Am I Doing it Wrong!? DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum and Primer- First Look

DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum and Primer is the newest addition to the legendary house of DiorShow mascaras.  This lash primer is said to instantly prime, plump, and lengthen lashes with an ultra-light and quick-drying formula.  This is also the first "active" mascara primer to contain a unique cell conditioning complex consisting of hydrolyzed soy proteins that promote long term lash growth, strength, and vitality.  When applied as a primer before mascara, this product claims to comb, curl and coat each lash to create a smooth, even mascara base.  

The mascara wand features a brush head which has neatly arranged short bristles designed to comb and separate lashes to prime them for mascara, and the brush does exactly that.  The formula itself is a traditional white base, which is rather dry and on applying to the lashes, sets quickly.  It does clump slightly at the base of the lashes and takes some practice to get an even coat.  I applied this base to one eye only in order to perform my own test and see if this primer made an instant, noticeable difference as it claims.  Following this, I applied 2 coats of mascara to each eye.  

Can you tell which eye has the DiorShow Maximizer Lash Plumping serum?

YSL Pure Chromatics Wet and Dry Shadows in No. 6- Swatches and Review!

After reading Best Things in Beauty this past weekend I headed,no sprinted over to Sephora to check out this new collection of shadows by YSL which can be used either wet or dry.  When applied dry, the effect is soft and subtle.  However, when used wet, the shadows have an intense metallic effect.  Palette number 6 features a shimmery gold, a dark olive green, a rosy pink, and a deep blackened purple.  

May Favorites! Guerlain, Armani, and Chanel

May has been a great month for beauty, but a terrible one for my wallet! There were so many great launches with the summer collections, it seems each weekend I was at a different counter doing some serious damage. In fact, I had so many favorites this month it was hard to narrow it down to just a few! The winners are products I have been loving and using for most days of the month.  

Products (clockwise):
1. Guerlain Terra Inca Star Powder

2. Guerlain Terracotta Bronzer in 05

3. Chanel Le Vernis in Mimosa

4. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Eye Intense Khaki Pulse (6) Shadow

5. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Excess Mascara

6. Giorgio Armani Mediterranean Palette

Give Me Some Candy! YSL Volupte Sheer Candy- Swatches and Review

Yves Saint Laurent Volupte Sheer Candy is lip balm "with a heart of color." This lipcolor brings voluptuous luxury with a new, softly radiant, deeply hydrating veil of color.  

The secret is hyaluronic acid microspheres which trap water in the uppermost layers of the epidermis, offering up to 8 hours of hydration, while filling in lines and leaving lips dangerously plumped.  Antioxidants from pomegranate, rosemary, and gamma oryzanol slow aging.  A mango fragrance accompanies each of the six candy shades.

Available Shades (Left to right):

06 Luscious Cherry: sheer cherry red with golden shimmer

05 Mouthwatering Berry: sheer reddish blackberry

04 Succulent Pomegranate: sheer bright pink with red undertones

03 Juicy Grapefruit: sheer fresh baby pink with golden shimmer

02 Dewy Papaya: sheer fresh peach

01 Lush Coconut: sheer nude beige with golden shimmer

See swatches:

Lips I'm Loving! Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color

Ever been in a Roll's Royce?  Me either.  But at least I can wear the Roll's Royce of lipcolor on my lips, even if it costs just as much! 


Here's why it's at least worthy of some consideration.


1. Oozes luxury.  The packaging is divine.  Sleek, weighty, and gold.  
2. The scent.  A waft of vanilla every time you open the case. 
3. The creamy texture.   Rich opaque color in a smooth lightweight finish.  The formula is full of exotic, natural ingredients including soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomilla flower oil. 
4. The wear.  This formula glides on your lips where it stays, for hour after hour.  This will last through your morning latte and probably through lunch.
5. The application. This brings sexy back to reapplying your lipstick.  

Thank You!

I want to take this time out to thank all of my new subscribers and followers!  Being a new beauty blog amongst many, I really appreciate the support and encouragement that each of you has given me!  This blog is my new passion and a place where I am devoting all my creative energy. I am really happy to know that there are a few readers out there who are interested!

If you are reading this and haven't had a chance to follow, click the link to the side of this post and help a new blogger get started!  Or if you have any advice for a new blogger, send me an email or leave a comment below! I am going to host a giveaway when I hit 100 followers so help me get there!  Of course if you are a lovely blogger as well I will share the love back!

What I Love About You! The Blog Version!

For those of you who watch You Tube Beauty Gurus, you probably know that there is a new tag going around called, "What I Love About You!"  I thought this was a great way to share some of my favorite blogs and learn about what you like to read as well!  I modified this slightly from its original version since some of the questions didn't apply to the blogosphere!


Questions!
1. Who is someone who's posts are a 'first read'?
British Beauty Blogger! She features the most interesting new products and her reviews are spot on!
2. Who has amazing style to you?
The girls at cafemakeup have great site style!
3. A favourite guru who lives in a different country to you. Lisa Eldridge! She is one of the most talented makeup artists I have encountered, having done countless celebrities and editorials.
4. Who is someone you feel like you can rely on?
Christine from temptalia.  Her product reviews are thorough, honest and the quality of her photos and swatches are top notch.
5. Who do you think has great confidence?
Karen from makeupandbeautyblog! She seems to say exactly what she thinks!
6. If you could be best friends with a fellow blogger, who would it be?
Ruth From amodelrecommends! She has great product advice and with all that modeling experience she probably has other tips as well!
7. Who has the cutest username?
lipglossiping.  Love it!
8. Who is the most down to earth?
Manda over at tubbyleopard.  Met on twitter and are doing a transatlantic product swap!
9. Who would you love to go shopping with? Karla from karlasugar!  We would just swatch the day away!
10. Who is someone you have read from "the beginning"?
I haven't caught them from the beginning, but a relatively new blog! Jayme and Mendi over at herlatenightcravings.  They were my first followers!
11. Who do you relate to / is most similar to you? Raeview has similar taste in products as I do. 
12. Who has the prettiest site? The Makeup Divas have a great logo!
13. Who do you always learn something from? The Pixiwoo sisters have definitely taught me a thing or two about makeup!
14. Who writes the most creative posts? Jane at dalybeauty did the most entertaining post on self tanners!


I tag Jayme and Mendi from herlatenightcravings to do this tag and share with us their favorite sites! I also tag any other beauty bloggers out there to do this one, or just comment below! If you are reading this and haven't had a chance to follow me, please make my day and click the link on the sidebar to support a new blog! If you have your own blog, let me know your site and I'll share the love back!

Go for the Glow! NARS Laguna Body Illuminator

Summer is all about beautiful bronzed, glowing skin!  If you are like me then too many hours at work means not enough time in the sun!  No need to panic, NARS has found a way to help get your skin that instant glow without messing around with self tanners.

The Laguna Body Illuminator will impart a beautiful bronzed radiance while delicately scenting the skin with exotic Monoï de Tahiti Oil. This illuminator is perfect for arms, shoulders, décolleté, and legs, and is specifically designed to not transfer onto clothing. 

Now I'm an Addict! Dior Addict Lipstick in Nude (333)- Swatches and Review!

Hello, my name is Nisha and I'm a lip product addict.  At least I think I have found my new holy grail nude lipstick!  The relaunch of the Dior Addict Lipstick with an innovative new formula, is full of "shine, vibrance, and sensuality."  The formula is said to be hydrating and volumizing while delivering shine and moisture.  With 25% less wax than the classic lipstick, the relaunch features a modern light reflecting, transparent finish.
  

Dior Rosy Tan Eyeshadow Palette (754)- Swatches and Review!

Safe to say, I am obsessed with Lisa Eldridge!  She is one of the most talented makeup artists, having worked with countless celebrities, and creates both wearable and avant garde makeup looks.  So when she posted her most recent tutorial using the new Dior Rosy Nude palette, I had to run out and purchase its counterpart, Rosy Tan, along with a new Dior Addict lipstick!

The Best Primers

I work long hours, and as a result typically need my makeup to last anywhere from 12 to 16 hours.  So I usually use a foundation primer to help keep my makeup from slipping and looking fresh all day.  I have been doing an exhaustive search looking for the perfect primer to keep my foundation in place without overly mattifying it. My research has included the top beauty blogs, You Tube gurus, Makeup Alley, and beauty magazine editor sites!  According to Makeup Alley's user ratings, the best include:

The CEW Beauty Awards: The Best Products of 2011

The Cosmetics Executive Women 17th Annual Beauty Awards took place yesterday.  This marks the industry's top honor for the most innovative products of the year.  The categories included bath and body, facial skincare, hair, makeup, men's grooming, scent, sun, indie and eco awards.  Both mass and prestige products were named for many of the categories.

Among the standouts, some of the most interesting winners included:

Guerlain lips- Rouge Automatique 103 Swatches and Review!

I'm not one to fall for gimmicks, but the new Guerlain Rouge Automatique Lipstick is more than just that!  Packaged in a sleek and structural gold chamber, the slide down lever allows one handed application of the lipstick.  This lever is embossed with the letter G, and when slid down it causes the lipstick bullet to push upwards.  You can control how much of the bullet you wish to slide up.  

Color 103, Chant d'aromas, is a warm beige brown. The innovative formula features a second skin texture that is lightweight and comfortable on the lips.  Cristal pigment offers semi-opaque, luminous color with exceptional shine.  I find this to be a long lasting semi sheer lipstick with about four hours of wear.  Even after my morning Starbucks, I still had the color on my lips! 

Guerlain Summer 2011 Terre Indigo Eyeshadow- Swatches and Review!

My haul at Guerlain also included the Terra Indigo Four Shade Eyeshadow Palette.  This palette is visually stunning!  It features a vibrant burnt orange, an intense indigo blue, a deep brown and a light brown, each speckled with gold.  These colors complement each other for a natural, sophisticated or an intense, vivid effect.

Guerlain Summer 2011 Terra Inca Star Powder - Swatches and Review!

There has been so much buzz surrounding the Guerlain Summer 2011 Collection!  The collection includes the Terra Inca Star Powder, Terre Indigo Four Shade Eyeshadow, Ombre Fusion Cream Eyeshadow, Terracotta Gloss, and Khol Kajal.  With the exception of the cream eyeshadow, the entire collection is limited edition.

This is my first foray into the world of Guerlain, and I finally had a chance to play with the entire collection!  I've always viewed Guerlain as an exclusive range geared towards older women.  They are undoubtedly exclusive considering their price point, and limited availability.  However, after playing with this entire collection I realize how wrong I was about the range, this collection is in fact, very trendy! I picked up 2 items from the limited edition range:  the Terra Inca Star Powder and the Terra Indigo Four Shade Eyeshadow.  (I was also seduced into picking up some items from the permanent range, more on that later...)   


The star of the collection is definitely the Terra Inca Star Powder.  This powder is composed of 2 shades: a highlighting golden beige and a bronze tinted pink.  When swirled together, the effect is a pinky bronze iridescent glow which can be worn as a highlight to illuminate the complexion and add instant radiance to tanned skin.  The color is universally flattering and will complement all skin tones.  

Giorgio Armani Gloss d'Armani

The highly anticipated new lip gloss from Giorgio Armani!  Available in 18 shades, the formula boasts a new exclusive Color-Fil Shine technology, which allows gentle, lasting hold on the lips. The star ingredient is the Color Bond Polymer which forms a soft mesh to trap pigments on the lips. The formula is said to be comfortable with true color lasting for 8 hours, akin to the Rouge d'Armani lipsticks.  The company describes the wear as shiny, silky smooth and non-sticky.  

I love the mixture of nude and intense colors.  The lilac shade is gorgeous!!! I can't wait to see the swatches.  I have heard that these glosses are available on counters now, but I called my local Armani counter and they had not yet arrived. My Sales Associate said she was expecting them very soon, within a couple weeks.  They are also not yet available online. Has anyone else been lucky enough to be able to get their hands on them? $28.00


See a swatch of the Gloss d'Armani 400 here: beautyswatch

Treat Your Obsession Tuesday!

What is your must have item from all the summer collections?

Dolce & Gabbana: Ultra-shine Lipgloss

Sometimes in life you need a little luxury.  You want to reach into your bag, pull something beautiful out, and apply it feeling glamorous.  When this feeling creeps over me, I usually head to Armani and check out the selection there to find whatever it is that will give me that special feeling.  Deciding on a lipgloss, I was shocked to learn that there were no glosses at my local Armani counter! Apparently Armani is fazing out all their current stock to make room for a brand new collection of glosses with a revolutionary, long wearing formula, coming out in June!

In order to hold me over until then, I headed to the Dolce & Gabbana counter, admittantly for the very first time.  Although I have never tried any of their products before, I have heard so much about their glosses that I decided I had to finally give them a try.  I was instantly overwhelmed!  The color selection is amazing- 21 shades to choose from!  The line includes a mix of creamy neutrals and pinks, and shiny, glittery shades with a variety of neutrals and intense colors.  I had a hard time picking up just one!  I went with Tender (90), a shimmery pink color with fine golden sparkles in it.  

These glosses are exquisite.  First off, the packaging is beautiful with a gold finish and Dolce & Gabbana embossed on the wand.  The applicator is the traditional doe foot, which simplifies the application.  The formula is extremely moisturizing, pigmented and long lasting.  There is no sticky or chunky glitter residue.  The finish is an ultra shiny, glass like look.  If you are looking for a luxurious treat for your lips, try one today! 4mL/0.13oz, $27.00


What is your holy grail lip gloss?

Giorgio Armani Summer 2011 Eye Quatuor Mediterranean Palette- Swatches and Review!

The Summer Collection is here!  This collection features an eye quatuor- The Mediterranean Palette, sheer bronzer, sheer lipstick, a blush tint and a waterproof version of the famous Eyes to Kill mascara.  After getting a chance to play with the collection I found the most worthy products to be the shadow palette and the sheer lipsticks.

First off the name- I see this product marketed as both the Heat palette and the Mediterranean palette.  The box I received refers to it as the Mediterranean palette. I decided to pick up the shadows because the quality and colors are amazing!  The palette features four shades: desert earth brown, a dark earthy bronze , rose sand, a soft rose with light brown undertones, burnt amber, a golden color and white gold sand, a whitish champagne color.  These luminous desert shades blend infinitely well for a soft   evanescent look or an intense vibrant effect.  The powders are finely milled and feel like silk to the touch.  The palette is perfect for creating an evening bronze smokey eye or sun soaked daytime looks. The colors are all wearable, and will suit tan skin beautifully well.

This palette is stunning and a must have.  The colors, while not original, are beautiful and exactly the type I constantly reach for.  It is limited edition, so hurry and get yours today! $59.00

Giorgio Armani Beauty Regenessence [3.R] Youth Regenerator

This new Armani Youth Regenerator serum has 12 years of science behind it!  Powered by the Regenessence [3.R] technology of Linseed Extract, Vitamin CP, and ProXylan (see above post), the results provide 24 hour hydration.  This serum can be used alone day and night or layered underneath the Regenessence [3.R] Multi-corrective Rejuvenating Cream.  

The company released results of a study, a self assessment of 50 women immediately, after 6 days, and 4 weeks.  The results are astounding: in 1 hour, wrinkles were reduced by 71%. In 6 days, 88% of the women claimed their skin is rebounced and radiant. Finally, in 1 month, the women boasted gains of up to 6 years of youth!  In fact, Armani is so sure of these results that they are giving away free deluxe sized samples of the line.  I received 2 samples of the serum, lasting me about 6 days with twice daily use.  The results of my self assessment?  Amazing! The first morning after using the serum at night, I notice the lines on my forehead are reduced.  While this could just have been from drinking plenty of water the night before, after the 6 days, I really notice brighter, smoother skin!  I will definitely be purchasing this (today?) and this is my new HG serum!

The Armani counter at Saks is offering free mini facials today, which is a great opportunity to try the skincare line!  I'm going for one to see how the rest of the line feels on my skin, and a full report to follow!  For yours, call the Armani counter at Saks (NYC) today! 30mL/1 oz, $140.00

Giorgio Armani Beauty Regenessence [3.R] Eye Rejuvenating Serum

The new Armani Regenessence skincare line is targeted to women in their 30-40s who are noticing changes in their skin and are looking for high quality products that both repair and prevent.  The science behind the line is in the Regenessence 3.R technology which targets the three levels of the skin with three powerful ingredients: ProXylan, linseed extract, and vitamin CP (a form of vitamin C). Linseed Extract regulates extra-cellular communication, Vitamin CP is for collagen regeneration, and ProXylan remodels skin matrix. The Eye serum also contains yeast extract, caffeine and tensor agents for eye rejuvenation.  The three main eye concerns are targeted: dark circles, puffiness, and lines and wrinkles.  The unique metal, beveled applicator is used to apply and massage the serum into the eyes.  There is an instant cooling effect and this combination reduces puffiness and improves the contour of the eye. 

I find when I apply this serum, the texture is light and gel like.  It is absorbed into the skin instantly.  The cooling effect of the applicator combined with the light consistency make the application a luxurious experience.  I do use my regular Shiseido White Lucent eye cream over this for extra hydration because the skin around my eyes is quite dry.  The serum is best at smoothing out fine lines with its extra boost of hydration.  When I apply my regular concealer, I notice less settling into the fine lines around my eyes. 15ml/0.5oz, $75.00

What's In My Travel Make Up Bag?

I'm headed for a little weekend getaway and starting to pack!  I love some time away from home to just relax with friends!  The most fun is deciding what products I am going to bring and restraining myself from bringing a whole train case!  Here is a peak into what I have so far...

The Case...

Created by Trina Turk for Clinique.  I bought a few Clinique items just to get this cosmetics case as a free gift.  It's so colorful and bright!

I'd rather be naked...

Then go without my Naked Palette!  That's all I need to create daytime and dramatic evening smokey looks. I also threw in my Chanel Ombres Perlees de Chanel Eyeshadow Palette because I love the pearlescent look it gives during the day.

Perfect Base, Perfect Face...

I always have a couple foundations: Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation for days I need a little more coverage (my skin is not happy at the moment!) and Armani Luminous Silk is lovely for nighttime.  My go to concealers are Cle De Peau and Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge.  I love Dior Amber Diamond for some highlight.

Lips...
It's all about Tom Ford!  The ultimate luxury lipstick.  I just love the beautiful packaging and snap closure. I have Pink Dusk, a dusty rose, and Vanilla Suede, a pale nude.  I have my NARS Velvet Matte lip pencil in Cruella (the perfect red for my skin tone) just in case I'm feeling sexy and glamorous!  

The Right Tools...

I have a hard time deciding what brushes to bring.  I settled for a couple foundation brushes, the MAC whole trinity (239, 224, 217) and a few face brushes.  The Sigma F20 is so soft and perfect for powder (and a lot cheaper than the MAC version too)!

I'm sure I'll end up adding a few extra things at the last minute. (Did I forget my Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara???)  I think I am subconsciously editing here so as you guys don't think I'm insane for bringing 8 lip products for 3 days.

These are some of my travel essentials.  What are yours?

Must Have Hair Product: Moroccan Oil

Wondering what Moroccan Oil is?  It is actually Argan oil which comes from the Argan Tree, Argana, in the South West of Morocco.  The tree blossoms with fruit in the desert climate, and within that fruit is a nut which is the source of the oil.  The women of Morocco have been using the oil for hundreds of years on their hair and nails to create shine and manageability in the warm climate.

A dime sized drop of this serum gets worked through damp, clean hair and adds instant shine, while conditioning and strengthening the hair.  There is no greasy residue or weighed down feeling.  You will see noticeable results after just one use!  Available in 2 sizes:  25mL/0.85oz for $15.00 and 100mL/3.4oz for $40.00. 

I have the smaller size and have had it over 2 months now, and I am still only a quarter through.  

Another miraculous product by Moroccan Oil is their Intense Hydrating Mask, which is a deep conditioning treatment.  I use this mask once a week to replenish my dry strands with moisture without leaving a greasy residue. My hair is revitalized, protected and conditioned, again after just one use.  I apply this in the shower after shampooing my hair, and let it soak in for 10 minutes before rinsing out.  Available as 250mL/8.5oz for $32.00.

My favorite thing about these products is that you really do see instant results. I feel like my hair goes from dull and dry to soft and silky in 10 minutes!  Plus,  the soft, silky feeling of my hair now lasts until my next shampoo.  It even feels this way when left to air dry!  If you don't want to shell out the cash for the mask, then try the serum!  It truly works!

What is your favorite hair product of the moment?

Treat Your Obsession Tuesday!

What is one beauty product that you can't live without?  

Treat Your Lashes? Smashbox Lash DNA Mascara

Smashbox's newest mascara is called Lash DNA, and it is a lengthening and curling formula which the company claims "defies genetics with its revolutionary double helix brush." This mascara is definitely worth trying soley for the brush.  It has a unique double helix shape that grabs each lash no matter how small for the ultimate in lengthening, separation and definition.  The curve of the bristles actually fits the shape of your eye and makes grabbing all your lashes from inner to outer corner in one sweep! It's also packed with proteins and amino acids that bind each lash for conditioning and rebuilding of damaged lashes. $19.00

My first Birchbox!

I just received my first Birchbox in the mail!  I first heard about Birchbox on You Tube from Miss Glamorazzi (She is adorable- go check her out! missglamorazzi). For those of you who don't know, Birchbox is a monthly subscription service where you receive deluxe sized high end beauty samples.  For $10.00 a month, Birchbox will send you 4 or 5 samples to try.  With each box comes a card describing each of the products.  This service is a great way to try out new brands and products. There is even a rewards program where you can receive discounts on the full sized versions of the samples!


Each box is hand wrapped and beautifully packaged, and comes with a card explaining the theme of the month's box.  This month's theme was Mother's Day. 

The card also comes with a listing of the items in the box, and the cost of the full sized version.

This is what I received this month!

This is a brilliant way to try out luxury products without spending a lot of money.  When you sign up, you answer some questions about yourself to create your beauty profile.  These answers are used to help create the perfect Birchbox for you!  My favorites this month are the Kerastase shampoo and the Jouer gloss.  I have been wanting to try Kerastase for a long time but have found it too expensive to purchase a whole bottle without trying it first!  I have never tried Ahava products before but have heard great things.  This clay mask is perfect to treat those summer break outs! There even is an "extra" included each month, and this month was a lovely piece of stationary.  You can sign up and cancel anytime, so go check it out! www.birchbox.com

What do you think?  Is this worth $10.00?