Christian Louboutin Loubichrome Nail Polishes Review + Swatches

Christian Louboutin launched in January 2017 a trio of Loubichrome miniature nail polishes that are — drumroll please — sold INDIVIDUALLY. Previous minis had been sold only as a complete set but these beauties are $30 each. Swatches of these energetic new shades after the jump!

March 2016 Beauty Favorites + Moving Update

Now that I'm in my own element and nearly done settling in, I'm back on a roll and so happy to be! My office space isn't perfectly organized and it's by no means picture perfect just yet, but I hope you enjoy this sneak peek into my new apartment. I have some fun interior design videos in the works, but in the meantime, stay tuned for my upcoming weight loss update and meal plan video! xo

PRODUCTS REVIEWED

Chanel Longwear Nail Color

Chanel La Base Coat

Chanel Le Gel Top Coat

Dior Shadow + Liner Duo
Bobbi Brown Ink Eyeliner

Bobbi Brown Everything Eyes Palette

111SKIN Bright Eye Lift Gel

Neutrogena Soothing Cream Cleanser

L'Oreal Black Velvet Eyeliner

MAKEUP WORN

SK-II Cream Compact Foundation

MUFE HD Concealer in Y31

Guerlain Les Voilettes Powder in 3

NARS Bronzer in Laguna

NARS Blushes in Sin and Madly

Surratt Brow Pencil in Raven

Cle de Peau Lip Luminizer in 204

Bobbi Brown Ink Eyeliner in Blackest Black

Bobbi Brown Everything Eyes Palette

L'Oreal Black Velvet Eyeliner

Velour Lashes in Got It From My Momma

Get 15% OFF with promo code RAEVELOUR

H A I R

T3 Micro Bodywaver Iron

N A I L S

Chanel Nail Polish in Organdi

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EPIC HAUL | Beauty & Fashion ♥ NSale, Tokyo + Chanel Vibrato Swatches

Since I couldn't include all the Tokyo beauty goodies in my new haul video, I decided to share some here! Lots of you requested swatches of the gorgeous cobalt blue Chanel Vibrato nail polish. Yes, it is similar to Dior's Sailor, but the Chanel formula is better. Some cobalt blues can be tricky to apply but Vibrato is silky smooth and creamy without feeling heavy or clumpy. Perfect in 2 quick coats. I highly, highly recommend it! I swatched it next to ADDICTION's Blue Moon, which is more navy in real life and has a slightly translucent jelly finish (as seen below) that is prone to bubbling. I love Blue Moon nonetheless, but Vibrato is brighter and barely requires any clean up around the cuticles because it's that easy to apply. If you live in the USA, don't fret because it is rumored to be released in the United States in September!

ADDICTION on LEFT (ring finger). Please forgive my super dry cuticles! I need to go get a manicure.

A couple of you asked how much less Commes de Garçons PLAY clothing is in Tokyo. I will update this post when I find the receipts. I stashed them away for safekeeping but forgot where. I believe I saved approximately 20% when factoring in Los Angeles tax. It's not a bargain by any means, but it is significantly cheaper considering that CdG Play never goes on sale! The quality is worth the splurge. I do know for sure that the clothes at Uniqlo were half the price of everything they charge in the USA. I bought tees for $5 apiece and awesome comfy pants for about $25 each! Even budget buys like Uniqlo in Japan are so much better in terms of quality — and fit for shorties like me — than your run-of-the-mill Forever21 items (which are absurdly overpriced these days). In general, clothing that is worth the money is hard to come by now! I was lucky enough to go right as the sales were starting, so I also found a few skirts at a steep discount.

I also visited lots of toy and anime shops looking for Naruto plushies, but the convention had just passed so everything was sold out! I purchased mini figurines instead, so once I find a place to display them, I will share a picture. I got lots of random goodies like handmade house slippers and some more Totoro merchandise as well as a slew of drugstore products like salon pas for my backaches! I also stocked up on Dollywink lashes and hair goodies from Honeycé as shown in the video, and as usual, lots of mascaras and eyeliners. I will share my favorites here on the blog soon!!

Products Reviewed:

Moroccanoil Moisture Kit

E+J Pink Skirt

DailyLook Elite Box

Dior Gold Sunglasses

**affordable version HERE

Charlotte Tilbury x Norman Parkinson Collection

Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil

Shu Uemura Brow Palette

Shu Uemura Brow:Swords

Lancome Miracle Cushion

Chanel Fall 2015 Nail Polish

Chanel Waterproof Eyeliner

Chanel Lip Gloss

SUQQU Brow Pencil

SUQQU Brow Pen

Chikuhodo Brushes

Commes de Garçons PLAY Hoodie

 Commes de Garçons PLAY Sweater

Nail Polish Worn: 

Chanel 767

Tee:

Current Elliot

Hair:

T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i

Makeup Worn:

Laura Mercier Lip Parfait Colourbalm in Amaretto Swirl

RMK Eyeshadow in Gold Glitter

Armani WP Eyeliner Pencil

Cle de Peau Eyebrow

Cle de Peau Concealer

Burberry Foundation

La Mer Loose Powder

MUFE Pro Bronze in 20

Velour Lashes in Oops Naughty Me

 **use code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF

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Christian Louboutin Scarabée Nail Collection Review, Photos, Swatches

Christian Louboutin just launched the Scarabée Collection, three new and limited edition nail lacquers inspired by Egyptian iconography. The iridescent beauty and mesmerizing wonder of the sacred scarab beetles represents rebirth and riches, perfectly themed for Autumn/Winter 2015! Check out the swatches after the jump xo

MOON MANI | Christian Louboutin Sweet Charity and Kohl Review, Photos, Swatches

While I was in New York City last month, my friend Cat took me to get a manicure at tenoverten in Soho. I requested tuxedo-inspired nail art to match my new handbag, but the finished design, upon closer inspection, was crooked and uneven. This is my attempt to recreate the vision for the perfect half-moon manicure using Christian Louboutin Beauté Sweet Charity and Kohl. How-to directions and tips after the jump!

Christian Louboutin Python Vulcano Nail Colour Collection Review, Photos + Nail Art

This limited edition miniature Christian Louboutin Python Vulcano lacquer collection is my favorite nail polish release this Spring. I love how the textured keepsake box matches my beloved So Kate Python pumps (available in this Vulanco edition here), and all three polishes are top notch quality. According to Sephora, this coffret is "inspired by Jackson Pollock's drip-techniques paintings... [It] mirrors the brilliant effect of projected colors, resulting in emphasizing the scaled effect of the python surface. This trio of highly pigmented, rich formulas are influenced by the colors in this collection, each one presenting itself as a beautiful art object worthy of displaying on any vanity." Check out the individual shade details and complete nail art look after the jump!

YSL Pop Water Collection Glossy Stains + Nail Lacquers Review, Photos, and Swatches

As some of you may have seen on social media, Nordstrom has an exciting new exclusive collection by YSL Beauty! These new third generation Pop Water Glossy Stains are some of the best lip glosses I have worn in the last couple years. Many of you know that I am a Glossy Stain and moreover, lip gloss addict, so I knew this Nordstrom exclusive Pop Water collection would be right up my alley. All details and swatches after the jump!

TOP TEN | Spring 2015 The New Neutrals

The color of the season is neutral. I have seen it all over Nordstrom's beauty department, where every beauty ad is featuring minimal makeup in nude, neutral color palettes. That is why I will be sharing the best nudes and pinks to deep rose and soft violet-hued makeup in my collection today! My top 10 picks after the jump xo

TOP 8 | Best of NARS Cosmetics Review

Have you ever walked by a NARS counter at Nordstrom and stared in awe at the rows and rows of the sophisticated makeup but were too intimidated to buy? Well, if you've ever felt overwhelmed, this guide is for you. I hope it will help you figure out where to start or at the very least, bring you up to speed on some fabulous makeup you've been overlooking!

TOP 8 | Best of Burberry Review

Since its launch in 2010, Burberry has become one of my favorite designer beauty brands. All the products are beautifully packaged in gunmetal trench patterns and reflect the house's longstanding tradition of glowing skin and flattering color. This beauty lineup will feature my top eight picks that I recommend you try first from this outstanding brand!

Nail Polish 101 | My Favorite Base + Top Coats, Nail Colors, and Nail Care Essentials Review

I have fairly strong nails despite wearing polish daily, so I have received lots of questions about my nail care + color. My natural nails have visible ridges and a strong nail line, but due to great base coats, top coats, and color, my at-home manicures look fresh and even. I will outline which products I have discovered to be the best performing in my nail collection after the jump!

September 2014 Favorites [Hits & Misses] feat. Gucci, Charlotte Tilbury, Louboutin, Tom Ford, etc.

September has been a whirlwind of a month! I visited London for the very first time, and I was so busy testing new product launches that I barely had time to reach for old faithfuls. I know lots of you have been curious about Charlotte Tilbury and Gucci, so I focused heavily on those two brands, but I also wanted to include new skin care goodies and updates on recently launched foundations. I know it's a bit of information overload, so I threw in a health and wellness tidbit with my new food obsession — juicing! I have been trying to lose weight slowly and efficiently without sacrificing my sanity, which is why I am loving Pressed Juicery. Last but not least, we can't forget my favorite new nail polishes from Christian Louboutin! I'll be placing an order for more soon, so you can expect swatches in October xo

Products Reviewed:

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes in The Sophisticate + The Dolce Vita

Charlotte Tilbury Brow Lift Pencil in Cara D

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in High Society

Gucci Vibrant Lip Lacquer in Exposure

Gucci Moisture-Rich Lipstick in Exposure

Gucci Moisture-Rich Lipstick in Cipria [nude]

Gucci Luxe Finishing Powder in O20

Gucci Shadow Mono in Iconic Copper

FOREO Luna Mini in Turquoise

Equitance Brightening Toning Lotion
Sisley Phyto-Teint Foundation

Eve Lom SPF 50 Sunscreen

Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide [Tutorial HERE]

YSL Fusion Ink Foundation

Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation

Pressed Juicery Juice Cleanses + Juices

Louboutin Nail Colors in Lova and Batignolles

MAKEUP WORN:

Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting Foundation

Gucci Luxe Finishing Powder in O20

Burberry Effortless Brow Pencil in Ash Brown

Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow

EM Michelle Phan Scribble Eyeliner in Tattoo Black

Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes Mascara

Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palettes in The Sophisticate and The Dolce Vita

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Lustre in High Society

Velour Lashes in Extra Oomph

*Use code RAEVELOUR to get 15% OFF!

Earrings:

Pearl & Stone Branch

Nail Polish:

Gucci Siam Red

Gucci Rosette

Jacket and Tee:

Lululemon Athletica

Hair:

Natural

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London Travel Photo Diary, Vlog + Haul [Burberry, SUQQU, Chanel, Dior, and more]

London is now officially my favorite travel destination. I love the architecture more than words can convey, and there is just so much history to explore! I spent the bulk of my 'tourist' time at Westminster Abbey, which was breathtakingly beautiful. We even got some very sneaky albeit shaky footage of the interior! Unfortunately, I do not have a vlogging camera, but I will look into purchasing one soon because lugging around my DSLR was pretty painful. For that reason alone, I was not able to capture as much footage of the city as I had hoped. That is why in addition to the vlog, I decided to create and share this London Photo Diary! 

The highlight of my trip was the Burberry runway experience. I finally got to meet and watch the incredibly down-to-earth, talented Wendy Rowe in action.. twice! At the Spring Summer 2015 Beauty Look Preview, she walked us through the new products. I am absolutely loving the Effortless Brow Pencil and Fresh Glow Powder Foundation, both which will likely launch in America in a few months or so. 

The 'Birds and The Bees' runway show was magical, with live music by James Bay. I was lucky enough to go backstage, so make sure to watch the vlog (at the end of this post) to see clips of Wendy Rowe and the gorgeous models!

The marvelous views in London took my breath away. I wish I could have taken better photos, but I hope these iPhone snaps will suffice! I plan to take a few days to visit more sites like Buckingham Palace next time. We passed the Trafalgar Square a couple times, but I alway seemed to miss my photo opportunities. I was so impressed by its grandeur! 

Now for the food journal.. many of you know how much I love to eat. First up is Amorino! Rose-sculpted gelato on a cone. Need I say more? Next up is Balthazar, where I had the yummiest escargot and seafood pasta! Definitely visit this romantic brasserie for dinner. Then we have Petrus. Have I ever mentioned how much I love Gordon Ramsay? My London trip was planned last-minute, so I was unable to book Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. Petrus, however, was a pleasant surprise! Each course was plated to perfection, and every element was as tasty as it looked! Hawksmoor is another lovely restaurant you should visit when traveling to London, especially if you love steak.

All the buses stopped for a mile!

I am already planning another trip to London in 2015 — most likely for my birthday — and will do my best to shoot the entire adventure. Vlogging outdoors in front of strangers makes me feel awkward and super self-conscious, but I will try to walk/talk you through my days! Please let me know if you'd like to see more of these vlogs!

HAUL: 

SUQQU Eyeshadow Brush M

SUQQU Eyebrow Liquid Pen in Moss Green

Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation

Shu Uemura Farfallina Flared Lashes

Dior Eyeshadow Palettes in Cuir Cannage, Versailles & Jardin

Burberry Runway Nail Collection in Blues

Burberry Runway Nail Collection in Pinks

Isabel Marant Bekett Wedges in Black 36

Ash Jude Booties in Black/Indigo 36

Chanel Flap Wallet in Black Caviar/Gold Hardware

Wittard Green Tea Taster Set

Wittard Milk Oolong Loose Tea

Nail Polish:

Burberry SS 2015 in Coral Red

Hair:

Hot Tools Curling Iron in 1.5" (White)

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Dior Fall 2014 '5 Couleurs' Eyeshadow Palettes in Pied de Poule and Tutu + Vernis Gel in Pied de Poule and Carre Bleu

Dior's Fall collections never fail to impress me. Now available at Nordstrom, the newly repackaged and reformulated eyeshadow quints come in five different colorways, all reinvented to achieve multi-faceted looks. The matte, satin, iridescent, and ultra-shimmery eyeshadow formulas are intended to create varying effects to suit any occasion. 876 Tralfagar seems to be the running favorite thus far, but I will be featuring my top two picks after the jump!

YSL Summer 2014 Bleus Lumiere and Couture Palettes Review + Friends and Family SALE Product Recommendations

The stunning YSL 'Bleus Lumiere' Summer 2014 collection is largely sold out, but if you manage to find the BL Couture Eyeshadow Palette and/or the Bleu Celadon nail polish, scoop them up! I did not expect to fall so deeply in love with this collection, which is why I did not review it immediately. I apologize for the oversight because this is one of the best YSL collections in years.

The campaign ad went for a bit of shock factor appeal with opposing textures and high contrast color, like where the orange tones were intensified to a metallic molten rust. I love the editorial looks, but I wanted to combine both warm and cool colors from the Bleus Lumiere palette, so I took the minimal approach with subtle nods to color! I will be wearing this combination all summer long because I am that obsessed with it. It's an easy pastel combination that shakes up my neutral routine without looking completely gaudy or feeling awkward when I step out in public. Give it a try with products you already have in your stash! 

P.S. If you want an aqua similar to the YSL eyeshadow I'm wearing, try the coordinating Bleu Acqua Waterproof Pencil that was released with the Bleus Lumiere palette xo

Makeup Worn:

Sulwhasoo Snowise Serum BB in 02 

Chanel Vitalumiere Powder Compact in 20

Cle de Peau Concealer in Beige

Chanel Les Beiges Multi-Color Bronzer in 02

Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil in 204 and Holder

Cle de Peau Luminizing Face Enhancer in 13 Sand Beige

YSL Babydoll Kiss & Blush in 12 Moca Garconne

Swatches of MORE Kiss & Blush HERE

Eye Makeup:

YSL Bleus Lumiere Summer 2014 Couture Palette [Sold Out]
YSL Couture Eyeshadow Palette in 04 Saharienne

Eyeko Visual Eyes Liquid Eyeliner in Black

Guerlain Maxi Lash Waterproof Mascara

Shu Uemura Gel Pencil in M Brown

Velour Lashes in Cluster-holic [Medium and Long]

*Use promo code RAEVELOUR to receive 15% OFF!

Eye Brushes Used:

Bobbi Brown Angle Eye Shadow

Bobbi Brown Eye Blender

Bobbi Brown Eye Sweep

MAC 252 Large Shader

Hakuhodo J142

Nails:

YSL Bleu Celadon Summer 2014

Earrings:

House of Harlow White Sunburst

Please note, the YSL Friends and Family Sale has just started! If you're interested in any of the products I used in the video tutorial above, take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy 20% OFF any order of $75 or more with complimentary shipping until June 30, 2014. Sign up for your unique coupon code HERE and don't forget to check out my recommendations below. I've always had a soft spot for YSL, so I have tried just about everything from the brand and these are my favorites. Happy shopping xo

• COUTURE PALETTE Eyeshadows in 4 Saharienne + 2 Fauves + 11 Ballets Russes: These pigmented, smooth, and long-lasting eyeshadow palettes are my favorite eye release this year! YSL has done at outstanding job with the reformulation. Very minimal fall out and easy to blend textures in a variety of shades.. there's a little something for everyone! I'm totally tempted to collect them all because the quality is so consistent, but I exercised restraint and ordered just 2 and 11
• VOLUPTÉ SHEER CANDY Lip Balms in 2 Papaya + 4 Pomegranate: These are my favorite tinted lip balms and by far, my most worn YSL lip products. I love the silver bullet with gold filigree, and the formula is lightly hydrating with a gorgeous glossy finish. Women always stop to ask me what I'm using when I reapply on the go. The ultimate treat for everyday use!
• LA LAQUE COUTURE Nail Polishes in 25 Rose Romantique + 22 Beige Leger: Both are perfectly ladylike colors suitable for any occasion. I adore the slightly rounded edge of the brush that makes getting close to the cuticle (without flooding it) rather easy. 
• TOUCHE ÉCLAT Highlighting Pen: This bestseller from YSL is worth a try if you are looking for a brightener! I love this highlighter because it looks so natural, and it never cakes. If you have faint dark circles, you can actually wear it alone. Try tapping it along the top of the cheeks to create the illusion of higher cheekbones! I use shade 2.
• BABYDOLL Kiss & Blush in 12 Moca Garconne + 8 Pink Hedoniste: I love these versatile soft-matte colors! The whipped mousse formula can be used on cheeks or lips, though I really only wear mine on the lips. The brighter colors may attract the eye initially, but I reach for complexion boosters like 12 and 8 most because they're so flattering!
• SOUFFLE D'ECLAT Loose Powder in 3: This brand new release is just in time for the summer! I meant to use this in my YSL Summer 2014 video, but I had already packed it away. I will be sure to use it in another tutorial soon! I love how the soft yellow undertone of 3 diffuses the redness on my cheeks while the Mother-of-Pearl provides a natural glow. This airy powder is perfect for setting liquid foundation or BB Cream on even sensitive and/or dry skin! The Souffle D'Eclat is replacing my beloved La Mer Loose Powder, which is apparently being discontinued.
• ROUGE VOLUPTÉ Lipsticks in 30 Faubourg Peach + 1 Nude Beige: These classic, full-coverage creamy lipsticks are irresistible. Even though they make my super sensitive lips peel, I still wear them because the colors are too beautiful to ignore! Considering how opaque this looks on the lips, the formula feels lightweight. The color options are nearly endless, so give one a try!
• GLOSSY STAIN Rebel Nudes in 105 Corail Hold Up + 112 Dangerous Pink: The Rebel Nudes are the latest additions to the Glossy Stain line-up, and they can be worn alone or layered on top of the classic shades for a 3-D effect! This long-wearing formula tends to be hit or miss since they feel a little sticky, but I absolutely adore them. When worn over clean lips, they do not bleed into the lip lines, and the darker shades will leave a pretty stain behind! 

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