3.30.2012

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact Makeup Review, Photos, Swatches, Comparisons


I own at least one bottle of every Chanel foundation formula currently sold, plus a couple bottles and compacts of discontinued formulas. Hence, it must come as no surprise that I am very particular and nit-picky when it comes to reformulations of the foundations. Chanel's new oil-free, non-comedogenic Vitalumiere Aqua Fresh and Hydrating Cream Compact, $58, is the replacement for the now discontinued Teint Innocence Naturally Luminous Cream Compact. The Vitalumiere Aqua Cream Compact was well received in Europe and Asia, and I agree with the rave reviews. It is officially my favorite Chanel foundation. Keep reading to see why!

Urban Decay Haul/Review + Giveaway Video Details


I've never filmed an Urban Decay haul before, so I figured I would share with you some of the products I have been loving! I also have been traveling with the Naked2 palette pretty regularly and threw in my two cents about the pros and cons between the first and second editions. I hope you enjoy the giveaway and don't forget to check out HauteLook!

P.S. Please remember to post your giveaway entries directly on the YouTube video page, NOT here on the blog. [Click on the video below to open up the full video page and place your entry in the comment box.] Entries posted here on this blog will not be valid.

P.P.S. The giveaway end date in the video is incorrect. The giveaway will end on April 6, 2012 @ 11:59 PM PST!



Products Shown/Reviewed:
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil Stash
Urban Decay Eye Shadow Primer in Eden
Urban Decay Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Pencil in Lovechild
Urban Decay Naked and Naked2 Eyeshadow Palettes

Make-up Worn:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation in 250W
D&G The Powder Foundation in Caramel 110
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencils in Delinquent & Sin
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara & Lancome Artliner
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in So There Jade
Benefit Boxed Blush in Bella Bamba
Chanel Rouge Allure in Desinvolte

Nail Polish:
Butter London Spring 2012 Knackered [see full review HERE]

Color Lenses:
Geo Tri Color Green

3.28.2012

Burberry Lip Glow Lipgloss in Cameo Pink 07 Review, Photos, Swatches


I decided to splurge on a Lip Glow lip gloss, $27, after browsing Kristie of Natural N' Chic Makeup's blog review and swatches of the line-up. I remember swatching these glosses when the Burberry line launched, and they felt quite sticky on the back of my hand. I am adverse to testers, even with a fresh tester applicator because of cross-contamination due to double-dipping from other customers' trials, so I did not try the formula on my lips. And this is one of those instances in which I regret not trying on a product in-store because I actually love the Lip Glow formula once applied to my lips!

3.27.2012

March 2012 Favorites [Hits & Misses] Video Details


It's time for another favorites! This month has gone by so quickly, where did all that time go?! Thank you for all the support in my blog absence.. I am doing my best to pick up on reviews again, but I just can't seem to get a spare moment! I have so many product photos and swatches to show you guys, just a couple more days and I'll get them written up. Good news, though! I 'm going to try to add cooking to my blog. Just pictures of what I made and possibly a recipe here and there :) Anyway, hope you enjoy this episode!



Make-up Worn:
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation in 03
Dolce & Gabbana The Powder Foundation in 110 Caramel
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Chanel Ombre D'eau Fluid in 90 Gold
Urban Decay Naked2 Palette in Busted and Foxy
Lancome Artliner in Black & MUFE Aqua Pencil in Black
Armani Eyes to Kill Waterproof Mascara in Black
Guerlain Blush 4 Eclats in 04 Rosee du Printemps
Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick in 08 Flamingo

Products Shown:
Orly Nail Polish in French Tips
OPI Nail Polish in Alpine Snow
Chanel Extreme Shine Nail Lacquer [Top Coat]
Essie Nail Polish in Turquoise and Caicos
Tom Ford Private Blend Lipstick in 08 Flamingo
Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in 336 Saint Tropez
Guerlain Rouge Automatique Lipstick in 140 Mitsouku
Armani Gloss D'Armani in Beige 103
Chanel Blush Brush #4 [new] and #7 [old]
ShoeMint Heels in Chloe in Taupe Suede
SUPER Dr. Perricone Brightening Activator
SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion

Earrings:
House of Harlow Oval Drop Earrings
*I purchased them from GlamHouse.com but they are sold out, sorry!

Lenses:
Clear prescription only, no color

Nails:
Orly Etoile & White Tips

3.24.2012

Sigma Performance Eyes Kit Review + Sigma Make Me Cool Kit Giveaway Video Details


As promised, another Sigma review and giveaway! I really do love the new Performance Eyes Kit, a great set for only $55. For about $7 apiece, the brushes are truly worth every penny. Please post your giveaway entries for the Make Me Cool Kit on the page for the YouTube video, not here on the blog [click the video below and it will direct you to the official video page where you can post your entries in the comment box!] You can purchase the Sigma brush kits HERE! Make sure you take advantage of the 10% off with the MARCH2012 coupon.. only one week left to use it :)





Make-up Worn:
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation in 03
Dolce & Gabbana The Powder Foundation in 110 Caramel
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in 25 Bad to the Bronze
Cle de Peau Solo Satin Eyeshadow Color in 106
Chanel Eyeliner in Rose Platine & Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Rehab
MAC Technakohl in Graphblack & Lancome Artliner in Black
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara in Black
Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara in Black
Guerlain Blush 4 Eclats in 05 Rose Plein Vent
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan [contour color]
Burberry Lip Glow Natural Lipgloss in 07 Cameo Pink

Lenses:
GEO Grang Grang Brown [Review coming soon; buy HERE]

Nails:
Essie Pretty Edgy
Deborah Lippmann in Candy Shop on ring fingers only

3.21.2012

My Go-To Basic Eye Shadow/Eye Make-up Routine + Products Video Details


It has been a couple weeks since I posted a make-up tutorial, so I figured I should post one that was relatively basic! I received numerous requests for eye make-up looks that I wore in several videos last month, but I was only wearing one or two eyeshadows in most of those videos. That's why I put together this "template" tutorial, so you can see how I build up my eye make-up from the very basics. Most of you know by now that I don't wear make-up daily, so I hope this helps gives you some more insight into how you can work with just a few products to achieve a polished eye look in minutes! I also incorporated drugstore products ;)



Make-up Shown:
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in 25 Bad to the Bronze
L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Eyeshadow in 890 Bronzed Taupe
Cle de Peau Solo Satin Eyeshadow Color in 106
Chanel Ombre Essentielle in Safari

Make-up Worn:
Guerlain Lingerie de Peau Foundation in 03
Dolce & Gabbana The Powder Foundation in 110 Caramel
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 Hour Eyeshadow in 25 Bad to the Bronze
Cle de Peau Solo Satin Eyeshadow Color in 106
Chanel Eyeliner in Rose Platine & Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Rehab
MAC Technakohl in Graphblack & Lancome Artliner in Black
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara in Black
Armani Eyes to Kill Excess Mascara in Black
Guerlain Blush 4 Eclats in 05 Rose Plein Vent
Dolce & Gabbana The Blush in Tan [contour color]
Burberry Lip Glow Natural Lipgloss in 07 Cameo Pink


Lenses:
GEO Grang Grang Brown [Review coming soon; buy HERE]


Nails:
Essie Pretty Edgy
Deborah Lippmann in Candy Shop on ring fingers only

3.19.2012

Jewelry Haul - House of Harlow, Belle Noelle, JewelMint - and Giveaway Video Details


Hi, everyone! Sorry I haven't been able to keep up with the product reviews here on the blog recently.. life has been a whirlwind lately. I'll try to get back on track this week! In the meantime, here's a little apology giveaway. It's a dual winner jewelry contest! Please don't post your entries on this page; click the video and post your comments on the YouTube video's page :)



Jewelry Shown:
JewelMint Atlantis Pendant
JewelMint Royal Ascot Ring in 6
House of Harlow Oval Drop Earrings [from GlamHouse.com]
Belle Noelle Resin Tiger's Eye Ring in 5 [from GlamHouse.com]
*Giveaway is for the JewelMint Atlantis Pendant and Belle Noelle Ring! I will be selecting two winners!


Make-up Worn:
Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation in 6.5
Dolce & Gabanna The Powder Foundation in Caramel
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Barley
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Rehab
Lancome Artliner in Black & Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara
Chanel Waterproof Eye Pencil in Rose Platine
Benefit Boxed Blush in Coralista
Dior Addict Extreme in Riviera

Nails:
Bare, no color

Lenses:
Clear

3.15.2012

Holy Grail/Top 5 Liquid Foundations Video Details


Many of you have been asking what my favorite liquid foundations are.. I try lots of different face make-up, so I have a pretty good idea of what's on the market and the 5 I showed work best for my combination skin. Again, I want to stress this video is dedicated to my top 5 LIQUID foundation formulas. I do have other foundations I enjoy, so that video will come next month and it will outline my favorite overall foundations (regardless of formula). Anyway, I hope you find this video helpful! Enjoy :)



Make-up Worn:
Armani Lasting Silk UV Foundation in 6.5
Dolce & Gabanna The Powder Foundation in Caramel
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Barley
Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Rehab
Lancome Artliner in Black & Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara
Chanel Waterproof Eye Pencil in Rose Platine
Benefit Boxed Blush in Coralista
Dior Addict Extreme in Riviera

Nails:
Bare, no color

Lenses:
Clear

3.13.2012

Holy Grail/Top 15 Lipsticks & Lip Color Video Details


And today, I add another video to my Holy Grail series! Lipsticks are a hot topic for me, since I have sensitive and dry, prone-to-peeling lips. Hope this video helps inform your purchases! Be warned, lots of "highly recommended" will be heard in this video.. only natural coming from a lipstick hoarder since I had to narrow it down to a top 15 lipsticks/formulas for this video, right? Only showed you the best, enjoy! :)



Lipsticks Shown [In Order of Appearance]:
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Chance
Guerlain Rouge G in 74 Rose Piquant (Limited Edition)
Lancome L'Absolu Nu in Corail Sand
Edward Bess Ultra Slick Lipstick in Forbidden Flower
Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick in 01 [Dollyleo.com]
Chanel Rouge Allure in 86 (Limited Edition) and 67 Excessive
Lancome Color Design Matte in Pink Preview
Lancome Rouge Absolu in Rich Cashmere
Chanel Rouge Coco in Chintz
Giorgio Armani Rouge D'Armani in P 515
Lancome Rouge in Love in 322M Corail In Love
YSL Glossy Stain [Swatches + Reviews HERE and HERE]
Tom Ford Private Blend Lipsticks in Vanilla Suede (Discontinued) and 08 Flamingo

Swatches of Most of the Lipsticks [Taken outside in full sun]:


















Make-up Worn:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation in 250W
D&G The Powder Foundation in Caramel 110
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencils in Delinquent & Sin
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara & Lancome Artliner
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in So There Jade
Benefit Boxed Blush in Bella Bamba
Chanel Rouge Allure in Desinvolte

Nail Polish:
Butter London Spring 2012 Knackered [see full review HERE]

Color Lenses:
Geo Tri Color Green

3.08.2012

Easy "Weight Loss" & Healthy Eating Tips + Exercise


Hello, everyone! Some of you have noticed my face is slimmer again.. Yes, I have lose a couple pounds. My weight fluctuates constantly, but I've been trying to be more consistent with healthy eating and exercise. Here are some of the few tips I have been using to cut back on the junk and lose weight in the process!
P.S. I purchased the Brazilian Butt Lift by BeachBody DVD set on Amazon :)



Make-up Worn:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR Foundation in 250W
D&G The Powder Foundation in Caramel 110
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencils in Delinquent & Sin
Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara & Lancome Artliner
MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in So There Jade
Benefit Boxed Blush in Bella Bamba
Chanel Rouge Allure in Desinvolte

Nail Polish:
Butter London Spring 2012 Knackered [see full review HERE]

Color Lenses:
Geo Tri Color Green

3.07.2012

Chanel Vegas Collection + Le Vernis is Gold Fingers Nail Polish Review, Photos, Swatches


The exclusive Chanel Vegas Collection piqued the interest of many, but the exorbitant price tags gave me sticker shock. The photo above is of the display at my local Nordstrom, where I purchased my Gold Fingers nail polish, $28. I still gave in and picked up Gold Fingers nail polish because I knew some of you wanted to see swatches, but I stood my ground and refused everything else.

Le Metier de Beaute Northern Lights Collection for Spring 2012


Spring is looking up, literally.  For hues inspired by nature’s most mysterious phenomenon, look no further than the night skies of the north and onto the runways of Fashion Week’s favorites.  The Aurora Borealis (a.k.a. the Northern Lights) dazzle the skyline with a light show only nature could create, inspiring fashion to continue its love affair with color for Spring 2012, but with a softer touch.  
Caused by a collision of naturally charged atomic particles in the atmosphere, the Aurora Borealis turn the sky from green to purple to blue – magnetic color abounds. Beauty becomes a natural extension with soft focus, yet edgy hues flattering every face.  “I think of the Northern Lights like watercolors in the sky,” explains Mikey Castillo, Director of Color and Education for Le Métier de Beauté. “No matter what the color, the sheer background of the night sky grounds the look, creating a subtle color that looks amazing on every woman.” 
For an Aurora aura of your own, try Le Métier de Beauté’s new spring collection, The Northern Lights.  A patina of golden neutrals, silvery blues, bronzes and violets creates a collision of color for a prismatic finish. The Northern Lights Kaleidoscope Eye Kit contains Ionic, a satin/matte neutral sunset, Sky, a pale shimmering skyline blue, Magnetic, a blazing copper and Equinox, a satin/matte twilight violet.  Applied using Le Métier de Beauté’s signature Couche de Couleur layering format, the result is multi-dimensional, turning color on its axis. $95.

Lips deserve the best spring has to offer as well. The Aurora Kaleidoscope Lip Kit has four options in Le Métier de Beauté’s delicious Lip Crème lip gloss formula.  Begin with Illuminate, a shimmering hot pink with a sheer finish.  Next, layer on Voltaic, a satin-y nude mauve.  For a pop of color try Dynamos, an effervescent coral-tangerine. And finish with Eos, an opaque fuchsia. $95.

With the winter gloves off and sky-high heels still ruling the runways, striking colors on hands and feet extend the trend.  Begin with Le Métier de Beauté’s Two in One Top & Base Coat to lock in color.  Next, choose from Aurora, an icy blue, Solar Flare, a dusky rose-pink and Faraday, a shimmering lavender taupe. At $18 each, the Northern Lights are at your fingertips.

Purchase the Le Métier de Beauté’s Northern Lights Collection at Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus.com, Nordstrom and Nordstrom.com and Bergdorf Goodman.

3.06.2012

Guerlain Noir G Mascara Review, Photos, Swatches


I love trying new mascaras. I always end up reunited with all-time favorite, Lancome's Hypnose Drama Waterproof Mascara, but it is still fun to try new formulas! Guerlain's latest release is the Noir G, which combines the iconic, luxe mirrored case of the Rouge G lipsticks and an ultra black, multi-effect formula.

Koh Gen Do Review + Aqua Foundation Demo + Giveaway Video Details


Finally, the long awaited Koh Gen Do video review! I know some of you would have preferred a blog post for the Aqua Foundation, but I wanted to include the application demonstration. It's best to see foundations in action, gives everyone a better idea of how much the foundation can actually cover! The demo and the giveaway for my favorite KGD lipstick are at the end of the video, so if you're not interested in the review, just skip ahead! Hope you enjoy :)


Products Reviewed:
Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation in OC-2
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Natural Lighting Powder
Koh Gen Do Macro Vintage Royal Massage Milk
Koh Gen Do Makeup Color Bases in Yellow & Lavender Pink
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Lipstick in PK-02 Coral Pink

Products Worn:
Koh Gen Do Aqua Foundation in OC-2
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Natural Lighting Powder
Lancome Ciel Du Soir Color Design Eyeshadow [for brows]
Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze 
Lancome Artliner & Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Eye Liner 
Lancome Hypnose Drama W/P Mascara & Darkness VS False Lashes
MUFE Aqua Eyes W/P Eyeliner Pencil in Black
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks Blush in 02 Mukuge 
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Lipstick in PK-02 Coral Pink

Nail Polish:
Butter London Spring 2012 Knacked [see full review HERE]

Lenses:
Clear prescription only

3.05.2012

Butter London Knackered Nail Polish Review, Photos, Swatches


Knackered is one of Butter LONDON's Spring 2012 polishes. It is the most unique BL polish I own, and while it took me a few weeks to appreciate the duochrome effect, I officially recommend Knackered.  It was quite a challenge to properly capture all the facets of the color, but nonetheless, I hope you find the photos helpful!

3.04.2012

Shopping & Beauty Haul - Victoria's Secret, Jeffrey Campbell, Tom Ford Beauty, Deborah Lippmann, Etc.


Hello, everyone! It's been a while since I filmed a decent haul video, and while this one is all over the place, I think it's a pretty interesting mix of products. Lingerie, shoes, make-up, and nail polishes! A lot of you have been asking what I think of the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick and Translucent Pressed Powder I've been wearing recently.. find out below :)



Products Hauled:
MeUndies Thong in White, Size 1
Victoria's Secret Freebie Coral Lace-Trimmed Briefs
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Push Up Bra in 32A Black Starlight Embellished
  *The VS girls talked me into this one! I'm a sucker for black/white combos so I caved :)
Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Deep V Push Up Bra in 32A in Nude
Victoria's Secret Freebie Pink Overnight Bag
Jeffrey Campbell Nude Suede Lita Platform Lace-up Boots in Size 6
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in 03 Fawn
Tom Ford Translucent Pressed Powder in 02 Ivory Fawn
Deborah Lippmann Spring/Resort 2012 Polish in Mermaid's Dream [see swatches HERE]
Deborah Lippmann Spring/Resort 2012 Polish in On the Beach [see swatches HERE]
Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Candy Shop
Deborah Lippmann Rehydrating Base Coat


Make-up Worn:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 14HR in Buff 6W
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in 03 Fawn
Tom Ford Translucent Finishing Powder in 03 Ivory Fawn
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Skinny Jeans
Urban Decay Glide-On 24/7 Pencils in Juju and Sin
Giorgio Armani Spring 2012 W/P Pencil in 5 Copper
Lancome Hypnose Drama W/P Mascara & Lancome Artliner
Princess False Lashes - Model # not labeled properly
Benefit Boxed Blush in Coralista
YSL Glossy Stains in 6 and 19

Lenses:
Neo Lucky Clover in Brown [see full review HERE]

Nails:
Chanel Gold Fingers [LE]

3.03.2012

Suqqu Cheek Blush Brush Review, Photos, Comparisons



I did not want to believe Suqqu brushes were worth the hype. Too bad they are. This is my second Suqqu brush, and it was worth every penny. My first was the small eyebrow brush, which I have used in several videos before. It is a wonderful brush, but this cheek brush is made of the softest bristles that I have ever encountered. See all the comparisons after the jump!

3.02.2012

Deborah Lippmann Spring 2012 Mermaid's Dream & On the Beach Nail Polishes Review, Photos, Swatches



The Beauty Event at Neiman Marcus is currently going on, and Deborah Lippmann is offering a full sized Candy Shop nail lacquer (worth $18) as a complimentary gift with any $48 DL purchase. Naturally, I jumped for joy and ordered her two Spring/Resort polishes, shown above - outdoors with flash, along with one of her base coats. I posted an Instagram photo [see HERE] as a sneak peek to this post, and I received quite a few questions, so I'll respond to those today.

3.01.2012

February Favorites [Hits & Misses] Video Details


This video is longer than usual because I basically reviewed the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra foundations in under 4 minutes. It's impossible to answer all questions and provide color matches for everyone, but at least you know I'm around NC25/NC30 now! Again, my HG liquid foundations review will be coming up this month :)



Products Shown:
Chanel Gold Fingers Nail Polish from the Vegas Collection
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24HR (new) and 14HR (old) Foundations in 250 Bisque W and Buff 6W
*I purchased the new Teint Idole at my local Nordstrom for $44. Also available online HERE!
Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation in Ivory
Benefit Play Stick Foundation in Tea Party
Giorgio Armani Spring 2012 W/P Pencil in 5 Copper
Benefit Magic Ink Liquid Eyeliner in Black
YSL Glossy Stains in 6, 7, 17, 18, 19 [see swatches HERE & HERE]

Make-up Worn:
Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 14HR in Buff 6W
Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in 03 Fawn
Tom Ford Translucent Finishing Powder in 03 Ivory Fawn
Shiseido Natural Brow Pencil in Natural Black
Benefit Creaseless Cream Shadow in Skinny Jeans
Urban Decay Glide-On 24/7 Pencils in Juju and Sin
Giorgio Armani Spring 2012 W/P Pencil in 5 Copper
Lancome Hypnose Drama W/P Mascara & Lancome Artliner
Princess False Lashes - Model # not labeled properly
Benefit Boxed Blush in Coralista
YSL Glossy Stains in 6 and 19

Lenses:
Neo Lucky Clover in Brown [see full review HERE]

Nails:
Chanel Gold Fingers [LE]

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis À Lèvres Glossy Stains Review & Swatches, Part 2


I will share with you the remaining YSL Glossy Stain Swatches today! I'm only missing a couple of the deepest shades, but you can always stop by a Sephora to see them now that every store should have the new display up. It was my priority to show you swatches of the online exclusives, since ordering blindly is never fun. Here we go!
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