Chanel Levres Scintillantes Glossimer in Giggle - Swatches & Review

Giggle

Chanel is currently repromoting the Glossimer Giggle (#46) as part of their Fall line up. From pictures,  the other two Glossimers - Braise (#158) and Pampille (#156) come off as being very sheer, and I can see why Chanel felt the need to add a more full-bodied gloss - enter Giggle. Giggle is a beautiful plum pink with brown undertones that is well pigmented and has no traces of shimmer. I, personally, have owned Giggle for some time and it is one of my most favored Glossimers perfect for the crisp fall air.

In direct light through my skylight using a flash

I think this swatch is a little deceptive and you can see it looks more plummy and less orangey on my lips vs. arm

I'm running low on Giggle and am happy that it is part of their permanent line so I don't have to worry about living without it. I think Giggle is warranted of the repromotion and given a second look to those that may not be aware of its beauty already.

Retails for $28.50 USD, can be found online at http://www.chanel.com and because this is part of their permanent collection can be found in high-end department stores (Neiman's, Nordstroms, Bloomie's, etc.) already.

Chanel Glossimers are hand down my favorite glosses, what is yours?

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Color in Quartz #525 & Graphite #529 Swatches and Review - Pic Heavy!

You can see how Graphite applies thick, especially on my third finger

I do think these photos are deceivingly beautiful and I apologize. I know that I was quick to jump on the Fall Chanel bandwagon with the debut of their three new fall nail colors - Graphite #529, Quartz #525 and Peridot #531(not pictured) - because a) it's Chanel, b) the pictures were stunningly beautiful, and c) I've really fallen in love with polishes now and at most times my nails are covered in some fabulous color.

Some observations on my part: 1) Quartz looks prettier in photos than in real life. 2) Graphite is amazingly difficult to apply and was quick to smudge and smear (double GRR) and 3) for $25.00 the quality in these polishes seems to be lacking.

Quartz is pretty but after removing my Orly Rage polish highlighted here I was disappointed that Quartz wasn't "more", especially when comparing it to a $4.50 bottle of drugstore polish. I think it falls a little flat and is underwhelming it's an okay shade of smoky quartz. It did apply pretty well with two coats so I'll add extra points for that. Also, this color looks much more impressive out in the direct sun (not my office where I'm typing up my critique).

Graphite is appropriately named after the mineral and has iridescent flecks in it which makes it unique. In the sun, I definitely see some gold in it which is gorgeous. Graphite is a beaute no matter what angle you see it in, it especially glistens in the sunlight, however, what it has going for it in the looks department could not make up for its poor formula and a stubborn application. Frankly, after paying $25.00 for a high-end polish I expect more. I expect the color to last longer, the application to be smoother, and for the colors to really wow me. I think sometimes pictures can be deceiving. I would have to chalk that up to these polishes in this instance. I was romanticized with the Chanel hype and that was why I acquired  these polishes.

Can be purchased for $25.00USD from http://www.chanel.com or I believe the collection is hitting stores (Neiman's, Nordstroms, Saks, Bloomingdales) this week if it hasn't already.

Bottom line: These polishes are just a "like" for me, no love found here.

*Edit* I wanted to give an update on the Graphite polish. After discussing the polish with others on Twitter and hearing their experiences with the polish I was urged to remove the polish and try it once again. I removed the polish and started all over again, and I am so happy that I did! Using the polish a second time was like applying a new polish! It wasn't clumpy and applied evenly. I don't know why it was so different but I am so pleased that this is more than just a pretty polish. So I hope I didn't turn off people from trying this polish because perhaps I was too haste in my review.

Chanel Prelude Swatches, Review, and EOTD

With flash but more accurate of the color depiction 

With no flash 

Starting from the top of the quad working clockwise

This quad is so stunningly beautiful with such simplistic colors that are classic and always in vogue (just like a Chanel handbag). I personally love beige, gray, and mauve-ish taupes, that this quad is right up my alley. I had read that this quad had been described by some as "blah", "boring", and "nothing special", I began having second thoughts about ordering this sight unseen. Personally, I think those descriptions are really off base. Yes, these are not the most original colors by any stretch of the imagination, but in its simplicity lies the beauty.

I don't have the heart to swatch this yet but rest assured when I have time, I'll swatch it and post an EOTD with Prelude as the main attraction. I then can give a further review on pigmentation, blendability, and staying power. For now if you were debating over whether you need this Chanel quad in your life - my take on it? An unequivocal YES!!!

*edit*

 I added a picture of the swatch which is taken in direct light to best capture the shimmer. I also added an EOTD picture to show how different the swatch on my arm looks vs. my eyes. I hope these pictures come in handy to someone who is debating over whether to make Prelude theirs! I wore Prelude over my MAC paint pot in Bare Study and had no problems with color fading. Like most Chanel eye shadows they blended really well and the pigmentation was excellent, no fallout with these shades! 

NOTD Orly Rage

*All pictures were taken showing one coat of Rage and one coat of Seche Vite over one coat of Butter London's Nail Foundation (base coat). *

Orly's Rage

One coat of 'Rage' (rose gold) polish with flash

Rose gold in direct light (I think this pic is more accurate of the coloring)

'Rage' captured during the golden hour 

Rose gold with flash - notice the shine?!?

Retails for $4.50 for .18fl oz. Can be found at Target, Planet Beauty and Ulta.

What polish color, if any, are you wearing now?

Makeup Mavens Round Three!!!

Image credited to MarieClaire.com

The Makeup Mavens stop by every week to show you makeup and beauty you might have missed.  This week, they found some holy grail items, discovered secrets to flawless skin and introduced some bright summer colors.  Kick back, enjoy some lemonade (or whatever your beverage of choice) and enjoy some fabulous reads.

Summer is the time for new nail polish and Christina of Lovesong for my Lipgloss shares some of her picks for the season.

Jenn of Hopelessly Devoted to Makeup happened to stumble upon her holy grail base makeup routine.  Check out her products, tools and tips for a flawless complexion.

For those with sensitive, redness prone skin, The Black Panties has the secret to perfect skin, Nia24 skincare!

Searching for the perfect neutral eye wardrobe?  Lipstick Luvvies has found the only eyeshadows she would replace, Edward Bess Private Eyes.

Klara of Mookie on the Bench shares one of her all time favorites for the perfect cheeks, Stila Convertible Colors in Lilium and Gerbera.

Its often good to switch up cleansers for summer and Nat of Raspberry Rouge has the perfect solution for combination and oily skins, Ren Mayblossom Balancing Cleansing Gel.

Have trouble applying your concealer flawlessly?  Product Doctor has found a new staple in Le Metier de Beaute's large concealer brush.

p.s. Don't forget you have until 6/30/11 to become a follower of mine via Google Friend Connect to be entered to win one of Chanel's fall nail polishes (the winner gets to choose the color!).  

Burberry's Kabuki Brush

I've had this kabuki brush in my possession for a little under two weeks now and I must say that I haven't gotten much use out of it. There is nothing wrong with it, it's just that I already own two other kabuki brushes and tend to reach for those more often. I own MAC's #182 Buffer Brush ($47.00) along with Edward Bess Luxury Face Brush ($56.00).

Again high praise from Burberry in terms of presentation and quality. I love the cute, little velvet pouch with the long string attached to carry it around in. I also like that the bristles feel smooth and soft against my skin. The hairs are composed of pony and goat hair and are not at all scratchy. You can tell the hair is of high quality, something you expect with a name that bears 'Burberry'.

My one complaint is I just don't like the way it feels once in my hand. I would prefer something with more weight to it, more substance in the base.

One thing I am puzzled by is why they would not pack enough hairs into the base to leave it from having a gap when you pull the hairs tight. I suppose with the design having a square versus round base is partly to blame. In the end, I think having the gaps leaves it feeling cheaper than it really is, something I find to be unfortunate.

I don't regret this purchase because honestly, between bronzer, loose powder, and setting powder, I'll get mileage out of all three of my kabuki's no problem.

So the search continues for my holy grail kabuki brush.......I think I'll *have* to cave at some point and splurge on Le Metier's $85.00 kabuki brush - in the name of research of course!

The box and velveteen pouch with drawstring

Here you can see the "gap"

How To Achieve A Flawless Face

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in #05

I have found my holy grail foundation and the ironic thing is I wasn't even looking for one. I think the same can be said for dating when you least expect it, BAM! you fall in love. Boy, have I fallen hard for this foundation.

Let me just start off by saying that I have nice skin. I don't mean that in a bragging sense of the word, but more like let me lay my cards out here and be honest with you. I don't need a full-coverage foundation (thanks Mom and Dad!). In fact, prior to wearing this foundation, it had been years since I wore liquid foundation (I used one from MAC and cannot even recall the name of it) at all. I was more of a dab of concealer here and there person. For days I craved more coverage I turned to my trusty tinted moisturizers by La Mer and Le Metier (hello Peau Vierge). I was so happy with them that I didn't need or even want more coverage.

Here is how I achieve the perfect complexion:

I use Le Metier De Beaute's Classic Flawless Finish Concealer SPF 18 ($55.00) under my eyes and around my nose, then I use my Le Metier De Beaute Large Concealer Brush ($50.00) to blend in any concealer. Next, I use my Armani Silk Foundation ($59.00) and pump two pumps onto my Angled Foundation Brush by LMDB ($50.00) and blend until I see no more streaks. I finish off with light dusting of Le Metier's Classic Finish Loose Powder ($50.00) using my Burberry kabuki brush ($52.00). Then, I finish up with curling my lashes and applying mascara (at this point my eye shadow is already applied) and work on bronzer if I'm in the mood for it or blush using you could probably already guess it my LMDB Blush Brush (not pictured for $55.00). My finishing step is always, always, a spritz of Evian water to "set" my makeup!

Bonuses:

• oil-free
• feels weightless
• provides light-medium coverage
• great staying-power 
• comes in a wide range of colors

Negatives:

• it's pricey
• you need a separate brush to apply it (this isn't really a negative as much as par for the course with liquid foundation). 

My Burberry kabuki, My LMDB angled foundation brush, concealer brush, concealer and loose powder and Giorgio Armani foundation. 

 Luminous Silk Foundation in Shade #05

The foundation rubbed into my arm - it really is the perfect match!
*Just for reference I'm considered MAC NW20*

While using my handy tools and the above mentioned products I really have been achieving air-brushed finishes and I could not be more pleased!

This is serious holy grail territory here! Please share your holy grails with me!

Burberry 'Light Glow' Natural Blush in No. 02 Cameo Swatch and Review

No. 02 Cameo Blush with the included brush. * It pulls peach on the monitor but looks more purplish on my skin*

Once again Burberry outdid themselves with presentation and before I even got to the inside of the blush I had a smile on my face pleased with the packaging and attention paid to detail. The box arrived from Burberry (courtesy of free shipping) wrapped nicely in their signature plaid pattern with a sticker emblazzed with 'Burberry' on it. The receipt was tucked inside a nice card that featured their knight in shining armor riding on a horse.

It does contain a slight powdery perfume-y smell that, due to my nose being so sensitive, I picked up on. It is not overpowering but it is noticeable and quickly dissipates. Keep that in mind if certain scents aggravate your nose or not.

I chose this color along with the help of one of Burberry's Makeup Artists due to the fact that it didn't bring out the redness in my cheeks (something I'm extra paranoid about). We had to steer clear of all the obvious pinks. The peach tones just didn't look good on me. With Cameo I feel you get the benefit of the pink to brighten up my complexion, but that there is enough purplish brown undertones to cancel out the redness from my slight rosacea. I initially passed on this blush when at the store, instead opting for the khaki and taupe brown eye shadows featured here because I could not see how pretty this blush really was in the poor lighting of Nordstrom's. It wasn't until I came home and took a peak of my makeover that regret began setting in over not purchasing this blush as well. An order to Burberry.com was quickly placed.

 According to Burberry's website: 

• A lightweight blush that gives skin a bright fresh glow
• Burberry Natural Blush contains Silicones for effortless and even application and wild rose extract for moisturizing benefits
• The complexion grows with natural looking radiance
• Apply to the hollow of the cheeks to slim the face or apply to the cheekbone to highlight 

It comes packaged in a checkered velvet pouch and there is a rather large mirror attached and a soft bristled brush included for touchups. Made in Italy. 

I love the check pattern that runs throughout their powdered makeup

I hope you can see the purplish mauve undertones 

The blush box, receipt holder/card and tissue paper

Retails for $42.00 USD and can be found at http://shop.nordstrom.com/ or select Nordstrom's throughout the country (South Coast Plaza, Bellevue, Michigan Avenue, etc.).  International beauties can also have Burberry shipped directly to their door. Currently Burberry ships to over 46 countries!

What is your favorite blush?

100+ Follower Giveaway Information and Rules

First, a giant thank you for helping me surpass 100 followers! I really love reading all your comments and feeling the support from my readers. It's such an amazing feeling and by far the best part of blogging.

All Google friend connect followers as of June 30th will automatically be entered to win one of Chanel's fall nail polishes of their choice! If you're the winner, you get to choose from Graphite, Quartz, or Peridot!

The winner will be chosen on June 30th using random.org and then I will post the winner's name on July 1st. The winner will then have 48 hours to email me their shipping information and make their color choice. If after 48 hours I do not hear from the winner, they have forfeited their chance of winning and another winner will be chosen using random.org.

I will do my best to buy the nail polish color of the winners' choice, but I cannot guarantee it will be in stock. If that happens, I'll ask that you give me a second option (let's keep our fingers crossed that they have all three colors in stock!).

The contest is opened to all my followers, and I'll ship internationally! I will just have to take a leap of faith that both mail systems deliver the package!

Again, thanks for standing by me! I'm looking forward to seeing who wins and making the announcement!

Good luck to everyone! 

NOTD: Le Metier De Beaute's Vintage Plum Nail Lacquer Review and Swatches

Sometimes good things come in small packages like this gem of a polish....

It has been awhile since I properly did my nails and this little nail polish was just begging to adorn my fingers. It looked so cute just sitting in my clear cube that I didn't even need to wear it to get my enjoyment out of it. I did remember how fabulous it looked on my nails after a quick swatch at the counter in Neiman Marcus and decided the time had come to wear Le Metier's Vintage Plum nail polish (cue the angels singing!).

With a name like 'Vintage Plum' you expect a deep dark, moody purple and that is exactly what you get! This color is so pretty and just shines when the sun hits it just so, preventing it from looking dull and lifeless. Add a quick top coat of Seche Vite and you are good to go!

The little bottle it comes in is just so darn cute that I want to collect them all because they make me ridiculously happy just looking at their chic crystal packaging. It also bears repeating that their nail polishes are all three free and fortified with protein strengtheners making the polish good for your nails!

To find out more about the polish you can find previous reviews I have done here and here.

Vintage Plum as shown  

Two coats of Vintage Plum and a one coat of Seche Vite

Please excuse the sorry state of my cuticles! 

My LMDB nail lacquers collection

Retails for $15.00 (their new summer colors recently experienced a price drop down to $10.00 but the older colors still retail for $15.00) and can be purchased at high-end department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and select Nordstrom's, or online at http://www.neimanmarcus.com/. 

Top 10 award - Woot Woot!!

The ever so beautiful Brooke from Blushing Noir tagged me with this award and I thought I would be a good sport and play along. Feel free to exit out of this post, if tagged posts aren't for you (you won't hurt my feelings, I swear)!

The Rules:

1) Link back to the person who tagged you (thanks Brooke!)
2) Nominate 10 other bloggers
3) List your 10 favorite beauty products

I nominate:

1) The Everyday Beauty
2) Delicate Hummingbird
3) My Newest Addiction
4) Makeup Merriment
5) Product Doctor
6) Lipstick Luvvies
7) Vintage Makeup
8) Raspberry Rouge
9) Mookie On The Bench
10) Cute And Mundane

My 10 favorite beauty products:

(These are Brooke's thoughts but I couldn't agree more so I'm keeping it in "I have to put a disclaimer here: my favorite products are always changing and evolving, but currently these are my can't-live-without products; some of them have been holy grail products for years, while others are newer obsessions".):

1) Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb perfume

2) Deborah Lippmann The Stripper Lavender Nail Lacquer Remover

3) Burt's Bees Balm

4) Le Metier De Beaute Anamorphic Lash Mascara in Aubergine

5) Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

6) Le Metier De Beaute Classic Flawless Finish Concealer SPF 18

7) Le Metier De Beaute Large Concealer Brush

8) Le Metier de Beaute Dualistic Eye Pencil in Tamarack

9) Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Lotus Rouge

10) La Mer The Eye Concentrate

Don't feel pressured to partake if I tagged you and don't be offended if I didn't. (I especially did not tag someone that Brooke already did, I wanted to spread the love).

Makeup Mavens for June 10-19th

Makeup Mavens present makeup you may have missed. With posts this week on Edward Bess, Tom Ford, Chantecaille, Burberry, Lipstick Queen, Chanel and not one but two posts on the latest offering from Le Metier de Beaute (because it is that special!), you are sure to find something luxurious to tempt you.

Understated elegance is the order of the day at Hopelessly Devoted to Makeup as Burberry Eyeshadows in Rosewood and Trench take the spotlight. Definite must haves.

Lipstick Luvvies continues her love affair with all things Tom Ford, focusing on the perfect lipstick shade for summer, True Coral.

Fabulous trainer and artist, Erin for Le Metier De Beaute demonstrated some tips and tricks to Christina of Lovesong for My Lipgloss .

The trend for sheer lipsticks shows no signs of slowing down, but Mookie on the Bench shows that it has been around for longer than you might think, with a look at some of her favorites for all budgets.

Product Doctor gives you the ideal makeup remedy by tracking down the only taupe you ever need, from Edward Bess, who is possibly as beautiful as the products he creates.

Is Raspberry Rouge in 'Ectasy' this week courtesy of Chantecaille's blush? Read her excellent review to find out.

So good it deserves to be mentioned twice, The Black Panties showcases the latest Lip Kaleidoscope from Le Metier de Beaute alongside makeup artist supremo Dustin.

We hope you found something to not only tempt you but your wallet as well!

Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in Taupe Brown No. 07 and Khaki No. 08 Swatches and Review

As a hazel-eyed girl, these are my colors. I love how the khaki brings out the green in my eyes. After already owning Trench, Gold Trench, and Rosewood I was in the market for more pigmented colors. These two colors hit the bullseye. Jeanie mentioned that this line really has not skimped anywhere from the box, to the velvet pouch to the plaid imprint on each piece, to their stunning colors and I could not agree more! This line feels expensive and it leaves me wanting more!

Taupe Brown No. 07

Khaki No. 08

The plaid print

Khaki is on the bottom of the screen,  Taupe Brown is on top

Can be purchased online at http://us.burberry.com and select Nordstrom's. Retails for $29.00 USD and currently, Burberry Beauty ships to 46 countries worldwide!

These would be considered staples in my eye shadow wardrobe. 

What is your all-time favorite eye shadow?