Le Metier De Beaute's Dualistic Eye Pencil in 'Champagne' and 'Tamarack' Review

I'm a huge fan of Le Metier De Beaute's eye shadows, I've said it before and I'll say it again-  they are blendable, richly pigmented and have true staying power. Well, I have discovered another gem from their line and that is their equally fabulous dualistic eye liners. I have two of their eyeliners, one in 'Champagne' - a gorgeous taupe with champagne splashes and one in 'Tamarack' - a complex bronzy darker brown.

Their pencils are "velvety soft" and go on effortlessly with no tugging whatsoever. They retail for $36.00 and can be found in-store at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Nordstrom's stores (or purchased online at the above mentioned online stores). A great tip that I learned from the Le Metier De Beaute (LMdB) artists is to apply the eye pencil all over the lid and blend, then apply your eye shadows on top. The pencil can act as an eye shadow base and make the eye shadow last longer. I did the prettiest eye with my 'Champagne' pencil blended up to the crease and Splendid Frost kaleidoscope shadows applied using their couches de couleur (which is French for "layer"), but I forgot to take a picture (drats!).

Swatches of 'Champagne' and 'Tamarack'

'Champagne'

'Tamarack'

I like the duality of these pencils, the fact that they can serve as a liner or be used as a shadow is a strong selling point in my eyes.

Currently, LMdB Dualistic Eye Pencil's only come in an assortment of four colors (in 'Sequoia', 'Champagne', 'Tamarack', and 'Noir'). Both 'Champagne' and 'Tamarack' are both staples, in my opinion, for any neutral loving beauty connoisseur out there.

Do you own any of the Le Metier Dualistic Pencils? If so, what colors?

Le Metier De Beaute's Kaleidoscope Comparison Swatches - Golds

Le Metier De Beaute's Goldish Browns

A quick post to show the difference among the various kaleidoscopes. This one focuses on the golds or browns. 'Mulberry' is available for purchase for $30.00 and is part of their regular, permanent line. 'Mulberry' is very sheer and was swatched approximately four times for the color to show up versus one swipe for the other colors. 'Mulberry' was previously reviewed here and has golden peach undertones.

'Spectacle' is part of the Le Cirque kaleidoscope that came out in the Fall of 2010. 'Spectacle' has an undertone that is more blush brown.

'Love Struck' is part of the Smoldering Embarkment kaleidoscope that premiered for Valentine's Day. It is a deeper brown with golden flecks in it.

'Crystal Ball' belongs to the celebrated holiday Splendid Frost kaleidoscope with more bronzy beige undertones.    

All kaleidoscopes are limited edition and do sell out rather quickly. My best suggestion is if you see something you like to purchase, buy it! It may not be around again if you change your mind. All these kaleidoscopes are sold out, with the exception being Splendid Frost. Splendid Frost can be found for sale at http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/le-metier-de-beaute-kaleidoscope-eye-kit/3124765?origin=category&resultback=103 for $95.00.

Keep in mind no camera can truly capture just how stunning some of these colors are in person. I just hope these pictures help some of you that were wondering what certain colors really looked like. 

Le Metier De Beaute's Kaleidoscope Comparison Swatches - Reds

It was requested that I take detailed pictures to show the difference of each shadow. So as promised, here are the more detailed pics displaying the comparisons between various kaleidoscopes. It is a beautiful, sunny day here in Southern California, so the beauty Gods were on my side and I was able to  take these. *Please note - these pictures were taken outside in the direct light to reflect the gorgeous sparkle each shadow possesses, these photos were not altered in any way.*

Le Metier De Beaute's reds

Overall, these colors could fall under the 'red' category but they each possess different undertones. 'Alexandrite' has purple undertones, 'Enrichissant' has goldish brown, 'Bordeaux' has more of a brick red, while 'In Love' has more orange-y undertones.

'Alexandrite' is available as a single color for $30.00 and is part of their permanent line.

'Enrichissant' is from their Le Cirque kaleidoscope that came out in the Fall of 2010.

'Bordeaux' is also part of their permanent collection and can be purchased for either $30.00 or is part of their 'Tunisian Trist' kaleidoscope (exclusive to Bergdrof's or Neiman's online only).

'In Love' is part of their 'Smoldering Embarkment' kaleidoscope. Although each shade is similar, they are all different in their own right. Overall, I love how richly pigmented each shadow is and how nicely they blend together. It is also worth mentioning that these shadows have true staying power (you can get a full's day wear out of these babies). You really do get what you pay for with Le Metier. Christa, I hope this helps you out!  :)

This shows how pigmented they are

What colors are your favorite from Le Metier?   

An Overview of my Le Metier De Beaute Kaleidoscope

Le Metier De Beaute's Kaleidoscopes

I'm currently working on taking pictures of each kaleidoscope in detail. I know having to bring a toddler to and from everywhere I go can be a turn off from me wanting to go and browse leisurely at a cosmetic counter. Having a toddler sometimes forces you to need an exit strategy - a way to get in and out effectively, with what you want. I've mentioned before that pictures on websites can vary greatly from those that are taken in detail by bloggers. My aim is to help you, the reader, get a more accurate picture of how beautiful each shadow is (each kaleidoscope possess a color that blows me a way with their complexity and uniqueness).

I've only started seriously liking Le Metier de Beaute (LMdB) about six months ago, but in that time I have amassed a fairly decent and respectable collection, including five total kaleidoscopes, four for the eyes, and one for the lips.

Here is an overview of the kaleidoscopes:

Tunisian Trist is the latest kaleidoscope that I purchased and at the time was exclusive to Neiman Marcus online, but now I see Bergdorf's also carries it (online only). It was previously reviewed here.

Smoldering Embarkment was created by Dustin Lujan to commemorate Valentine's Day of 2011. This kaleidoscope can only be purchased at Bergdorf Goodman's in store or by calling up Bergdorf's directly at 212.872.8612. The colors in this particular kaleidoscope include from top to bottom -First Love, Love Struck, In Love, and Lovelorn.

Splendid Frost was LMdB's holiday kaleidoscope for 2010, the colors are from top to bottom - Crystal Ball, Empire, Rockette, and Sugar Plum.

Le Cirque debuted in the Fall of 2010. The colors include, starting from top to bottom - Flamboyantes, Spectacle, Enrichissant, and Dynamique.

Les Artiste lip kaleidoscope complemented Le Cirque and also came out in Fall 2010. From top to bottom the colors are - Illusionists, Acrobates, Magiciens, and Danseurs.

*Look for future reviews on each kaleidoscope and shadow in detail*.

Chanel's Pink Peony Lip Gloss Review

'Pink Peony' 

When you look at my stash you can clearly see, that I'm a sucker for a pink lipgloss and no one does a lip gloss better than Chanel in my opinion. I'm allergic to lanolin, which is featured in some cosmetic line's lip glosses which can be limiting. Thankfully, Chanel has omitted lanolin from their lip products (yay!). I picked up two of the three lip glosses, for $28.50 each, featured in their summer line, Pensee (#277) reviewed here and Pink Peony (#267). I decided to pass on Aurore (#287) because it just looked like it would add sparkle to my lips, but not color. I really need to be picky when it comes to lip glosses because I find some are so easily dupable.

Pink Peony, although very pretty and sparkly in the tube, is a tad bit misleading. I purposely did not enhance these photos because I wanted to show the true nature of just how sheer this lip gloss really is. I'm a little disappointed that the color isn't as strong on the lips as it is in the tube. It still is a very pretty and I still will use it up till it is gone. I think layered over a lipstick it would be the perfect compliment.

By now, I have everything that I want from the Chanel Summer Collection. Overall, I give this collection, two enthusiastic thumbs up! I hope you enjoyed my reviews on the collection. I had a lot of fun buying everything and reviewing it.

Here you can compare 'Pensee' (on top) and 'Pink Peony' (on bottom) in the tube.

Swatches of 'Pensee' (towards the bottom of the image) and 'Pink Peony' (top of the image)

'Pink Peony' on lips

As you can see from the picture of the swatches, these two Glossimers are incredibly close in color (or lack thereof). I feel this is for the die-hard Chanel fan's out there (and we all know there are plenty to speak of) that will pick up one, two, or all three.

You can now enjoy free complimentary shipping from http://www.chanel.com with offer code : 0411SHINE (expires 5.31.11, not valid on orders placed to Hawaii, Alaska, PO Boxes, or APO/FPO addresses). Now, go shop your socks off!

  

NOTD Deborah Lippmann's 'Tiny Dancer'

'Tiny Dancer'

Manicurist to the stars, Deborah Lippmann, has created a streamlined nail polish collection. I was on the hunt for the perfect pale pink polish, one that added just a dollop of color to my nails. I think I nailed it (pun intended) with Deborah Lippmann's 'Tiny Dancer' a -"sweet spot pink". The name is ideal because this color is so delicate, I can picture lots of young girls donning this for their first recital. At the same time the color is quite sophisticated and I imagine plenty of women have slipped on 'Tiny Dancer' while saying "I do". Nude polishes make your hands almost disappear so everyone can appreciate and "ooh and aww" over the bling of your engagement and wedding rings (what woman doesn't want that?). 'Tiny Dancer' is sheer but with two coats the color is deeper and more opaque.

The application was flawless with two coats depositing evenly, although I could have gotten away with just one. For the sake of taking pictures I've added two coats of Seche Vite -- 'the world's finest top coat'. Seche vite is beloved because a) it dries super fast and b) it delivers superior shine. I personally, like my nails to be extremely shiny.

All of Deborah Lippmann's polishes are what is referred to in the cosmetic industry as being three free. They contain no toulene, formaldehyde, or DBP. No animal testing is used with her products either. 

Deborah Lippmann polishes can be purchased directly through her webiste at http://lippmanncollection.com/2011dl/index_new.php  they can also be found at high end department stores for $16.00. I picked mine up at Nordstrom's. 

full hand with 'Tiny Dancer'

On a side note, I've been blogging exactly one month today and I wanted to say "thank you" for the warm reception. I sincerely thank all of you that have taken time out of your day to read my blog and/or comment it means more to me than you know!

What are your favorite nude polishes?

Chanel's Pensee Review

'Pensee #277'

I need another lip gloss like I need a hole in my head, but I didn't let that logic stop me. I picked up, the Limited Edition, Pensee (French for pansy) #277 from my local Macy's for $28.50.  I find the color to be striking and I just cannot resist how decadent these glosses feel on the lips (never sticky) and they really do last a long time and make your lips look shiny and full. They do not possess any fragrance, which is a huge bonus in my eyes. I've read several reviews stating that these were sheer Glossimers and that they did not impart much color, I found the opposite to be true for me. These are very well pigmented and add color nicely to my already naturally pigmented lips. Chanel's Glossimers are full of vibrancy and have adequate lasting power. The Summer Collection for me is all around L-O-V-E!!!!

'Pensee' 

'Pensee' Glossimer

The famous 'CC's'

Did you pick up any of the Glossimers from the Summer Collection, if so which ones?  

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.  

The worst thing you can say to a beauty blogger

Do you hear that? That is the sound of me weeping after hearing the worst thing you could tell this beauty blogging, self proclaimed cosmetic junkie...

I've been battling rosacea on my cheek area for a little over half a year now. I'm convinced it's rosacea way of welcoming to my 30's, really it's so kind of them to think of me I'm honored (NOT). So here I was sitting in my dermatologists office when what does she say to me? I believe the words were "you need to throw your makeup out, because it is junk."(Well, I never). My mind immediately jumped to my beloved makeup and my coveted Chanel. I wanted to get defensive and say "lady, you don't know what you are talking about". Besides, my makeup is far from being labeled "junk". I would rather not crunch the numbers on how much my collection has cost me thankyouverymuch, so the thought of throwing it away really got to me. When I told my husband what she said (being the optimist that he is) his reply was to embrace it and look at it as an opportunity to buy more makeup! Now normally, that phrase would have made me more giddy than a child on Christmas morn, but this face of mine was more reminiscent of a child who had just been told their dog had died. All I could think of was my well loved and well received La Mer foundation, my Le Metier Romeo and Juliet bronzer duo, and my Soho de Chanel. How could I just toss them in the trash? I just am not fond of being limited to my makeup selection.

I usually adhere to the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, but the thing is it is broken. My skin has been freaking out and I often experience bouts of flushing and redness. My skin has never behaved in this manner before, so something I'm doing isn't working. I am in no way pointing the finger at these various cosmetic companies as to the sole reason my rosacea is flaring, and I have no grandiose reason to believe that makeup alone could make my skin behave the way it is. I'm going along with my dermatologists recommendations for now. Aside from switching to makeup that is oil-free, she also set me up with a new skincare regimen, as well as, applying an anti-redness cream to the red patches only, and prescribed an antibiotic. (phew) For now, I'll play by her rules to see what lies ahead. Otherwise, my sister may about to be inheriting some truly awesome makeup. I truly hope that with all those changes I start to see a difference in my skin. How I long for how my skin used to look.

Look for future posts from me chronicling my battle with rosacea, this is one battle I am determined to win! Muhahahaha!

For those of you that experience rosacea, what has worked for you? I would love to have some tips thrown my way. Thanks!

Chanel's Mimosa

'Mimosa'

*Please note, I did not enhance these pictures in any way, because I really wanted to show the true nature of just how bright this color is.*

Chanel did not hit the head on the nail with 'Mimosa', I'm afraid. This limited edition Le Vernis nail polish is part of Chanel's 2011 Summer collection.

Only Chanel could get me to don this color - a vibrant lemony yellow. I am not one to shy away from color, but even this is a bit bold for my taste. I had seen this color previewed by other beauty bloggers and I thought the color that transcribed onto my screen seemed more neon that it was in real life. I was happy and relieved it wasn't brighter. I have to be honest, I'm just not feeling this color,  as I type up this review I am distracted from the brightness of Mimosa on my fingertips.

Unlike, Le Metier, Chanel's polishes require more coats and sometimes I fumble and muck it up trying to get even coverage. So was the case tonight with Mimosa. I found it needed 2+ coats (I stopped at 2 due to thickness and didn't feel like starting over) to look evenly applied.

At $25.00 a bottle, I feel this color will only be appreciated by die hard Chanel fans and not the typical woman looking for something "pretty". I was disappointed with how it applied and I felt I just didn't have the attention span to get the optimal finish. Since I do my manicures myself at home, that is all I have to go off of, but I don't doubt for a moment that if you were to go get a professional manicure that you would yield better results.

I feel this color would look stunning against someone with a darker complexion, but I feel my hands have a ruddy tone to it that the yellow just does not compliment. As my sister remarked, "this color does not flatter you." I have to sadly, agree.

I can safely say I don't have another polish similar to this color, though, I have seen other yellow polishes in my local Target for instance. I'm not sure if this color could be easily duped, but I suspect if you are a fan of yellow then it is worth a shot. But if you need those interlocking CC's in your life, this can be purchased from any Chanel counter or online.

Full view of 'Mimosa' 

'Mimosa' compared to a real lemon

Clutching 'Mimosa'

Does Mimosa speak to you at all? 

Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine 'Boy' Review

'Boy'

'Boy' on swatched hand

'Petit Peche'

'Petit Peche' layered over 'Boy'

'Petit Peche' & 'Boy'

'Boy'

I'm going to say it...I'm not a big fan of Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine lipstick. It's not even a knock against Chanel. I feel like the only beauty blogger who isn't in love. It's just that after the anticipated arrival of the Coco Shines (I know I couldn't wait for them to debut after reading glowing reviews from our UK beauty bloggers who got the release sooner than America) I had a makeup epiphany. It dawned on me after swiping shade after shade on my lips trying in vain to find a color, I liked that it wasn't the admittedly nice array of colors or even the formula. It was the simple fact that it was a lipstick. I'm a gloss girl! I have more glosses than should be allowed and I don't plan on stopping.

I had the same conversation with the nice MA artist at Chanel, who wasn't wearing a Coco Shine lipstick (despite the fact that it is Chanel's newest baby), she was proudly wearing a gloss. She didn't make that admission until I pressed her a little inquiring about the gorgeous shade adorning her lips. I asked her what she thought of the shine's and she basically said they were nice, but just "ok". She and I bonded over the fact that we like love glosses. My poison of choice(?) Chanel Glossimers -  they are to die for!

With the resolute of walking out of Macy's with a new (or 3) Coco Shine lipstick, I eagerly began swatching the shades. I was practically counting down the days until April 6th arrived for their release. Being a mom to a bubbly toddler, it isn't always easy to go makeup shopping with her. I knew I really wanted to take my time at the counter and play around. So it wasn't until the weekend that I could get to a counter (while the hubby entertained said bubbly toddler). When I got there, they were already sold out of about half the colors (the MA did say they were selling like hot cakes). I swiped a couple pinks on my lips and I started feeling like the Goldilocks of lipsticks, one was too bright, another too dark, and another that reminded me too much of Mimi from the Drew Carey show. So I did what any other self proclaiming lipgloss lover would do, I proceeded to the Glossimers where with my swipe of 'Petit Peche' I felt like Goldilocks where it was "just right"!

I fell victim to Facebook's presale of Coco Shine and I ordered 'Boy' sight unseen. I had seen enough reviews to know that I would like the color. It arrived today on my doorstep and this may seem like a surprise but I like it. The color is very pretty and out of all the shades I think this one would suit my coloring the best. I'm just surprised that I didn't go as crazy as I previously thought I would, I'm perfectly content with my one Coco Shine and about two dozen Glossimers (yeah, I like that ratio).