6.16.2013

Zoya Nail Polish in Mia Review, Photos, Swatches



Zoya Nail Polish describes their Mia shade as a "very soft, muted dusty nude mauve-pink in a glossy creme finish. A gentle, natural charming shade for a flattering nude look." I have been searching high and low for a feminine pink that is not too nude while appropriate for all occasions, and I have found it in Mia. This polished pink looks fabulous from all angles at any time of the day, though it does pull warmer to a rosy-mauve when indoors without artificial light (see photo above & please excuse the healing wound on my hand). On the other hands, Mia appears to be more of a neutral pink with a slightly dusty cast in full sunlight or bright fluorescent lighting (see photo below).

I find that Zoya's Mia is extremely flattering on my medium-tanned hands. I was hesitant that it would look too pale or apply too sheerly, but it is perfect in every regard. I rarely wear sunscreen on my hands and arms -- I know, for shame -- so I was surprised that Mia did not turn ashy against my skin tone. Dusty mauve polishes tend to cast a grey tint to my warm undertones. This is, by far, the best performing Zoya that I have encountered, and I am sure you can tell from this glowing review. Not only do I love the easy application, this creme finish has a hint of translucency (aka no chalkiness) that yields incredibly smooth and shiny color in just two coats. I have worn it for several days with barely a sign of tip wear. No wonder Zoya released Mia in their Classics collection!


NOTE: I always use a base coat (either Butter London's Nail Foundation or Essie's All in One), and more importantly, I always finish my nails with Butter London's Hardware Top Coat for an extremely chip-resistant and extra glossy finish. I realize some do not prefer the high gloss look, but it makes my very narrow nail beds look more feminine.

Bottom Line: Mia has given me hope that I will find more Zoya colors to love, and I highly recommend it to those who have been looking for an affordable, sophisticated pink that is not stiff or totally uninteresting.
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6.13.2013

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipsticks in 103 Brun Créateur and 104 Brun Cachemire Reviews, Photos, Swatches



The Le Rouge is the newest lipstick offering from Givenchy Beauty, housed in an edgy chrome bullet with genuine black leather. I love the geometric stud detailing in contrast with the soft and supple feeling of the wrapped case in my palm. These lipsticks have a silky fine texture that defines and plumps up the lips, which I know many of you will love. See swatches after the jump!

6.12.2013

May 2013 Favorites [Hits & Misses] for Base Makeup, Hair, Lips/Nails + Video Details


The month of May was filled with the best of beauty! There was finally a "miss" worth talking about, since after all it is from Chanel, and I knew the hard-core Chanel fanatics in my audience would appreciate this mention. I also rediscovered some of my old favorites, which is what tends to happen when you shop your stash. My routine has been very minimal, as I have had to ease up on the makeup since my skin has been so volatile (thank you, hormones). I have, however, seen progress in my skin's condition, so this means I will be back to wearing a complete face and testing more makeup for you full-time! Hope you enjoy these summer season appropriate Favorites xoxo


Makeup Reviewed:
Dolce & Gabbana The Foundation Perfect Matte Liquid in 100
Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Nude
Kerastase Ciment Thermique
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in 1 Natural with BB Bronzer Brush
Bobbi Brown Retouching Powder in 4 Peach
Kenzo Ki Skin Whitening Cocooning Cream [see more info here]
Kenzo Ki Skin Vital-Ice Cream [see more info here]
Chanel Volume de Chanel Mascara in Black
Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara in Black
Lancome Gloss in Love in Peach Show 146 and Just Strass 200 [new releases]
Tom Ford Summer 2013 Nail Lacquer in Vapor

Makeup Worn:
Hourglass Immaculate Foundation in Nude
Chanel Double Perfection Powder Foundation in B30
Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder in Natural 1
Givenchy Le Prisme Blush Powder in 25 In Vogue Orange
Ellis Faas Light in 303 Bronze as Eye Base
Lorac Pro Palette - Light Bronze Eyeshadow with Mauve in Crease
Sephora Long Lasting Liquid Eyeliner with Precision Brush in Black
Ardell Accent Lashes No. 305 with Armani Eyes to Kill WP Mascara
Lancome Gloss in Love in Peach Show 146

Nails:
Chanel Azure [Summer 2013 Limited Edition]
Deborah Lippmann Mermaid's Dream [ring fingers]

Tank:
Lululemon Power Y [old]

6.05.2013

My Morning Routine -- Skin Care with Base Makeup




Today I will be sharing with you a spin on the Get Ready with Me in the Morning Tag video. I chose to keep it shorter than usual and highlight the skin care I have been using. Again, my skin has been experiencing hormonal swings, but the overall clarity of my skin has improved greatly! My cheeks are smoother and more even in color than they have ever been. My forehead and chin have been volatile spots for me, but at least I can positively say they have been very responsive and heal accordingly.

My night time skin care routine video will address more of the products I use to calm my skin, but my morning's skin care routine has positively added that "silky smooth" factor to my complexion that was lacking before. And yes, the Kenzo creams are super lightweight, so they help me maintain my normal T-Zone throughout the day.. highly recommended for those with oily skin or for those who prefer thinner (yet highly effective) moisturizers!


Products Used:
Nails:
  • Givenchy Nail Lacquer in 02 Biege Mousseline
  • Butter London Tart as a Heart [glitter]
  • Chanel Easten Light [white creme]
Tee:
  • James Perse
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