Chanel Glossimer in Amour (166)

Newly released with the Roses Ultimes de Chanel collection is the glossimer in Amour (166).  Amour is a bright pink with silver shimmer.  Of the 6 new glossimers released with this collection, I chose Amour because of the beautiful shimmer.  I am actually lacking on shimmery glosses in my collection! On the lips it transfers as a sheer but noticeable glossy pink with tiny silver glitters.  When the color fades, you definitely are left with tiny silver glitter bits on the lips.  Below is a heavy swatch of the color.  It was difficult to photograph the color on my lips so I did not post a lip swatch.  

According to the Chanel, the model below is wearing Pink Sugar Lip Pencil with the Glossimer in Amour on top. Gorgeous! 

If you are looking for a shimmery gloss for evening, then Amour is a great choice!  If you prefer something without shimmer, then Volupte, a creamy coral also released with this collection, is another great choice! The Chanel Glossimers retail for $29.50 and Amour is available now at counters and Chanel's website.  

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Epatant (84)

Yes, I am aware that the Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadows came out ages ago!  I resisted picking these up for so long partly because I thought the colors were too similar to the Ombres Perlees palette from Spring 2011, and partly because I am so in love with my Armani Eyes to Kill shadows that I didn't think these could touch them!  But as previously mentioned I have been on a bit of a Chanel kick lately, so I finally decided to take the plunge and see what all the fuss is about.


I chose the Illusion D'Ombre in Epatant because it is a soft gray green which I thought would pair well with grays and browns, and work well in to the spring and summer months.  Immediately on taking this home and playing around with it, I realized why I hadn't picked these shadows up immediately when they first came out. When swatched with your finger, the color is fairly sheer in pigment making the glitters more obvious.  Genius that Chanel is, however, provided a handy brush with the shadow and when I swatched it with this, I was blown away.  The color really packed a highly metallic finish, which appeared a dark green in some lights and a silvery one in others.  The effect is truly gorgeous!


In terms of wear time, I think these live up to their name and the hype.  On my lids, they lasted all day with no primer although I always use my MAC paint pot because it evens out my lids.

Light swatch, with finger

Heavy swatch, with brush

I don't know why I didn't jump on the bandwagon sooner!  The Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Luminous Eye Shadows retail for $36.00.  I hear that Chanel is releasing 2 new shades for summer, and now I am definitely intrigued!  

Chanel Spring 2012: Glossimer in Bon Bon (73)

I have been on a Chanel kick lately, and so I picked up the Glossimer in Bon Bon (73) which was released with the Spring 2012 collection.  Bon Bon is a peachy pink color with a golden luminescence, but without obvious glitter.  It is quite sheer, but does add a glow to the lips because of the tiny gold shimmers.  The effect is probably best when worn over a lipstick, but it is beautiful nonetheless.  I also find that the gloss has just enough pigment to mute down a bright lip color.  


I love the Glossimer formula, in fact I forgot just how much I love it! Back before I became obsessed with hoarding makeup I used to buy 2 new Glossimers every spring, one in a peachy shade and one in pink. Between those 2 colors I was good with any makeup look I was trying to create!  (Oh, the simplicity of life back then!) The Glossimers are known for their comfortable, nonsticky texture and beautiful shimmers.  Bon Bon is no exception.  

The Chanel Glossimers retail for $29.50 and Bon Bon is available now at counters.  What are some of your favorite Glossimers?  I'm looking to add a few more to my collection!

The Bess Nude Lip

If there is one person who can create the palest, nudest lip without making me look like a corpse, it's Edward Bess.  To achieve the perfect nude pout, Edward first lined and filled in my lips with the Defining Lip Liner in Natural followed by the Ultra Slick Lipstick in Pure Impulse.  To top it off, he added a layer of the Deep Shine Lip Gloss in French Lace.  The end result?  Pure, nude perfection!


I am a huge fan of the Edward Bess lip products.  The Defining Lip Liner in Natural is the perfect shade for my lip color and pairs well with any lipstick.  It also looks nice worn alone with a gloss on top.  The formula is creamy and the liner goes on smooth.  My lips don't feel dry and tight after I put this on.


The Ultra Slick Lipstick in Pure Impulse is perhaps my favorite nude lipstick, ever! The shade is a pale, neutral pink which actually looks lighter in the tube than when swatched or worn on  my lips.  Looking at it in the tube, it is not a shade I would have thought I could pull off (it looks a bit darker in the picture below but the swatches are true to color).  The lipstick has a fresh fig scent which is lovely and not overwhelming.  The formula is very creamy and smooth as well.  I find that when I apply an Edward Bess lipstick the lines on my lips are less noticeable and my lips appear more plumped. They are very comfortable to wear, and feel hydrating as well. The wear time is about average for a lipstick. I don't know why I received this shade in the old packaging, but I was thrilled because I much prefer the compactness of the round bullet to the new square case.


The Deep Shine Lip Gloss in French Lace is a light rosy pink, with enough pigmentation to wear alone or over a lipstick.  This is a creamy pink, with no shimmer. The gloss also has the fig scent, and the formula is slightly tacky but I don't mind this as it helps the gloss to last longer on the lips.  Those who do not fare well with sticky glosses may not like this formula as much.  

L to R: Lip liner in Natural, Lipstick in Pure Impulse and Gloss in French Lace

Edward Bess cosmetics are now available at Sephora online.  The lip liner retails for $29, the lipstick for $32 and the gloss for $30.  I love this lip combination! What do you guys think?  Have you tried any Edward Bess lip products before?  What are some of your favorites?

Sunday Riley Sheer Impact Lip Gloss in Beach Front

I was quite thrilled to receive a Sunday Riley Sheer Impact Lip Gloss in my Barney's gift with purchase bag last weekend.  I have been exploring the Sunday Riley line lately, and have been fairly impressed by both the blush and primer.  I have also been enjoying a couple skin care items I purchased from the line.  The Sheer Impact Lip Gloss in Beach Front, however, left no impact upon me whatsoever.  What is a beautiful peachy beige color with faint microshimmers in the tube translates to a clear finish on my lips.  I much prefer my glosses to have some color and pigment in addition to providing a glossy finish.  I guess that is because I like to have the option of wearing my glosses alone or with lipstick.  While the gloss isn't overly sticky, which is nice, I don't see much point in applying a clear gloss either.  


Best Things in Beauty has featured another shade from the line, called Chameleon.  It is also too sheer for my taste.  Chameleon does have a more noticeable shimmer.  

Sunday Riley Sheer Impact Lip Glosses retail for $28.00 and are available at Barney's.  I can't speak for the rest of the shades in the line, so unless you don't mind a very sheer gloss, I would recommend trying before buying.  

Edward Bess Ultraluminous Bronzer in Daydream

The Edward Bess Ultraluminous Bronzer in Daydream is definitely a cult favorite among followers of the line. Despite its rave reviews I was still a bit surprised that Edward used this on me during my makeover, rather than the darker shade.  I think it speaks to the universality of this product for all complexions and its versatility in wear.  This bronzer can be worn sheerly for an all over glow or builded up for a contoured look.


The texture of the bronzer is incredibly fine and soft, and among the best out there.  The color is basically a matte light to medium toned brown and it can be builded easily without looking cakey or powdery.  I must admit I do prefer the old round compact packaging to this slim rectangular compact.  The enclosed brush is adequate, but I don't envision myself ever using it.

I now have enough bronzers to last me a lifetime.  Still, this was a welcome addition to my collection! The Edward Bess Ultraluminous Bronzer in Daydream is available now at Sephora online, and retails for $45.00 for 0.25 oz.  

Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer

The Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer has become a fast favorite among celebrities since its launch.  I have to admit that this was initially part of what lured me in to try this product! This dreamy, mousse like primer is incredibly lightweight and will instantly brighten and smooth your skin.  There is a slight tint, but the product is basically sheer when blended out.  I find that with 2-3 pumps all over my face, any oily residue left on my skin from my skin care products is basically absorbed while adding a touch of radiance.  The best part is that this primer does not feel silicone-y (although there are silicones in this formula).  I should also mention that my skin usually does not fare well with silicone heavy products.  However, I have had no issues with breakouts with daily use of this primer for the past month. 


The formula is oil free, oxygen rich and filled with Sodium Hyaluronate which is perfect for all skin tones and plumps the skin to create a smooth, even surface for makeup application.  I have definitely noticed that with this primer my foundation does not settle into fine lines on my skin.  I have tried this primer underneath many different foundations and tinted moisturizers, and the effect is always remarkable.  Since foundations tend to last on me all day anyway, I cannot comment on how this primer extends the wear time of foundation.  

The Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer is available now at Barney's in store or online and retails for $48 for 1 oz/ 30 ml.  It is available in 3 shades, light, medium and dark.  I have medium which suits my skin tone perfectly.  Today is the last day of the Barney's Beauty Event which is featuring a lovely gift with purchase over $200. I highly recommend this primer to anyone looking for a new one.  This primer is HG material.  

Edward Bess Quad Royale in Summer in Capri

During my makeover, Edward Bess used the Quad Royale in Summer in Capri to add an all over peachy glow to my complexion.  This highlighting powder contains peach and beige toned shades to add a warmth to the complexion.  The overall effect is very subtle, but does provide a noticeable sheen.


The packaging is a very slim black rectangular compact with EB embossed in white on the front, and the powder and brush inside, with mirror.  The powder is among the most soft, and fine I have experienced.  The brush is very thin, and soft as well, but I would probably use this product with one of my own brushes instead.


This is a beautiful highlighting powder that offers a very subdued glow to the skin.  I would probably use this with the Daydream bronzer or a cream blush to increase the effect.  For this reason, it was difficult to get swatches of all the colors both individually and together on camera.  

Overall this is a beautiful highlighter with a lovely texture and finish.  I think the end result will vary greatly depending on your skin tone.  The Beauty Look Book has swatches as well for those with fairer skin.  The Edward Bess Quad Royale in Summer in Capri retails for $45.00 for 0.25 oz/7 g. Edward Bess cosmetics are available at Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus and now Sephora online. 

January Favorites! Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana, Kerastase, Sunday Riley, Koh Gen Do and Urban Decay?

January was a difficult month for me to pick a few favorites as not that many products really stood out to me.  I do, however, have a few gems to share:


Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette:  This one was a surprise to me.  Even though I loved the original, my taste in cosmetics has shifted since then towards more luxurious brands.  Still, I decided to pick this one up because I love the convenience of a neutral palette from which you can create such a variety of looks! I have been using this palette everyday since I purchased it, primarily because of Suspect (see swatches and huge dent in shadow below).  Suspect is a gorgeous satiny light golden brown which just looks amazing all over the lid.  I have been pairing this with Snakebite or Tease in the crease and Foxy as a brow highlight.  The overall effect is beautiful, and I have been receiving lots of compliments on this eye look! The quality of Urban Decay's shadows is what you would expect, and you do have to be careful since there is quite a bit of fall out with these shadows.  


Sunday Riley Effortless Breathable Tinted Primer: I have been testing this primer out all month, and I will post a full review since it is definitely deserving of it!  This primer is light, and removes shine while adding radiance to the skin (how do they do that?).  It provides the perfect base for makeup.


Kerastase Chroma Thermique: This leave in conditioner with built in heat protectant adds shine and softness to my hair unlike any other product I have tried.  The other day I called my salon to make an appointment and was shocked to find out it has been 6 months since my last haircut! I really think this product deserves the credit for keeping my ends in check!


Dolce and Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick in Rose:  I featured this lipstick in previous month's favorites and yes, it is making a reappearance because it is that good.  This is one of the best lipsticks I have ever used! I love the feel of it on my lips, and the glossy effect it has.  The color is a bright rose, and this lasts on my lips longer than any other lipstick I have used! Can you see how little I have left? I will definitely be repurchasing this, and probably a few other colors as well because I cannot imagine being without it! I cannot remember the last lipstick I repurchased.  Uh oh, I feel a Saks trip coming on...


Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation: See my previous review.  Love the natural finish of this foundation!


Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua: I pulled this out of my collection mostly because I wanted to use it up, and now have rediscovered how lovely this foundation is for providing light, natural coverage.  I have been mixing this with the Koh Gen Do for the ultimate base.

L to R: Foxy, Tease, Snakebite, Suspect

Dolce and Gabbana Passion Duo Gloss Fusion Lipstick in Rose

What are your favorites for the month of January? I would love to know!

Beauty Experiment: Custom Mixing Foundations

Foundation is definitely the one makeup item that I cannot live without.  I just love trying new formulas and of the ones I have, I switch it up and rotate often.  Lately, I have begun experimenting with custom mixing my foundations to help achieve the perfect color and finish. I have found this is actually quite fun to see how different combinations work! Mixing foundations can help to not only create the perfect undertone and shade for your skin, but also to create the right level of coverage or most natural finish. Mixing can also help lengthen the wear time of a particular formula.  Experimenting is fun and the combinations are plentiful! 


Undertone:
I love my Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation, and it has quickly become one of my favorites.  In the summer I am the color Hazel, a cool undertone, and in the winter I am Wheat, labeled a neutral undertone but actually appears fairly yellow based.  Mixed together, I can get a more neutral tone .


Color: 
I often mix my Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua in B50, which is a touch too light for me, with my Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation or the Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation which are a touch too dark this time of year.  An added bonus is that the Chanel Vita Lumiere Aqua is very light in weight and finish, but slightly drying and this complements the hydration provided in the Koh Gen Do and the fuller coverage of the Dolce and Gabbana. 


Coverage and Finish:
Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge is a must have for any foundation addict. I have mixed this with nearly all of my foundations to add radiance to my complexion, or to give a heavier coverage foundation a lighter finish. Chanel Perfection Lumiere is the perfect choice for days when I want good coverage that lasts all day, but it can be a bit powdery.  When I mix it with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation I can add that dewy glow while maintaining the coverage.

Do you custom mix your foundations? What are some of your favorite foundation combinations?

Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick in #74 Rose Piquant

The Rouge G Rose Collection from Guerlain, released this Spring, was too pretty to pass up. The collection features four rosy shades, all sheer but varying in color, tone and pigmentation.  You can see swatches of all four shades here.  I had trouble deciding between Rose Barbare #75, a fuschia shade and Rose Piquant #74, a neutral pink. To be fair, all of the shades are absolutely gorgeous.  There is a pink for everyone in this collection, and the sheer wash of color is perfect for spring. I finally settled on Rose Piquant.


Rose Piquant is a neutral, medium pink with a beautiful sheen.  The color is sheer but definitely noticeable, and when applied makes my lips appear a healthy pink.  This is the color I wished my lips were naturally! The formula is creamy and comfortable, and feels moisturizing on my lips.  The wear time is average for a formula of this type, and most lipsticks don't last that long on me since I am always eating or drinking something it seems.


I definitely appreciate the packaging of the Rouge G lipsticks, as the mirror definitely comes in handy for touch ups! The case is very elegant and sophisticated, and you definitely feel that when pulling this lipstick out of your bag for a touch up! The case is heavy, but I think this adds to the elegance. 

The Rose Collection of Rouge G Lipsticks from Guerlain for Spring 2012 are stunning.  If money were no object I would have purchased Rose Barbare and Rose Innocent as well.  This is definitely a color I can see myself wearing daily this Spring.  Perfect for work, or a date! The Rouge G lipsticks retail for $48.00 for .12 oz, and are available now at counters everywhere.  

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in No. 22 Pale Barley

Does this ever happen to you?  You go out shopping, peruse the new Spring collections, swatching to your heart's content and despite how beautiful decide to pass because well do you really need another eye shadow? In fact, I feel slightly victorious when I am able to walk away past the hype. That is largely how I spent most of December and most of January, but over the past week I caved.  What is it about the fifth or sixth time you swatch a product that makes it suddenly a must have?  I was at the Burberry counter at Saks this past weekend and no matter how many times I had already swatched the new sheer eyeshadow in Pale Barley, for some reason the fifth time I felt like a part of me would die if I did not take home this lovely shade.  I waited with baited breath as I asked the sales associate for my selection, fearing that it was too late. Dramatic? Yes, but you get my point.


Pale Barley is a sheer, light brown with a satin finish.  It is the perfect neutral for everyday and all over the lid. I have been obsessed with the shade Suspect in the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette (more on that in my January favorites) and this is Suspect's chic and sophisticated older sister.  The color is very similar, but if you have ever tried Burberry's shadows then you know that is where the similarities end.  The texture is very fine, smooth, silky, soft...need I go on?  The color applies beautiful, with no fall out and wears well.  Love.

Normally I prefer palettes to single shadows for the convenience factor, but this is a color I will wear to death. I have no doubt that I will finish up every last bit of this little gem.  The Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in Pale Barley is available at counters now, or at Nordstrom online, and retails for $29.00.