L to R: Le Metier de Beaute Whisper & Armani Holiday 2010 Shimmer Powder (to be reviewed soon)
Top to bottom: Chanel Star Glossimer, Laura Mercier Pink Diamond, Trish Irresistible Nude, MAC Oyster Girl Lipglass, MAC Gel Lipstick (on tube #3), D&G Perfection Lipstick
L to R: Paul & Joe Pearl Powder #01, MAC Naked Pigment, NARS All About Eve Eyeshadow Duo
OPI Hollywood Blonde Nail Polish, MAC Bare Study Paint Pot
MAC Bare Study Paint Pot, Paul & Joe Pearl Powder #01, MAC Naked Pigment, OPI Hollywood Blonde Nail Polish, Le Metier de Beaute Whisper Highlighter, D&G Perfection Lipstick, MAC Oyster Girl Lipglass, NARS All About Eve Duo, Chanel Star Glossimer, Laura Mercier Pink Diamond Lip Glace, Trish Irresistible Nude, MAC Gel Lipstick
Right now I’m loving minis . . . usable minis that is! I have a weakness for cute miniature things like mini lint rollers, mini toothpaste tubes, mini brushes, puppies, kittens, bunnies etc. There’s something about cute that gets me all the time. Makeup is no exception – but for me it has to be something that is functional, usable and not-to-mini. I know I should be grateful for any kind of mini sample, especially these days when good ones are SO hard to come by. However, if something isn’t functional I’ll just end up tossing it.
Makeup mini fails for me:
mini pigment vials in those holiday sets (can’t get a brush into the product)
mini NARS lipglosses (can you even get 1 application on the lips with these?)
mini perfume vials without a pump spritzer or roller ball (my fingers are small, but not THAT small and I end up with the cologne all over my hands and the floor)
Functionality is even more important if I’m going to spend money on something less than full size. I’ll rarely purchase something “mini” unless it’s usable or if it’s in a cute set (even those mini pigment sets still get to me even though they’re not super easy to use). I have small hands but some things are too small even for me.
A few makeup mini successes that I’m loving right now:
OPI mini nail polishes
Laura Mercier mini eyeshadows
Anastasia Mini Tweezers *
Diptyque Eau Duelle (yummy vanilla)
Urban Decay Little Sins Primer Potions Set *
Chanel mini foundation brush
MAC ss7 SH *
Laura Mercier double-ended mini brush
Chanel mini glossimer
Chanel mini makeup removers
Diorshow mini
Chanel mini perfumes with the rollerballs
La Mer new eye balm sample
items with the * were purchased, the rest were from GWPs and samples
So you may be wondering: where does one find good samples? I’ve come across good ones over the years but it’s hit or miss. I find that if you develop a good relationship with a sales associate they will often times call you when there are decent promotions or put something aside for you when they know there is something you like.
How does one develop a “good relationship”? It’s like any relationship – it takes time and a bit of work. Be polite and patient. Don’t lecture the sales associate if they suggest something you hate (I’ve seen this so many times). Be understanding and patient. Take some interest in your makeup artist’s personal life. Customer loyalty helps. Keep your returns to a minimum.
That being said – being a good customer doesn’t ensure that you’ll get good samples either. I find it ridiculous these days when high end department stores think that an ugly cheap makeup bag will 4 tiny samples will be considered a great incentive for a customer to spend the minimum of $300. Even a full-sized product valued at $25 isn’t always the best incentive for a $350 minimum purchase.
Anyhow, there are the occasional good finds that keep me happy. I know that if certain retailers offered better samples and incentives they’d have more of my business. Many times I don’t need an incentive to make me buy but it’s always nice to have. How often do we have something specific on our wishlist (like the Chanel Holiday Blush) that we know we just have to have? The question for women who know what they want is where to buy it. I think retailers miss out when they don’t look at the competition and think about what they can do better or differently to stand out.
But I digress . . . what are you loving right now? It doesn’t have to be minis. I’d love to hear what you like right now 🙂
As we transition to fall, I find that grey is a good safety zone for fashion and beauty when coordinated with other neutrals and even warm shades. Grey accessories also are great because they’re versatile in that they are easy to incorporate into everyday wear. For the kitchen, I lean towards clean white porcelain for my serving pieces. I have one small Le Creuset in Dune (yes, boring I know) which I love, but just added a beautiful grey Staub oval cocette to my kitchen. The items I’m loving right now:
Makeup: Sultry Greys for Eyes, Shades of Silver and Taupe for Nails – Nars Tzarine, Bobbi Brown Rock, Chantecaille Meteorite, Chanel Gris, Bobbi Brown Steel Cream Eyeshadow, Dior Argentic, Chanel Trapeze & Particuliere
See Trapeze swatched here. See Particuliere + comparisons/dupes here.
Clothes: In my closet there are so many shades of grey. J.Crew and Banana have some beautiful silk tops right now that are great for layering and transitioning from day to evening. They have a good range of greys right now. I’m in love with the Aluminum Blouses from Jcrew – they’re almost a blue-grey.
Left:
Banana Republic Tee
J.Crew Lace Skirt
Havaianas in Grey
MJ Large Single Bag
Right:
J.Crew Pippy Top Aluminum (see here)
J.Crew Pencil Skirt Grey
Michael Kors Pumps
Shoes: As much as I love heels, I’m more of a flip-flop sandal kind of girl. I think my Havaianas are my most favorite most-worn shoes. Tory Burch also has good sandals. I have yet to find a good pair of grey colored heels – most that are within my budget are too light for my taste.
Accessories: Gucci Sunglasses found at Off Fifth for a steal (Originally $245, marked down to $90)! Marc Jacobs Large Single in Grey Fall 2010, my newest splurge
Kitchen: Staub just arrived at Williams Sonoma stores and I must say they are beautiful. I have been a huge fan of Le Creuset, but having a smaller kitchen have held off on expanding my cookware pieces. I bought my first Le Creuset 3 years ago in the 2 1/4 quart size, little did I know just how little would fit inside (definitely not a full pot roast). But I’m drawn to things in a “mini” size – they’re always so cute! When I saw the trio of mini Staub cocottes at Williams Sonoma I knew I had to have them. They are running a promotion of the trio as a gift with the purchase of the 4 1/2 quart oval so it was the perfect excuse for me to upgrade to a larger cast iron pot. Now I can make a full pot roast 🙂 I think the little cocottes will be perfect for a side of baked mac and cheese. I really would have loved to get the basil color – it seems like the most beautiful shade of green – but alas, that is online only. I love the grey though!
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)
NARS Beverly Hills Multiple Tint NARS Sertao Blush NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo Urban Decay YDK Eyeshadow Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush Bobbi Brown Shore Cream Eyeshadow Chanel Nail Polishes MAC Blonde’s Gold Pigment MAC Fleur Power J.Crew Skinny Belts
* Sorry for the misspelling on the NARS blush, it’s Sertao, not Serato
Paul & Joe Creamy Facial Foam – I tried this from a sample and finally purchased the full size. It’s thick and creamy and cleanses the skin really well. Leaves the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
NARS Beverly Hills Multiple Tint – See more swatches and the review here, a nice swipe & go type of product, easy to use and blend, gives a pop of color, can’t rave enough about these
NARS Sertao Blush – A pretty shimmery light golden tan
NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo – Great for a smokey bronzed eye look
Urban Decay YDK Eyeshadow – This is from the old packaging, a nice nude-taupey-bronze sparkle
Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush – This is from the Black Plum set, but is available in the regular brush handle, the most luxurious soft bronzer brush you’ll ever find. Definitely worth the price even though it is pricier.
Bobbi Brown Shore Cream Eyeshadow – My perfect lids-but-better base, review here
Chanel Nail Polishes – Especially love Riviera (check out dupes here) and Orange Blossom (see the manicure here)
MAC Fleur Power – The perfect healthy warm pink blush
MAC Blonde’s Gold Pigment – The prettiest wash of soft gold-champagne
J.Crew Skinny Belts – Simple, classic and makes a nice accent to the waist, now I just need to go back and find a black one
What are you loving right now? I always love reading your favorites.
*Update* I wasn’t happy with the swatches for this post – I think they were a bit misleading because the lighting was off so I removed them so I don’t confuse my readers. Sorry for any confusion!
I decided to do a different twist on my regular monthly Ten Things I’m Loving Right Now and combine this with my color focus feature. I like soft pinks because they always look so pretty in the compact and tubes. But finding a good soft pink can be a bit tricky sometimes. I can’t tell you how many soft pinks have made me oooohh and aaaahhh only to find it looks way to light or washed out on my skin (ala MAC Hue/Angel Lipstick or Trish McEvoy Gorgeous Demure Lipstick). It still doesn’t stop me from trying to make them work though, lol. That being said, the products listed below are my no-fail and no-tweaking required soft pinks.
There are so many favorites, but these are the ones I’ve been using a lot in the past month. I am actually just starting my 3rd tube of MAC Fabby (see below)! Laura Mercier Babydoll Lip Glace is a favorite that looks good on practically all my friends whether they are fair skinned or tanned.
Blush & Highlighters:
Dior Rose Diamond MAC Well Dressed MAC Summer Rose Beauty Powder (this was repromoted with the Liberty of London Collection in a different compact)
Chanel Rouge Coco in Rose Comete (swatched here) MAC Frost Lipstick in Fabby D&G Shine Lipstick in Soiree (swatched here)
Lip Swatches:
Nail Polishes:
Paul & Joe Poodle #10 Zoya Jessika Chanel Mica Rose
I have many more favorites but if I featured all my loves, this would just be a never-ending article if I pulled every single soft pink from my stash. What are some of your favorites and what is your skintone?
FYI, in case you’re new to my blog, I’m a Chanel Shell 1.5 Teint Innocence right now. This is the equivalent to what’s right in between MAC NC30 and NC35. I’m at that point again where I’m in between shades for most foundation lines. You can see My Foundation Shades HERE. I recently tried Bobbi Brown’s newest foundation and found a perfect match in Natural Finish formula shade 4.25 Natural Tan, however the formula didn’t work so well with my skin. So far, Chanel Teint Innocence and Lift Lumieres and DPFs are my holy grails.
This is my first non-beauty version of things I’m loving right now I thought I’d feature to give everyone a quick break from my beauty obsessions. I’d love to hear more about what you love (outside of makeup)!
Flats by J.Crew and Sandals by Tory Burch – I love J.Crew flats these days because they are super comfy and have are shaped to give just the right amount of toe-cleavage. Tory Burch is a favorite of mine for flip flops when I want something a little more dressy than your average beach flip flops. I’ve been eyeing Tory Burch flats as well, but can’t get over that huge medallion on the tips. They look so cute on my friends, but when I try them on at the store, they just don’t really seem me.
LV Epi Jasmin in Ivoire + Sweet Flowers Scarf – This photo was from several years back, but I still find my Epi Jasmins to be the most classic versatile bags that I own. They have a unique shape and the pattern is subtle which makes it appropriate for almost any occasion. The material is pretty sturdy which is a plus for me. I like their skinny scarves for their delicate designs. They have so many pretty patterns released each season, but I like the ones that are more subtle.
Alain Milliat Jam Gift Set from Williams Sonoma – Saw this cute little box with tiny jam containers and flipped out because the little jars were too cute. Yes, pricey, but I’m a sucker for packaging. Made in France with 63% real fruit and all-natural ingredients. I’ve tried the Strawberry one which is divine and love it. Gotta love Williams Sonoma, there’s always something fun there.
Nielsen-Massey Vanillas – Every baker knows that the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla is known as the king of vanillas. I love using this for baking, sauces, ice creams. I recently bought a mini trio which has the Tahitian, Mexican and Madagascar Bourbon flavors in a trial sized vial. Check out NielsenMassey.com for more info on the uses of each flavor. I bought this set at Williams Sonoma but you can look at NielsenMassey.com for locations near you at other stores. Most baking ingredients, I’m fine with using the generic grocery store-brands, but I’m an avid fan of using premium vanilla for baking. Glee – I love this show even though I’m well past my high school days. The last Madonna episode was incredible. I think this is the only high-school based TV show that I can stand watching. A few little known facts about me: when I was in high school, I was also in the choir group, orchestra (played violin) and also involved with other areas in fine arts. I was originally planning to go to art school right after high school, but decided a Bachelor’s Degree in Business was more important for the academic/educational value. My first year in undergrad, I did a full load of academic courses + community college for figure drawing and illustration but both were too much for me to handle at one time. I had planned on going to art school after I graduated, but here I am today almost done with my MBA in finance and management. Back to Glee – of course I had to download the latest songs on my iTunes.
Sunsets – This was a photo I took from last summer, I can’t wait for the end of May when it will start getting warmer hopefully. But I love sunsets anytime of the year.
Fashion Blogs – I was a fan of fashion blogs and style diaries long before I discovered beauty blogs. There are so many great blogs that I’m discovering everyday. I find them truly inspirational even if they don’t reflect my personal style. I love how they coordinate various pieces that I would have never thought of. Check my sidebar for a list of the ones I’m loving right now. If you have any favorites I’m all ears!
