October Favorites: Edward Bess, Dior, Le Metier de Beaute, and Chantecaille

This month selecting my favorites was a bit difficult since I purchased a bunch of new items late in the month which have quickly become my favorites, but I didn't think it was right to include them since I was not using them all month!  So I paired down my choices to a few key items which I have been loving all month long! Some are recent acquisitions, but a few items are old favorites I rediscovered in my collection.

Edward Bess Ultraluminous Eye Shadow in Escape: Earlier this month I was searching the internet for fall looks and I came across the Edward Bess fall campaign pictorial.  The model had on nude makeup that was all about subtle definition of the eyes and cheeks.  She was wearing this shadow in the crease, along with Mirage all over the lid.  I tried this combination and immediately fell in love with the understated look!


Dior Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond: Despite all the gorgeous highlighters that have been released recently with the holiday collections, I have rediscovered this gem.  I love the combination of tones and most days I mix all the colors together for the perfect accent to my cheekbones.  I love that you can also use the shades individually for different looks.


Le Metier de Beaute Lip Kaleidoscope in Empress: I've already hit pan on two of the shades in this kit.  Love the formula, and love the colors.  The red will be my go to color this holiday season!


Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation in Hazel: This is a gorgeous foundation which provides long lasting medium to full coverage that is incredibly natural on the skin.  I love the oil free gel formula and feel good knowing that it won't clog my pores or irritate my skin.


Dior Vernis in Exquis: I have been wearing this shade on my nails everyday since I purchased it.  I love the complexity of the color and the tiny gold shimmer.  A stunner.  

What are your favorites this month?  Please share or link your post below!

Coming Soon

After reading a review on The Beauty Look Book, I became immediately enamored with Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation and Perfect Finish Powder Foundation.  I ventured out in a full blown snow/sleet/rain storm here in New York City to the counter at Saks Fifth Avenue and got matched.  I was matched in the foundation to 148, Amber and in the powder foundation to 140, Tan.  I had been searching for a nice full coverage foundation which would cover my acne scars but still look natural and not cakey.  I wore this foundation, and set with the powder, all day in some torrential weather and it lasted well into the night with a soft matte finish.  My initial thoughts?  I received several compliments that my makeup looked great!  Full review coming soon!

A Cult Classic: Le Metier de Beaute Eyeshadow in Corinthian

This is how I know I have something truly beautiful and extraordinary on:  On a lovely Thursday afternoon, I was perusing the Armani counter at Saks Fifth Avenue.  The Armani makeup artist says to me, "Your eyeshadow is exquisite!"  "Le Metier de Beaute Corinthian," I replied.  Just a single shadow swept effortlessly all over the lid, accented with some black liner and mascara.  The quality of Le Metier de Beaute's shadows is just that good.  Truly the best that I have come across.

I jumped at the chance to pick up Corinthian when I just happened to be at the counter at Bergdorf's and it just happened to be available.  Mostly because it has become such a cult classic.  Once I saw the shade for myself, I completely understood.  The complexity and richness of this purply taupe shade is stunning.  The light seems to always catch it in the most perfect way.  When I see this shade I think of MAC Satin Taupe's grown up older sister:  more sophisticated, and full of frosty shimmer.  

While I love a well crafted palette, I truly adore the simplicity of a spectacular single eyeshadow.  Most mornings I don't have time to mix and blend shadows or create complicated eye looks.  I just manage to sweep across a single shade and I'm heading for the door.  This is where Le Metier de Beaute's single eyeshadows are so perfect.  Corinthian retails for $30.00 and is supposed to be available at counters but is usually sold out.  

Chantecaille Compact Soleil in St. Barth's

I have just found the product I have been searching for, but didn't think existed.  The Chantecaille Compact Soleil in St. Barth's is the perfect color to warm up my complexion in the most natural way.  The color is very light in the compact, and so I never would have picked this out for myself.  So Eddie Hernandez, national makeup artist for Chantecaille, has my eternal gratitude for introducing me to this gem.

I already own one Chantecaille Compact Soleil in Tahiti, and that was perfect for adding a bronze glow to my summer skin.  For fall and winter, however, St. Barth's is perfect.  The color on me is a light, sheer brown, which adds a bit of warmth to my skin and provides the perfect amount of color.  I love a very neutral blush on some days, and this is it.  I can wear it right on my cheeks for the perfect lift.  What I love most is that it goes with any eye or lip look, and it doesn't look like blush or bronzer.  It is just incredibly natural.


The quality of Chantecaille's Compact Soleil is unbeatable.  The powder is extremely fine and so soft and silky that it feels almost creamy to the touch.  Ginko Biloba and wild rose work together to heal and protect the skin, for a radiant finish.  

This product will not be leaving my makeup bag anytime soon!  The Chantecaille Compact Soleil in St. Barth's retails for $45.00 and is available at counters.  I highly recommend you check this one out!

Chantecaille The Evening Duo Eyeshadow Palette

New from Chantecaille for holiday is the limited edition Evening Duo Eyeshadow Palette.  This gorgeous palette features 2 shades that when combined create a classic smokey eye look.  What's more, is that the packaging is divine and adorned with real Swarovski crystals.  The beauty of the packaging and the shadows it contains make this the perfect gift for any beauty lover.

Charmeuse is a soft shimmery pink and Carbon is a matte black.  Charmeuse is incredibly silky and pigmented, and when applied imparts a beautiful luminosity and shine to the eye.  Carbon is a matte, soft powder that is less pigmented than Charmeuse, but still excellent. I think the combination of these colors is ingenious.  The mixture of textures and finishes make this the perfect duo for creating a subtle or dramatic smokey eye.  Eddie Hernandez, national makeup artist for Chantecaille, used this duo to change my daytime look into an evening one.  I received so many compliments all day long on my makeup look!

The Chantecaille Evening Duo Eyeshadow Palette retails for $84.00 and is available at counters now.  It is pricey for 2 shadows, but I suspect it is because of the luxurious packaging.  I think this would make a nice gift or is perfect for collectors and lovers of the brand.

Dior Couture Golds Eyeshadow Palette (554)

The new for holiday, Dior Couture Golds Eyeshadow Palette (554), is my kind of palette.  Even the name draws me in! Gold is by far my favorite color when it comes to shadows, since I find it is very flattering on me and most versatile since it works for holiday but also for summer!  Couture Golds is the perfect name for this palette since it is a lovely combination of varying shades of gold.  From a coppery gold to a glittery yellow gold, there is a gold to suit every taste and complexion in this lovely quint.

From the top left, the shades are a frosty white, a coppery gold, a brownish gold, a dark black brown with gold glitter, and a chunkier glittery yellow gold. I find all the shades to be nicely pigmented with the exception of the darkest shade which requires a bit more product for a nicely pigmented finish.  The chunky glittery champagne gold in the center is so gorgeous and just screams holiday fun!  The first three gold shades have a nice satiny finish, while the dark shade is more matte but with gold flecks.  

Overall, I love this palette! I think many of you might already have something similar to this, but I don't own anything like it!  Of all the holiday selections, this is definitely my favorite! I found this quint at Bloomingdale's on 59th Street, and should be available at Dior counters now.  It retails for $59.00 (6 g/0.21 oz).  


What are your thoughts?  Will you be picking this up?

My Makeover by Eddie Hernandez of Chantecaille

Today, at Bloomingdales on 59th Street in New York City, national makeup artist Eddie Hernandez of Chantecaille was featured for a makeover event!  I was lucky enough to have Eddie create a special fall makeup look that was simple, but chic and could translate from day to night!  Afterwards, there was a photographer who was taking pictures of the completed look!

My skin was first prepped with Chantecaille's fabulous skincare.  The Flower Infused Cleansing Milk was used to remove my makeup, followed by the Pure Rosewater.  My skin was then moisturized with the Biodynamic Lifting Oil Free Fluid, and my undereyes with the Stress Repair Concentrate.  The products all smelled incredible, like roses.  My skin felt hydrated but not heavy or greasy.  The perfect base for my makeup!

Eddie then began with my eyes.  He used the Gel Liner Pencil in Black to line my upper lash line.  Then he used the lightest shade in the New Classic Palette as a brow highlight and in the inner corners of my eyes. This was followed by the taupe shade all over the lid, and the dark gray shade along the lashline.  He then used the Le Stylo Liner in Black along my upper lash line for added emphasis.  He used the Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara in Black on my lashes.  To add more drama, he used the black shadow from the Holiday Evening Duo Palette along the outer corner for a smokey effect. My brows were defined with the Brow Definer in Oak Brown.  

Next Eddie created the perfect base.  He used the Future Skin Foundation in Hazel, followed by the New Stick in Wheat to conceal under the eyes.  Next he used the Compact Soleil in St. Barth's all over for an added glow.  He then used the pink shade from the New Classic Palette as a blush. 

For my lips, he used the Lip Chic in Violetta followed by the Brilliant Gloss in Modern.  I love the completed look, and got so many compliments the rest of the day!

Here are the goodies I walked away with.  I already had the foundation (review coming soon!)  I picked up the Compact Soleil in St. Barth's, the Pure Rosewater Toner, the limited edition Holiday Evening Duo Palette, and the Faux Cils Longest Lash Mascara in Black.  

There was also a lovely gift with purchase, which included the Stress Repair Concentrate, the Biodynamic Lifting Serum, the Biodynamic Lifting Cream, Brilliant Gloss in Elation, and the fragrance in Petales.

I love my new look, and can't wait to wear it out tonight!  

What's In My Bag

I just cleaned out my bag, freeing it from all the junk that collects at the bottom: loose change, receipts, hair ties, and more receipts!  So what better time then the present to show you what is in my bag at the moment!

The bag:  Needs no introduction.  The Miu Miu Vitello Lux Bow Bag in grey.  I adore everything about this bag! I am so excited to be carrying it!

Upgrades
I have had my Coach wallet forever.  Often times it is overstuffed with credit cards, receipts, change, Metrocards, store frequent buyer cards, and my Starbucks Gold Card!  I hope to upgrade soon to the Miu Miu Madras Goat leather wallet in pink! 


Soft Hands
I always carry hand sanitizer since the subway can be quite grimey!  This one by Jurlique is ultra-moisturizing and was in my September Birchbox!  The L'Occitane hand cream is legendary for providing superb moisture while absorbing quickly with no greasy residue.  


Lipstick Much?
Four lipsticks and no gloss!  I am surprised by this as I do not know where my gloss is!  Currently I am hoarding the Burberry Lip Cover in Nude Cashmere, Edward Bess Ultraslick Lipstick in Demi Buff, Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain in Bondi Beach, and Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy.  For times when I need maximum hydration, I go for the Korres Lip Butter in Guava.


Refresh
The Caudalie Beauty Elixer is perfect for a refreshing mist to perk up my senses! It smells minty and clean and is the perfect pick me up!


Shine No More
Between my Shiseido Blotting papers and my Giorgio Armani Lasting Silk UV compact foundation I keep shine at bay and am ready for touch ups!


What do you keep in your bag?  Let me have a look!  Link your post below!

My Tom Ford Beauty Pre-Order Picks

I have been utterly obsessed with this nude campaign look of Lara Stone for Tom Ford Beauty ever since I first laid eyes on this look.  The sparkly copper shadow and similarly hues cheek color and lips is so sophisticated! Neiman Marcus currently has the entire Tom Ford Beauty range available on line for pre-order, with items expected to ship no later than November 7.  I believe the collection will be available in stores November 1, but I couldn't risk my choices being sold out so I had to pre-order and hope my items ship sooner!  I picked the items used in the above pictorial for my initial selections.

Eye Color Quad in Cognac Sable, $78.00

Swatches of the Eye Color Quad in Cognac Sable and the Cheek Color in Savage can be found at The Gloss Goss.  The above picture does not do the shimmery copper shade justice!

Cheek Color in Savage, $55.00

Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Rose Crush, $45.00

Lip Color in Coco Ravish, $48.00

I already have the lipstick in Coco Ravish, which I also picked because it was featured in the above look!  I rarely purchase cosmetics without seeing them first, but I couldn't resist this ultra-luxurious collection.  I have a feeling the Tom Ford name will deliver quality which meets my expectations! When the line is available in stores, I will definitely be checking out the Traceless Foundation and finishing powder as well.  I just hope I can restrain myself!


Will you be picking anything up from the new Tom Ford Beauty line?  What are your choices?

Prep and Finish with October's Birchbox

For October's Birchbox, the theme was "Prep and Finish," meaning the box was filled with products designed to prep and polish skin, body and hair.  For me, this month's box was filled with great items, but sadly I have already tried many of them.  I like Birchbox for introducing me to new items and products.  I guess this is one of the hazards of being a beauty junkie, in that I have already tried 3 of the 5 products this month. 

The Laundress Delicate Wash is a new item to me, and I may try this to hand wash some of my delicates. But that would mean I have to actually hand wash something....


The Blinc Mascara is also new.  I'll give this one a try.


Caudalie Vinoperfect Night Correcting Cream.  I have had samples of this cream and tried this before.  It is quite nice, but I didn't use it long enough to see any real benefits.  I was excited to see something by Caudalie, though.


Korres Body Butter in Guava.  I have also used this many times before.  I love the smell, but find it slightly too thick and hard to rub in to my skin.


Stila Eye Shadow in Shell.  I like Stila's shadows, but they don't compare to my Le Metier de Beaute ones. The color is a very pretty soft nude shade.  


Overall, this is my last month for Birchbox.  I have decided to cancel my subscription.  I was overall happy with the service, but I have boxes and boxes full of samples now that I will never get through.  While the price is great, I think my sister put it best.  If at the end of the year someone put all the contents of a year's worth of Birchboxes in front you, would you pay $120.00 for it?


What are your thoughts?  What did you receive in this month's box?

Chanel Foundation Brush No. 6

Released with the new foundation, was Chanel's new foundation brush, No. 6.  This brush has a very chic, sophisticated look about it with its matte black handle and silver lettering.  After I took home my Perfection Lumiere, I couldn't resist going back for this sleek brush to go with it!

Length aside, the Chanel foundation brush at first glance appears very similar to the Mac 190.  However, they are in fact different.  The bristles on the Chanel brush are softer compared to the Mac 190.  Also, they come to a more even taper and retain this tapered shape very well.  The head of the Mac 190 can be manipulated to a point or flattened out.  For these reasons, the performance of the Chanel brush is far superior to the Mac 190. There is less streaking, and a smoother, more flawless finish.  

Top: Chanel No. 6, Bottom: Mac 190

Top: Chanel No. 6, Bottom: Mac 190

Top: Chanel No. 6, Bottom: Mac 190

The Chanel foundation brush retails for $45.00 and is available now, at counters. 

Dior Vernis in Exquis 611

The Dior holiday collection has made it to Nordstrom's, and of the four new nail colors released, I had my eye on Exquis (611) and immediately snagged it.  Exquis is a beautiful taupe grey-brown with golden shimmer.  In some lights it looks olive green.  But on the nails is appears more brownish grey.  I don't see the golden shimmers obviously on the nail when the polish is applied.  I achieved a nice opaque finish in 2 coats.  It is a neutral, versatile and easy to wear shade for a variety of skin tones.  Perfect for the work week.  

Right now I have on Chanel Peridot on my toes and Dior Exquis on my fingers.  It is the perfect fall color combination! Dior Vernis in Exquis is available now for $22.00.  

Chanel Perfection Lumiere: Foundation Perfection!

I have been wearing Chanel's newest foundation release, Perfection Lumiere, for the past week and so far it's foundation perfection!  To start, the shade range is incredible.  There are 20 shades, with matches for everyone from the fair skinned to the dark and lovely, and encompassing neutral, pink and yellow undertones.  This was a much needed release after the disappointingly limited selection of Vita Lumiere Aqua.  For complete swatches, check out Cafe Makeup.


I was matched to Beige 60, which has a very warm undertone.  Below is a heavy swatch to show the color, but it blends perfectly in to my skin.  The color match is right on for me.  I did notice slight darkening of the color after about 15 minutes on my skin, but after this remained stable throughout the day.  On my combination skin, the foundation starts out matte when first applied, and leaves a powdery finish. However after about an hour, once the foundation has warmed in to the skin, the effect is more of a satin finish or soft matte finish.  It looks and feels very natural, like real skin.  I did not use a setting powder with this foundation.  


This foundation gave me a medium coverage which is easily buildable to a full coverage without caking.  More importantly, the coverage lasted all day, easily 15 hours with no touch ups.  My skin had a slight glow to it but did not look oily, just natural and healthy.  After 1 week of use, I did not have any breakouts from using this foundation.  It is oil-free and dermatologist tested.  It contains an SPF of 10.  

I am extremely happy with this foundation, and after running out of my Armani Luminous Silk I decided to purchase this to try something new.  The texture, coverage and finish of this foundation are a complete success.   I love the lasting power of this foundation as well, which is an important quality for me as I need something that can keep up with my long days! Chanel's Perfection Lumiere retails for $55.00.


Have you tried Chanel's Perfection Lumiere?  What are your initial thoughts?

Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick in Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is my second Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick from Le Metier de Beaute. What I love about this lipstick is how long the color lasts, and how comfortable the formula feels on my lips. With ingredients like jojoba, lanolin, and shea butter my lips feel soft and supple.  These ingredients help to deliver moisture to the lips, while staining them with color that is opaque, rich and long lasting.  

Bondi Beach is a beautiful rosy mauve color with cool undertones, that is very flattering for the cooler months. It offers more color than a nude but is not so dark to be hard to wear for daytime.  This is definitely a perfect, flattering shade for not only my lips, but many different skin tones.  At this point, I have to extend another "Thank you" to Dustin at Bergdorf Goodman for his selection and recommendation.  Bondi Beach is my work mate.  I put it on in the morning, barely notice it's there, and my lips look alive but not sticky or wet.  It lasts a good 4-5 hours until lunch, I reapply after, and I'm set until the day ends.  Bondi Beach is the perfect work mate.  

Bondi Beach on the lips. Love. 

Now I have to decide what gloss to pair with this for after work drinks! Le Metier de Beaute Color Core Moisture Stain Lipstick retails for $32.00.