like pink blush.
I’m also a huge fan of the Compact Rouge from EB. I have already purchased Island Rose (raspberry pink) and After Sunset (browned rose), both of which I get regular use out of. I keep one on me most of the time for those last minute dates when I have to look somewhat presentable but have no time to go home and touch up my makeup. Easy to blend, fig scented, natural finish – these are among my favorite cream blushes. (I will review and compare all three in more detail very soon – they both have been featured on my blog before, it may require a bit of searching.)
Love Affair is a pretty addition to his collection. It’s is gorgeous pink, but better suited for those who can pull off bright pinks or cool pinks. I personally find Island Rose and After Sunset more versatile and universally flattering, but I think Love Affair will work with any of EB’s eyeshadows or eyeshadow trios. (In case you haven’t seen, check out my review on his single eyeshadows Edward Bess Eyeshadow Gorgeousness). On the lips I like it with a touch of gloss to soften the color (like EB Desert Glow, Chanel Bon Bon or Vanilla Aqualumiere Glosses), but it’s pure perfection as a blush for that healthy doll pink glow. If you like lip colors such as NARS Roman Holiday or Schiap, then I think you will adore Love Affair.
Here it is swatched:
L to R (swatched heavy and sheer): After Sunset, Love Affair, Island Rose
Also coming out very soon for fall include the following:
Endless Love Deep Shine Lip Gloss – $30
Sheer Satin Cream Compact Foundation – $60
Moroccan Rose Blush Imperiale Powder Blush – $48
Love Affair Compact Rouge – $38
I am anxious to hear descriptions of Endless Love and Moroccan Rose as the launch date draws near. Edward Bess is available in the US at Bergdorf Goodman (instore) and EdwardBess.com (online). Those not familiar with BG – at least twice per year, they have a $25 off $100 purchase event. Some of the beauty lines have an additional promotion such as a gift with purchase with each line. Past gifts from Edward Bess have been a full sized mascara and a full sized compact rouge (shades are predetermined). Minimum purchase amounts have typically ranged from $100 to $150, at least in my experience.
I don’t have the details on this year’s BG promotion, but I hear the BG counter will be sending out their info cards really soon!
As if news of new products wasn’t exciting enough, Edward Bess is expanding in the US! Not sure if you know, but I hear Edward Bess is launching at Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills Sept. 1st and in Houston on Sept. 16th!
This was sample sent to me, courtesy of Edward Bess. At this time I do not have a disclosure policy as this is the first product I have accepted and reviewed. For more information, you may find this article helpful: Yes, No, Maybe.
I tried to resist, but Paul & Joe still has managed to capture my interest despite the odd packaging design for their fall collection. I picked out a few things from their Fall Collection Sparkles: Face & Eye Color CS 068 Paper Moon, Lipstick C in 066 Clair de Lune and 067 Over the Moon.
My favorite item is their Face & Eye Color CS ($35), a multi-purpose powder for eyes and cheeks. The colors are all pigmented with a gold sparkle in 068 Paper Moon. The stripes are similar in size to the Armani Eyes to Kill bulls-eye palettes, but the shape of the Paul & Joe palettes seem to be easier to work with. You will still need a smaller sized brush to keep from mixing the colors. It’s packaged in a cardboard box with an elastic brown strap. The packaging is delicate but simply stunning. I think the lighter shades will make a good highlighter – the trick for me will be to find a brush small enough to pick up only the lighter shades, but big enough for my cheek. I see myself using this for the eyes more than the face.
The Lipstick C ($25) this season seems to be sheerer than most of the Paul & Joe lipsticks I’ve tried. I thought I would be creeped out by the cat head but looking at them in person, the detail is adorable. The lipsticks are a semi-sheer cream with a hint of sparkle. The finish is highly glossy and has a moisturizing feel. It has that signature P&J scent – I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s almost like a soft powder. Note that the glossy finish on these made it difficult to swatch on the arm accurately. 066 is a pink mauve and 067 is a brighter sheer coral pink. I applied 066 on the lips and have to say as much as I love cats, the shape of the lipstick in a cat-head made this difficult to apply on the lips. Innovative and chic, but not very practical for application.
Swatched:
Overall – Paul & Joe still has my heart. I got these from the lovely ladies at Bergdorf Goodman. The collection should be available at most P&J retailers by now – I was a little late with my order this fall.
So I’ve raved about the Burberry Beauty line and still love everything I’ve bought. Well almost everything. The eyeshadows and blush are my favorite items – all of which I’ve been getting regular use out of. The lipsticks are creamy and divine, yet I have one exception for my gushing adoration. The exception is Cameo Lipstick #02. I tried this on in the store and liked it, but after wearing it at home for a few days, I just don’t love it. I’ve finally found a lipstick that is too neutral even for me.
Cameo Lipstick is a sheer peachy-nude beige. Swatches amazingly (see here). Applies less-than-amazing on the lips, just like my lip color. Not my-lips-but-better, just like my exact lip shade. I think if the texture were a little more matte and a little less creamy, the color in the tube might show up better rather than just blending with my lip. This one seems extra creamy which leaves a more glossy looking finish on my lips. There is a subtle shimmer/sheen to it, but it’s not a full on frost. I didn’t get the Cameo Lipgloss – it was a shimmery apricot, almost orangey looking next to the lipstick.
Still, this is simply my own personal preference. You don’t have to take my word for it – if you can get to a Nordstrom counter, I still recommend you try it on. I like Cameo Pink more because it shows up better on my skintone. Those who want a natural beige nude lip without looking washed out will probably like this one. Also I feel like I’m probably *right* at that skin-tone where it looks very natural. Fairer skinned girls will like this more than me. Darker skinned girls, I think this will look stunning on you as it will contrast with your skintone better.
A lot of repeats this month from recent features. Right now I’m loving …
NARS Eyeshadow Duos – here are a few of my favorites that haven’t been depotted yet (which I don’t recommend, but did for the compacts that got too sticky, now stored in my Trish McEvoy planner pages)
Urban Decay Naked Palette (previously featured here)
Chanel Teint Innocence Foundation and Natural Finish Loose Powder – No matter how many other foundations I try, I keep coming back to the Teint Innocence. Just recently tried their loose setting powder and love it as well. I use Shell in the foundation and Naturel in the powder.
Chanel Rouge Coco in Chintz & Rose Dentelle – A little bit more delicate than most of my other Chanel lipsticks. These came a bit dinged on the sides but everything else was in tact. They are really close in color, Chintz is more peach, while Rose Dentelle is more pink.
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliners – Rich pigment and longlasting plus no sharpening required! Wish they would re-release that old shade Tweed (a lovely golden taupe).
Black Shimmer & Ebene swatched here Cassis swatched here Marine swatched here and here
Edward Bess All Over Seduction Cream Highlighters – Perfectly glowy (previously reviewed and swatched here)
Paul & Joe Lip Lacquers – Great pigment and shine. I had to get almost all of the colors. I’ll get to lip swatches eventually.
Burberry Lipglosses are great . . . but I’m loving everything I purchased (click on the Burberry tag)
Quilted accessories, purses, makeup planners – dreaming of a quilted flap bag
Out of all the Trish planners I have, the quilted ones are my favorite.
Last but not least, my kitty, small but mighty fierce. This is the only photo I could get of him that makes him look non-evil. (I love my puppies too but they won’t sit still for a picture – way too excited about my brother in-law visiting this week after having been gone to the east coast for several months)