Dior's Gris Montaigne - NOTD

Gris Montaigne

I've had this shade for a little while now, sitting neglected in my nail polish stash so I thought it was time to show it some lovin'. My Chanel Mimosa was starting to wear and I wanted a change from the flashiness of Mimosa. I really have an appreciation for Dior nail polishes and adore how quickly they dry. Plus, I am a huge fan of gray and really think it is one of the most understated colors out there. I was already familiar with Dior's new formula of nail polishes, and I know they had some mixed reviews on the brush but I was impressed with my Dior Bond Street. Olga, from http://www.makeupacademia.com had already done a previous review on the polishes and I fell in love with what I saw. So when I spotted the last of Gris Montaigne mingling with other nail polishes on a nail display at Nordstrom's I snatched it up in a heartbeat.

Wide brush 

Gris Montaigne (707) was inspired by it's flagship store located in Paris, France on 30 Avenue Montaigne. It was part of a mini-release of nail polishes all inspired by fashion capitals - London, New York, and of course Paris. Sadly, Gris Montaigne is no longer available.  

The polish applies darker than it appears in the bottle when you apply two coats, like I did.

Hand with Gris Montaigne

Christian Dior top to Gris Montaigne

What are you wearing on your nails?

Isn't this cute?

Here is your obligatory Mother's Day reminder...Mother's  Day is 19 days away (less than three weeks)! We all know the key necklaces that Tiffany has made famous. Well, they've done it again this time with locks. When I spotted this adorable sterling silver necklace in Tiffany's windows my mind immediately thought it would make a perfect Mother's Day gift (seeing how our children hold the key to our hearts), especially when you take into consideration the price, it is a bargain $100.00 for a Tiffany necklace! If you feel like spending a little more dough the same version with rose gold is stunning for $150.00. So whether you are a mom, or you have one it would be sublime! Even if you take mom out of the equation, it would make a pretty fabulous Birthday, Anniversary, or Just Because gift as well!

In Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver with Rose Gold

*Images taken directly from Tiffany's website*

Chanel's Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in Bronze Rose

'Rose Bronze'

So far, I am loving Chanel's Summer Collection, I think it is one of their best ones yet! With that being said, it should come as no surprise to learn that I added a new addition to my growing Chanel Summer 2011 Collection. The limited edition bronzing powder ($50.00) in Bronze Rose (547). I was looking for a new blush/bronzer and did a happy dance when I found out this particular one was oil-free (if you remember a few posts back, my dermatologist gave me strict instructions to use oil-free makeup only). So being the obedient patient that I am, I'm heeding my dermatologist's advice.

Chanel has two different versions of this bronzer, one in rose and one in coral. I chose this one because I am so fair (I'm a MAC NW20 for reference) and I like the effect the pink mixed in with the bronze tones gives off. It's not too orangey or muddy. It is a bronzer with a built in rose highlighter. The other bronzer, in Bronze Corail, was so beyond gorgeous in real life, but sadly, the coloring just wouldn't work with mine.  

This formula blends so well and is finely milled. Chanel is synonymous with quality and this bronzer is no exception. With this you can go out there and get that "sun kissed" effect without the sun's harmful effects. It is a total win-win. I also like that this can act as a blush or a bronzer stretching your proverbially beauty buck.

The pink in real life is darker than it appears on Chanel's website and I tried in vain to capture that with my camera, but alas, the sun never made its appearance today in sunny Southern California. I just do not think pictures do this bronzer any justice, so run -- don't walk -- to your local Chanel counter and see for yourself!

'Rose Bronze'

L-R the colors were taken from the top of the compact to the bottom. The last color is all the colors combined. 

Chanel's Lilium Quad Review

As promised here is my Chanel 'Lilium' quad review...

Chanel Summer 2011

Part of Chanel's Summer 2011 collection is their Lilium Eye Quad. After strolling through Bloomingdale's, I stopped at the Chanel counter (big mistake) and immediately was taken by 'Lilium'. I had already seen some preview pics from Charleston Girl and she had me tempted by what I saw. Being a hazel-eyed girl myself, these colors really spoke to me and help to bring out the green in my eyes, which I l-o-v-e!

What is there to say about this quad, expect for the fact that I am very impressed with the quality of the shadows. I didn't experience any fallout from them. At first the colors looked a bit washed out in the direct sun, but after going into my bathroom to look in the mirror, you could see the full effect which was stunning. I'm elated that green, being one of my favorite colors, is being promoted for Summer.  At $57.00, I think I'll get my money's worth out of these lovely shades considering I have nothing like this in my stash already.

I'm going to talk about each color separately: The pink is very sheer and can barely be seen in the photo, which makes for a nice highlighter, or all over color. The darker green can be used for a liner, but I like it in the crease -- personally -- for a pop of color. The pale green was applied to my inner eye to open them up, and the taupe was applied all over because it is light and the color intensity can be built up. Keep in mind, if this look is too light for you, using a wet brush will achieve a more dramatic effect -  a look perfect for a night on the town.

I previewed the 'Rose Platine' eye liner yesterday, in my excited state I had yet to apply this. Well, today I did and I feel it is worth mentioning that the eye liner applies like a dream without any tugging. After trying to wash this from my hand (from swatching) I can attest to its effectiveness against water. When they call this eyeliner smudegeproof, they were not exaggerating!

I'll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.....

'Lilium'

Chanel's 'Lilium'  applied dry with eyes opened

Here you can see the colors 'Lilium' has to offer along with the 'Rose Platine' eye liner

Pink, Darker  Green, Pale Yellowish Green, & Taupe swatched lightly with my finger

Chanel's Rose Platine

Chanel's Summer 2011 Collection

Chanel's Summer 2011 Collection has arrived at most counters by now, and it has hit the ground running. Chanel already has a smash hit on their hands with their nail lacquer, Mimosa, and I believe they have done it again with  Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-lasting Eyeliner in Rose Platine.

Out of the three things I picked up from Chanel's Summer 2011 Collection, their eyeliner is hands down my favorite! I saw this today at Bloomingdale's and with one swipe on my hand, I loved it. I didn't buy it then, but instead picked up the Lilium Quad. The entire car ride home I stared at my hand (I wasn't driving), haunted by the fact I didn't purchase this limited edition eyeliner (for $29.00) as well. I had to right this wrong, so when I got home I called up my local Macy's to see if they had it - and they did! Yes! It had arrived in their store that day. I immediately placed one on hold and now I am the proud owner of this beautiful eyeliner; beauty crisis fully adverted.

The fact that this eyeliner is waterproof and smudgeproof is just an added bonus. It's perfect for those that want to still look camera ready while splashing around the pool on those dreadfully hot summer days. The color could be described as a shimmery rose gold in certain angles and then you see grayish undertones in another. I especially love how this eyeliner looks when it catches the light. I believe everyone would agree that this taupey rose gold is one gorgeous must have for summer!

I haven't even applied it to my eyes yet, because I was too excited to share with you all this beautiful eyeliner.  Isn't she lovely?

Rose Platine Swatched

Rose Paltine Eye Liner

I'm going to do a separate review on the quad 'Lilium' tomorrow.