Freelance Makeup Artist Must-Haves [My Recommendations]

Makeup began as an interest, a hobby, a passion.. now makeup is my life, though I never imagined it would be. I can confidently tell the world that the thrill of cracking open a fresh tube of lip color will never lose its appeal, and I know I am not alone! Over the years, I have received many inquiries regarding where to start when building a high-end kit, which is why I created the video below. I wanted to introduce a few ideas and show you my personal favorites in action. I have worked with countless makeup artists in the past decade in many capacities, so I have been lucky enough to snoop through hundreds of kits (including some backstage at Fashion Week NY) and have fine-tuned my own based off what I have learned. Keep in mind this is just my perspective, and it merely covers the tip of the iceberg that is artistry.. I hope you find the recommendations helpful!

Makeup Used:
Bobbi Brown Eye Corrector and Concealers from BBU Palette
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Natural
Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder in Peche
Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze
Bobbi Brown Long Wear Gel Liner in Black Ink
Armani Eyes to Kill WP Mascara with Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara
Velour False Lashes in Lash in the City
Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss is 4 Buff

Nail Polish:
Givenchy 12 Purple Crosiere

Now here are some additional thoughts:

--Most of the Bobbi Brown products used and reviewed in the video are part of the Bobbi Brown Pro Makeup Starter Kit. The classic colors and best-selling formulas included in the kit are a great place to start shopping once accepted into the BB Pro program (40% off retail prices, redeemable only through BobbiBrown.com), which you may apply for through her website. The new Retouching Powders with the Sheer Powder Brush are also must-haves for makeup artists. The finely milled loose powder formula is available in 6 shades and suits all skin types and colors, so I highly recommend them to be used in conjunction with the Sheer Powder brush. Interestingly enough, the pink shades can double up as blushes! Also, my BBU Palette is undoubtedly my favorite Pro product. It makes my life so much easier because I can access any shade I need might need in one palette, and the packaging is incredibly streamlined.

--The ZÜCA shown in the video is the Artist Sport case, in Mystic/Black, which retails for $209 USD. There is a Pro version but it is more expensive, so I find the Artist is a great place to start. The Artist case is incredibly useful and travel friendly, though it does not fit in commercial airline carry-on bins. I love playing tetris with my makeup when organizing each of the four vinyl-lined utility pouches and am always amazed at how many products I manage to cram into each one.

--I buy many of my disposable sponges and cotton swabs from CVS because it is convenient to do so, but you can purchase disposable mascara wands and sanitizers like Beauty So Clean from stores like Camera Ready Cosmetics or Naimies.

Do your research.. know your makeup and understand your cliente. Best of luck and happy shopping!

YSL Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick in 12 Corail Incandescent Review, Photos, Swatches

I have been avoiding YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks for a while now. The original Rouge Volupte formula has a high dose of SPF, which causes my lips to end the day in the flaky mess, and the Perles rendition was far too gritty in texture for comfortable wear. When I realized the newest incarnation of the lipstick line did not contain SPF, however, I tentatively purchased one shade to test because so many of my viewers and readers requested it. The risk paid off this time, so find out more after the jump!

Tom Ford Beauty Summer 2013 'Sultry Sublime Glow' Makeup Tutorial + Video Details

Many thanks go out tonight for all those who have patiently awaited the release of my Tom Ford Summer 2013 Makeup Review and Tutorial video! This is not the traditional heavy false lash and deeply contoured makeup look that I tend to wear in my videos, so I hope this (brief) departure will be welcomed by most of you. The colors of the products used in the video below can be built up. I, however, chose to wear them subtly because I wanted to emphasize the glowing nature of the emollients. This collection is very special because it is wearable yet unique. I hope you will agree!

Tom Ford says that he had one goal with this collection. He "wanted to capture a very particular look of skin that is bathed in sunset light in the summer. It is a sultry and sublime glow. In this light, every woman looks irresistibly relaxed and sensual." I love ethereal glows without apparent shimmer, so I had high expectations for these new products (the Illuminator in particular). Please see individual product reviews and all swatches HERE!

Makeup Worn/Used:
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204
Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen in 05 Naked Bisque
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in 30 with discontinued Chanel Powder Brush
Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder in Peach with BB Sheer Powder Brush
Tom Ford Illuminating Cheek Colors in Bronzed Amber and Blush Guilt
Tom Ford Skin Illuminator in Fire Lust
Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes in Escapade and Pink Haze
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Titanium Smoke with MAC 224, TF Eye Brush in 12 & MAC 231 Brushes

Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in Black Ink with BB Fine Liner Brush

Lancome Hypnose Drama WP Mascara with Red Cherry 217 Lashes
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Park Ave Princess with Sigma Duo Fibre

Tom Ford Lip Shine Color in Smitten

Tom Ford Lip Lacquer in Pink Lust

Nails:
Tom Ford Vapor [reviewed in video]

Tank:
Banana Republic [very old]

Hair:

No products [air dry]

___________________________________________________________________________

Le Métier de Beauté Lip Crème Review, Photos, Swatches -- Sweet Crème, Vanilla Rose, Peche Crème, Ginger Snap, Toffee Crème, Framboise Crème

The Le Métier de Beauté Lip Crème has been one of my most mentioned lip products since I purchased my Peche Créme from Nordstrom in 2011. I still wear and feature it regularly in my videos, so many of you have asked me to share with you some other, non-peach variety shades. I could not help but sneak in one shade that is similar to Peche, but most of you understand by now that peaches make me weak in the knees so please forgive me. I love these lip products so much that I will share with you my first series of full-face swatch photos of the six shades in my possession. I had to do these gorgeous colors justice, so please click to see more after the jump!

STYLE: Spring/Summer 2013 Fashion -- My Favorite Looks

Hello, everyone! This is my first fashion video in ages, so I hope you will enjoy the slightly different route I took this Spring. Due to the hot weather we are experiencing in Southern California, I turned this into a transitional look book featuring outfits appropriate for a warm spring and sunny summer. All makeup worn is listed below the outfit breakdowns!

FIRST OUTFIT:
Poignant Pleated Peplum Top in Black [old] - similar here http://bit.ly/12i49hY
Serenity Bead All Weather Bangles - http://bit.ly/14yN4lF
Linen Shorts in Cobalt - http://bit.ly/10X8dri
Leopard Print Scarf - http://bit.ly/10DFqSO
Marciano Sandals in Gold [old]

SECOND OUTFIT:
Lace Tuxedo Top in White/Black - http://bit.ly/18ReHtB
Theory Ponte Knit Back-Zip Skirt with Pockets in Black [old]
Platform Pumps in Black Patent - http://bit.ly/10DFOke
Arty Ruthenium Glass Ring - http://bit.ly/Z2apOr

THIRD OUTFIT:
Marciano Draped Tank Top [old] - similar here http://bit.ly/13uhHpS
Stingray Wrist Wrap in Black - http://bit.ly/14yOVH9
Petal Mini Skirt in Black - http://bit.ly/10X9nmA
Vince Camuto Leala Pump in Black/Gold - ON SALE! http://bit.ly/10KPpqC

FOURTH OUTFIT:
DailyLook Rhinestone Collar Tank in Ivory - old
Simone Bandage Skirt in Light Aqua - http://bit.ly/12I0hrh
Stingray Wrist Wrap in Taupe - http://bit.ly/14yOVH9
Vera Wang Lisa Ballet Flats in Nude/Crystal [old]
    *I purchased mine through Hautelook! http://tinyurl.com/795prda


Hair:
Jonathan Create Smooth Hair Serum - http://bit.ly/10POael
For Bun - Japanese Donut Bun with Velcro Grips

Nail Polish:
OPI Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow


MAKEUP WORN:
Dolce & Gabbana The Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Warm 100
Tom Ford Illuminating Pen in 05 Natural Bisque
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer in W4-5
Lancome Translucence Mattifying Silky Pressed Powder in 300 Bisque with MAC 109
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Light/Medium Matte Bronzer with Hakuhodo Angled Brush
Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush with Shu Uemura 20h Brush
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204
by Terry Eye Primer in 002
Lorac Pro Palette Eye Shadow Palette with Shu Uemura Kolinsky 10, Sigma 35 and 47 Eye Brushes
Lancome Artliner in Noir and Lancome Oscillation Intensity Mascara
Velour Lashes in Lash in the City
Lips - Please see below for lipsticks
     FIRST OUTFIT
     Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Ginger Snap
     SECOND OUTFIT
     Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Framboise Creme
     THIRD OUTFIT
     Le Metier de Beaute Lip Creme in Ginger Snap
     FOURTH OUTFIT
     Too Faced La Creme Lipstick in Fuchsia Shock [see tutorial video below]

Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Light/Medium Matte Review, Photos, Swatches, Video Application

The Too Faced Milk Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Light/Medium Matte is one of their newest additions to the brand's bronzer lineup. I first encountered the Pink Leopard Bronzer years ago, but because I much prefer matte bronzer, I was very excited to hear news of this Light/Medium Matte release. I would say it definitely takes the cake for new matte bronzer of 2013, and you can find out why after the jump!

TREND: Bright Lip Makeup Tutorial [How I Wear Fuchsia Lipstick]

Today I will be sharing with you how I approach the bright makeup lip trend! I chose fuchsia as my lipstick, since I have done sheer reds in the past. Fuchsia can be intimidating to approach, and it has been only recently since I have been brave enough to wear so blue a shade. I found that this look, however, really works for me! I hope you enjoy watching the look come together with products from brands that I generally do not have the time to feature. I also took a minute to include the application of the D& G Matte liquid foundation, since it has been growing on me and others were curious to see how it applied. An updated Favorite Liquid Foundations video to come, perhaps? ;)

Makeup Used:
Beautyblender PRO Makeup Sponge with new Solid Cleanser
Dolce & Gabbana The Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Warm 100
Tom Ford Illuminating Pen in 05 Natural Bisque
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer in W4-5
Lancome Translucence Mattifying Silky Pressed Powder in 300 Bisque with MAC 109
Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Light/Medium Matte Bronzer with Hakuhodo Angled Brush
Too Faced Sweethearts Perfect Flush Blush with Shu Uemura 20h Brush
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204
by Terry Eye Primer in 002
Lorac Pro Palette Eye Shadow Palette with Shu Uemura Kolinsky 10, Sigma 35 and 47 Eye Brushes
Lancome Artliner in Noir and Lancome Oscillation Intensity Mascara
House of Lashes False Lashes in Dollface
Too Faced La Creme Lipstick in Fuchsia Shock

Rhinestone Collar Shirt:
by DailyLook

Nails:
Essie Hip-Anema

Hair:
Donut Bun with Japanese velcro grip donut

___________________________________________________________________________

Lancôme Aquatic Summer Color Collection for Summer 2013

For Summer 2013, Lancôme introduces an exciting resort-inspired collection of shimmering blues and deep bronzes. I love the inspiration of the beach landscape, since we have all daydreamed about escaping to a seaside resort. The theme is relatable, the makeup beautiful.. it is Summer at its finest. There are quite a few new products in this launch, but I am most excited to see if the Hypnose Star Waterproof mascara will be about to oust my Hypnose Drama Waterproof mascara as my Holy Grail. What have you purchased from the collection? Feel free to share!

Plunge into a turquoise pool. Jump off a yacht into the deep azure of the Mediterranean. Dip a toe in the crystal waters of the Cote D'Azure. Dive into an aquatic summer with Lancôme.

FACE [NEW]
Star Bronzer Palette in Bronze Essence, $42 USD -- Illuminate your compexion and define your features with a trio of sun-kissed bronze shades straight from the Cote D'Azur.


EYES [NEW]
Color Design 6-Pan Eye Shadow Palette in Aquatic Essence, $49.50 USD -- Emphasize eyes with vibrant blues and coppery metallics in this quintessentially summer shadow selection.

EYES [continued]
Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner, $26 USD each 
     - Blue Oasis
     - Bronze

Hypnose Star Waterproof Mascara in Noir Midnight, $28 USD

Le Curler in Aqua, $23 USD

NAILS

Vernis in Love, $15 USD each

     - Simply Aqua

     - Ultramarine Green

     - Aqua Bleu

     - Plunge Pool

LIPS
Color Fever Gloss, $27 USD each
     - Flushed Rose
     - Sunbaked Coral
     - Metallic Sunburst


Fragrance
Ô D'AZUR, $59 USD -- Carefree, enticing, and surprising, this fruity-floral scent captures the languorous quality of a late summer afternoon.


Available NOW @Lancôme counters everywhere and Lancôme.com

Chanel Summer 2013 L'Ete de Papillon de Chanel Makeup Tutorial + 100k Celebratory Giveaway Announcement

CHANEL Summer 2013 L'Ete de Papillon de Chanel Makeup Giveaway Guidelines:

PRIZES: 

• Choice of (1) CHANEL 2013 Summer Rouge Coco Shine Lipstick -- 467 Pygmalion, 457 Idylle
• Choice (1) CHANEL 2013 Summer Stylo Eyeshadow -- 07 Moon River, 17 Cool Gold, 27 Pink Lagoon, 37 Jade Shore, 47 Blue Bay, 57 Black Stream
• Choice of (1) CHANEL 2013 Summer Levres Scintillantes Glossimer Lip Gloss -- 377 Zephyr, 427 Envolee, 437 Eden
• Entire (3) CHANEL 2013 Summer Nail Polishes

To view the entire Chanel 2013 Summer Makeup Collection, click here. 

-- --

Thank you very much for all your support over the years!

To enter the contest, there is one mandatory requirement and that is to: subscribe to my YouTube Channel, which is RAEview. Click here to subscribe!

To complete your entry, you must also leave your wishlist in the comments section of the CHANEL Summer 2013 makeup tutorial video. Click here to go to the video!

So that I can verify your entries, please use the contest box below to submit your entries. 

Please bear in mind that your wishlist may only include items found in the prizes listed above/below.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Participants may also receive an extra entry by: 

1. Following @RAEview on Twitter. Click here to follow. 

2. Liking The RAEviewer Facebook page. Click here to Like.

3. Following @RAEview on Instagram. Click here to follow.

3. Signing up for The RAEview VIP mailing list. Click here to add yourself.

Makeup Worn/Used:

Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Warm 100

Cle de Peau Powder Foundation in O20

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204

Chanel Soleil de Tan Bronzer in Sable Biege [old] with Hakuhodo Brush B512BkSL

Le Metier de Beaute Powder Rouge in Whisper with Laura Mercier Angled Eye Brush

by Terry Eye Primer in 002

Chanel Stylo Eyeshadows in Moon River, Cool Gold, Black Stream
   *mentioned during the review: Chanel Delta liquid eyeshadow, Chanel Rose Platine waterproof eyeliner, Chanel Mirifique cream eyeshadow

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof in Jade

Urban Decay Glide-on Eyeliner in Electric

Le Metier de Beaute Liquid Eyeliner in Noir

Velour Eyelashes in You Complete Me

Chanel Volume de Chanel Mascara in Noir

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 467 Pygmalion

Chanel Glossimer in Eden 437

Shirt:

James Perse

Nails:

Chanel Lilis [reviewed in video]

___________________________________________________________________________

Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil Review, Photos

Since the launch of Hourglass Cosmetics, I have fallen head over heels for a couple of their products. First, it was the Mineral Veil Foundation Primer and then the Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation, both of which I recommend nonstop to those with oily skins and those who love a matte skin effect. Then I discovered this new Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil ($42 USD), and I have been hooked since the first swipe. The product has undeniably intriguing packaging, but find out what makes this lip truly spectacular after the jump!

My Favorite Drugstore Beauty Products for Spring 2013 [from Ulta, CVS, Walgreens, Korean brands]

Today I am sharing with you my most recent favorite products from the drugstore, from face products to nail polishes! Drugstore product reviews are very highly requested by my readers and viewers these days, so I figured we could all take a break from the luxury brands' releases to focus on the best in the affordable beauty realm. I test drugstore products regularly, so I have been saving some items to review all at once in this video. I hope you enjoy it!



Makeup Reviewed:
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Makeup in Creamy Natural 200
Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer in 001
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder in Beige
Lioele Skin Fix Twin Cake [Powder Foundation] SP F27 in 23 Natural Beige
Missha Safe Block Essence SUN SPF 45 Sunscreen
Essie Nail Polishes in Butler Please, Set in Stones, All in One Base
Wet-n-Wild Color Icon Bronzer SPF 15 in Ticket to Brazil
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer in W1-2-3
Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer in Aloe Fresh
Maybelline Color Explosion Eyeshadow Palette in 05 Caffeine Rush [wearing NYX Jumbo Shadow Pencil in Yogurt as a base]
NYX Slide On Pencil in Jet Black [which is not jet black]
NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Natural
NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee


Makeup Worn:
Maybelline Age Instant Age Rewind The Lifter Makeup in Creamy Natural 200
Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Face Powder in Beige
Lioele Skin Fix Twin Cake [Powder Foundation] SP F27 in 23 Natural Beige
Wet-n-Wild Color Icon Bronzer SPF 15 in Ticket to Brazil
L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer in W1-2-3
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Black 204
Maybelline Color Explosion Eyeshadow Palette in 05 Caffeine Rush [wearing NYX Jumbo Shadow Pencil in Yogurt as a base and used the Sigma Tapered Blending Brush and Angled Eyeshadow Brushes to apply the colors]
NYX Slide On Pencil in Jet Black [with Red Cherry Lashes #47]
NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Natural
NYX Butter Gloss in Creme Brulee

Nails:
Essie Nail Polishes in Butler Please
Essie Set in Stones

Shirt:
C&C California [super old]

Bridal Beauty Inspired by Grace Kelly from Le Metier de Beaute for Oscar de la Renta -- Plus a 15% OFF CODE!

Oscar de la Renta is favored by fashionistas worldwide. His recent bridal show was complete with Le Metier de Beaute makeup, so I wanted to share the ethereal look worn by all the models with you. Now that engagement season is in full swing, a lot of brides-to-be have been inquiring about what kind of makeup to wear on their big day. Some brides still opt for the sultry smoky look, but I am heavily favoring the fresh and elegant Grace Kelly inspired makeup trend these days and not just because it is popular on the runway. 

Mikey Castillo, the Le Metier de Beaute Director of Makeup, used satiny eyeshadow, fresh flushed pinks and glossy nudes to accent the timeless gowns by de la Renta. 

The Face -- The models were prepped with Replenishing Daily Solution, followed by Peau Vierge Tinted Luminzer for radiant skin.

The Eyes -- The satin lid look was created by using the Champagne Dualistic Eye Pencil as a base, blending it from the lash line to the eye bridge. Then the True Color Shadows in Chameleon and Rose Champagne were layered over one another to add a soft feminine flair. To complete the look, the Noir Precision Liquid Liner was drawn as close as possible to the lash line while lashes were topped with one coat of Noir Anamorphic Lash Mascara to create a fluttery finish.

The Brows -- The Natural Blonde Brow Bound Eyebrow pencil defined the brows but the edges were blended out for a natural touch. 

The Cheeks -- Mikey applied the Creme Fresh Tint in Coral Nymph high on the apples of the cheeks for a youthful flush. The pop of color and the dewy finish of the tint is refreshing yet feminine. 

The Lips -- My beloved Sweet Creme Lip Creme Gloss was layered on for a sheer, nude-pink pout. 

The Final Touch -- The Classic Flawless Finish Concealer, used sparingly where necessary, finished off the entire look by creating a flawless base that every bride hopes to achieve. 

But best of all? Le Metier de Beaute is now offering this impeccably curated Beauty Vault pairing on their site, and you can receive 15% OFF the entire look by using the code 'OSCAR' [meaning you can snatch up all the makeup pictured above for a total of $172.. what a deal!]

*Note: I will not earn any commission from the use of the code. This is only a PSA for all my makeup lovers out there who want to score fabulous makeup at an unbeatable price!* I just filmed a Fresh and Luminous Spring Makeup look -- which you can see here -- using a very similar range of Le Metier de Beaute products, so this is the perfect opportunity for you to try some of my favorites from the brand. And of course, anyone (bride or otherwise) can enjoy this classic yet fresh makeup look. Happy shopping!

April Beauty Edit: Favorites for Skin, Eyes, Lips + Video Details

This was a great month for beauty, so this episode is dedicated to throughly reviewing all the best beauty buys
that I have been loving! I was very excited to share them with you, even though there are not as many color
products. I instead chose to focus on lots of basics and real must-haves!

Feel free to let me know what your Favorites for this month were in the comments below. And more drugstore recommendations would be welcome :)



Products Reviewed:
DDF Glycolic 10% Toning Complex
Kiehl's Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator
Jurlique Purely Bright Spot Treatment
Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer in 001
Jonathan Create Smooth Anti-Frizz Volumizing Serum [Purchase it HERE]
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil Holder and Cartridge in 204 Natural Grey [View Swatches HERE]
Le Metier de Beaute Radiance Powder Rouge in Whisper [View TUTORIAL HERE]
Chanel Hong Kong Collection Eyeshadow Palette in Pearl River [View TUTORIAL HERE]
Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Natural Glow 100
Tom Ford Lip Color Shine Lipstick in Smitten 02 [View Summer '13 Review HERE]
Lancome Spring 2013 Kohl in Love Pencils in Jade Crush & Deepwater Blue [View Review HERE]
Hourglass N28 Lip Treatment Oil [Review to be posted on Monday!]
Chanel Stylo Eyeshadows [See Swatches HERE]


Makeup Worn:
Becca Perfect Skin Mineral Powder Foundation in Nude
Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Matte Liquid Foundation in Natural Glow 100
L'Oreal True Match Crayon Concealer in W1-2-3
Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer in Pink Ave Princess
Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 Natural Grey
Le Metier de Beaute Radiance Powder Rouge in Whisper
Tom Ford Summer 2013 Cream Colors for Eyes in Pink Haze & Escapade [View Summer '13 Review HERE]
YSL Shocking Felt Tip Eyeliner with House of Lashes Temptress Lashes
Tom Ford Lip Color Shine Lipstick in Smitten 02

Shirt:
DailyLook [Receive 20% off your first order HERE!]

Nail Polish:
Tom Ford Summer 2013 Vapor [View Summer '13 Review HERE]

Tom Ford Beauty Summer 2013 Collection Review, Photos, Swatches

The newest beauty collection from Tom Ford has launched at counters everywhere and is officially available online at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Tom Ford says that he had one goal with this collection. He "wanted to capture a very particular look of skin that is bathed in sunset light in the summer. It is a sultry and sublime glow. In this light, every woman looks irresistibly relaxed and sensual." I love ethereal glows without apparent shimmer, so I had high expectations for these new products (the Illuminator in particular). Please see individual product reviews and all swatches after the jump!

Dior Summer 2013 Bird of Paradise Nail Lacquer Duo in 001 Samba Review, Photos, Swatches, Nail Wheels, Comparisons

The Dior Bird of Paradise collection for Summer 2013 recently arrived at all Dior counters in the United States. The Nail Lacquer Duo in Samba 001 was the first to catch my eye, naturally, and it is the only item from the Dior collection I have purchased thus far. I passed on the Bahia duo as it is more in line with the permanent range of Dior polishes. Just as with my Chanel Azure nail polish review, this post will be just as much a feature of this nail polish duo as it will be a comparison of the shades. There are similar colors on the market currently, so many of you have asked me if splurging on this duo was worth it. See my thoughts after the jump!