Chanel Topkapi EOTD, Swatches and Review

So I'm about to commit a beauty blogger cardnial sin...I bought Chanel's Regard Signe De Chanel Topkapi Eye Quad and my reaction? Meh. That's it, I've got nothing else for you, I paid $65.00 + tax and then in my angst to get my Chanel fix as quickly as possible paid an additional $15 for expedited shipping on top of that. Now,  I don't know about you but for $80.00 USD I expect love and I just am not feeling the love.

This is how Chanel describes this quad:

"Beloved by Mademoiselle Chanel, the opulence of Byzantine art served as muse for this quartet of creamy powder eyeshadows. Copper, taupe, gold and bronze, touched with shimmer and light, create mesmerizing effects. Limited Edition."

Pretty tempting, huh?

I think if you have a well stocked makeup drawer full of taupes, browns, and golds this quad is easily forgettable. I also was not pleased with the fall out factor from the gold shadow. As a tip, always start with your eye makeup first, then apply the rest of your "face" so if you do experience fall out, it will not disrupt the rest of your makeup.

The shadows are extremely soft and blendable (this is Chanel after all) and the taupe is really pretty. I'm a taupe lover and I get it. I just am still bitter at the paying $80.00+ for a taupe shadow Chanel, or no Chanel.

This item is listed as back ordered on chanel.com and I really don't know if they will be getting more quads in or not at this point. Hopefully,  I can feel a resurgence of love for this quad in the coming weeks. 

Rouge Bunny Rouge When The Birds Are Singing Long Lasting Eye Shadow in Delicate Hummingbird Review and Swatches

This eye shadow is everything you expect from an eye shadow and more. It is gorgeous, blends well, is buttery soft, well pigmented, and lasts all day on your lid. Oh and did I mention how gorgeous this is on? Rouge Bunny Rouge describes this shadow as "cold, dusky sugar-frosted plum, iridescent with pink shimmer" - I couldn't describe it better myself. I love that the company chose the words "delicate" to name this shadow after all this is a fine eye shadow made with an intricate design. This is not my first taste of Rouge Bunny Rouge, I already own Solstice Halcyon reviewed here after owning that I hungered for more Rouge Bunny Rouge.

Delicate Hummingbird

A close up of Delicate Hummingbird

A close up of Delicate Hummingbird in low light with flash

The design on every Rogue Bunny Rogue shadow 

The Rouge Bunny Mascot

From the top left: Delicate Hummingbird, Electrifying Storm-Petrel (to be reviewed later), and Solstice Halcyon

Delicate Hummingbird swatched heavily three times 

Purple shadow comparisons

Purple shadow comparisons

I may own a lot of purple shadows but nothing that is an exact dupe to Delicate Hummingbird, in other words you need to own this if you consider yourself a fan of purples.

If you have yet to take the plunge down the rabbit hole, be warned for once you venture down you will not look at eye shadow the same again.

I'm already putting together another order to Zuneta because I am waiting with bated breath for more of these shadows.

Retails for $34.12 USD or 21£ and is exclusive to www.zuneta.com that ships internationally.

What is your favorite eye shadow color? 

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre Long Wear Eyeshadow in Illusoire #83 Swatches, Review, and Comparison to Giorgio Armani's Purpura

Giorgio Armani Purpura on the left and Chanel Illusoire on the right

Illusoire #83

Sorry I've been absent for the past couple of days. I have a sick little one in the house and it's been difficult to sit down at the computer and concentrate enough to put a post together. When my daughter is not feeling well, she is especially clingy to me, not that I'm complaining (I'm a mommy first, a blogger second, after all).

Chanel's Fall collection has me bewitched. Even though these Illusion D'Ombre eye shadows debuted during their Fall lineup, these are part of their permanent line. I wanted to wait a couple of days to wear and really test out this shadow before I properly reviewed it. Given the staggering heat and high humidity ravaging Los Angeles, I've put this shadow through the ringer and it's performed beautifully. Heck, I even went swimming with the eye shadow on (I didn't dunk under the water but I was still swimming laps) and it didn't budge that much - truly impressive! I really have fallen for this shadow and its texture. I like that I can easily apply this shadow with my finger by patting it on for some sparkle over my other shadows (I particularly like it paired with Chanel's Prelude Eye Quad reviewed here). I haven't even used the brush that comes with the shadow because I find using my finger works really well.

Giorgio Armani's Purpura is on the left and Chanel's Illusoire on the right

Close up of Illusoire and its sparkles

Illusoire on the left and Purpura on the right 

Chanel's Illusoire on the left and Giorgio Armani's Purpura on the right - pretty similar, right? 

Illusoire in the jar and the brush that is included with it

Wearing Illusoire 

As you can tell from the pictures, Illusoire is very close in resemblance to Giorgio Armani's Eyes To Kill Purpura. Their coloring may be very similar but that is were I would stop the comparisons. Armani's shadows are more dry and "crumbly" in texture where Chanel's is more like a spongey mousse. Purpura is more bold and Illusoire is more sheer. You can layer the Chanel to give it more "punch" but you don't have to. I like that Chanel shadows can be more sheered out for a daytime look. Chanel's long wear luminous eye shadows sell for $36.00 compared to Armani's Eyes To Kill $32.00 price tag for the same amount of product (0.14oz.). Because I have a sensitive nose I think it is worth mentioning that Illusoire has a scent to it. I don't notice it when I wear it, but when you unscrew the cap the smell wafts up to you. I can't put my finger on what it is exactly, but I like it. I just always like to point these things out in case someone reading is bothered by fragrant cosmetics.

If I had to choose one, and really having already owned Purpura, I recognize that Illusoire is a duplicate product in terms of coloring (what can I say, I like purple!) I would go with the Chanel. I really like the consistency and the fact that there is less glitter and more refined sparkle with Illusoire. I feel more comfortable wearing Illusoire in the daytime while Purpura is great for evening in my eyes (pun intended).

I'm trying to think if there is anything else I should say while reviewing this? I pretty much like everything about this shadow from the color, to the texture, to the smell, to the size, my only gripe is that $36.00 for an eye shadow is steep. I wish luxury cosmetics didn't always have a luxury price tag attached to them, but I'll gladly pay it for my Chanel!

Retails for $36.00USD found at http://www.chanel.com or department stores that carry Chanel cosmetics. I purchased mine from Nordstrom's.

What is your favorite purple eye shadow? 

p.s. Speaking of purple eye shadows, I have the most amazingly delicious Rouge Bunny Rouge Delicate Hummingbird eye shadow being reviewed soon! Stay tuned! 

Chanel Illusion D'Ombre in Epatant #84 EOTD

Image credited to chanel.com

Chanel's Illusion D'Ombre are part of Chanel's fall collection but thankfully are permanent. This way you can take your time to decide if these shadows are to your liking or not without the rush. They are touted as long lasting and I really wanted to demonstrate the shimmer in these shadows. I've heard that they are shimmery from some and not very from others. Here pictured is me wearing Epatant a lovely khaki silver color. I think we can all agree that these shadows are shimmery!

To buy or not to buy Epatant? 

Chanel Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer in Khaki Platine - Swatches and EOTD

Despite the triple digits and sizzling heat in Southern California my mind is focused on fall. Ahh, fall with its brightly colored leaves, crisp air and alluring fall makeup palettes. My mind is on Chanel's fall collection, more specifically their Khaki Platine Eye Definer. 

Khaki Platine #70 Eye Definer 

After reading one glowing review after another on Chanel's Limited Edition eye liner, Khaki Platine, I knew the sensible thing would be to order it and not kick myself later for missing out of it once it sold out (given that it is Limited Edition). I was fortunate enough to pick up Chanel's Rose Platine reviewed here from their summer collection and felt like that was the star of their summer line. I was anxious to see if Khaki Platine would be a stud or dud. 

Notice the golden hue

I was hoping my sentiments about Khaki Platine would be the same as Rose Platine. Happily, they are and more. I find the color to be perfect for summer going into fall with it's greenish golden tones. I really love the way it sets off my hazel eyes when applied to my lower lash line. This is just the added touch needed to bring a little spark to your eye without overdoing it on eye liner. 

Comes with the smudger at one end 

The point is already dull from my application

It comes with its own sharpener 

I can attest to its true staying ability because even when trying to rub it off my arm with soap and water the liner barely budged! I don't have particularly oily lids so I don't see migration of this liner being an issue at all. I love it paired with the Prelude Quad and look forward to wearing this in the coming months. Happy to report that Khaki Platine is a stud!  

Retails for $29.00 USD and can be found at www.chanel.com or high-end department stores.

Will you be buying Chanel's Khaki Platine? 

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? 

Burberry Sheer Eye Shadow in Rosewood No. 09 and Trench No. 02

Burberry Cosmetics conveys understated elegance. Reminiscent of their famous Burberry trench coat, this brand exudes class in an under-the-radar type manner. I first stumbled upon Burberry Beauty almost a year ago while on vacation and had no idea that Burberry had even launched a cosmetic line (apparently it had just been released). I remember taking a quick peak, but nothing more than that thinking that I would see it again in my local Nordstrom's once I returned home. A whole year has passed and Burberry is still only available in a handful of Nordstrom's (they are slowly expanding to more locations). Burberry Beauty began intriguing me once again when I started hearing high praise for their sturdy packaging (love), their well-edited line of soft colors (love), and their makeup that has staying power (love).  The only thing holding me back was the fact that the counter was more than an hour and half away without traffic. That and the whole out-of-sight-out-of-mind mentality totally took place here. I guess other brands (hello Le Metier De Beaute) captured my attention and held it for quite some time.

It became very obvious that as the months ticked, my ability to just dart off to the counter to have a look was diminishing. Finally, I  thought I had seen enough reviews online and seen enough swatches to make a rather educated online purchase without regret and just fulfill my desire for some Burberry cosmetics in my life! I ordered Rosewood No. 09 and Trench No. 02 - two colors that are universally flattering and pleasing.

Trench is a buttery cream color that is great for an overall wash of natural color. Their nova check is embossed into the shadow but dissipates after a several swipes of your eye shadow brush. It comes boxed in a heavy cardboard box lined with foil. All their powdered products (blush, eye shadows, powders) come contained in a heavy felt bag also decked out in nova check print. I'm a sucker for packaging and this high-end brand really delivers the goods. Unlike Chanel or Edward Bess, Burberry Beauty comes with a magnetic closure to ensure their will be no "oops" moments in your purse if you decide to tote it along. Each eye shadow also has a mirror attached - convenient for touchups - and a  sponge tip applicator with "Burberry" imprinted on it.    

Burberry Creative Director Christopher Bailey states, "The colors are taken from the signature Burberry color palette - natural, light, timeless and iconic. We have been inspired by our beautiful stormy, cloudy, misty, hazy skies followed by the gentle glow of the British sun," explains Bailey.

Retails for $29.00 USD and can be found at select Nordstrom's (San Francisco, South Coast Plaza, Garden State, Michigan Avenue, and Bellevue) or online at http://us.burberry.com they also ship to 46 other countries and are currently offering free shipping!

Rosewood No. 09

Trench No. 02

Yes, there are really two colors there. ;) Trench is on the top and Rosewood on the bottom

Rosewood on the left and Trench on the right. 

Easy to blend, buildable color that gave fool proof application, other words...love, love, love!

p.s Just a reminder that I will be sponsoring a 100 follower giveaway and that there are two slots left!  

Burberry's Gift With Purchase

5 piece gift with purchase

I never meant to be such a tease about this. I posted this and then got a bout of food poisoning and then things went downhill from there (I'll spare you the details), but I did want to go into further detail about Burberry's nice gift with purchase. I've heard nice things about their historically generous GWP's and was pleased to finally be on the receiving end of one!

In honor of Nordstrom's Trend Show, I was able to pick up a very nice gift with purchase (GWP) for $100.00. It was a five piece gift that included:

• A nice black mesh Burberry bag (that would be perfect to hold pens or pencils, or makeup of course)
• A full sized Trench No. 04 Sheer Eye Shadow that comes in a velvet pouched ala Chanel decked out in the Nova Check print  
• A full sized Lip Shaping Pencil in Sepia No. 03
• A pencil sharpener engraved with 'Burberry' on it (convenient no doubt)
• A sample of their Burberry Brit Fragrance
• A sample card highlighting four of their Soft Satin Lipsticks in: Nude Beige No. 1, Blush No. 09, Rosewood No. 04, and Brick Red in No. 19 along with a handy disposable lip applicator. It also included a sample of their Sheer Foundation in shades Trench No. 05 and Trench No. 07.

 I visited the Burberry counter in South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, CA on a mission to pick up Burberry's kabuki brush (retails for $52.00) after hearing resoundingly good things about it. I have quite the brush fetish at the moment so this fell right in line with that. I'm fortunate to live relatively close to one of the very few Burberry counters in the country and am able to buy products after seeing them in person first. After catching wind of the GWP I needed to come up with $48.00 more to complete my $100.00 minimum - which really was not a problem. I decided to pick up more eye shadows, shocking I know!, and grabbed Taupe Brown No. 07 and Khaki No. 08 (which will be reviewed separately along with the kabuki brush).

The foundations, lip sticks, lip pencil, and eye shadow swatched

Gold Trench No. 04

Overall, I am very pleased with my purchases and my free gift especially the Gold Trench Eye Shadow that I wanted to buy anyways which retails for $29.00. I appreciate a company that offers gift with purchases that actually give us the incentive to buy instead of trying to lure us in with a dud gift. After my first Burberry experience I already purchased more, I love their luxe packaging and their subtle yet understated colors. Just like the brand, Burberry, their cosmetics are classic and will never go out of style. Look for future reviews on eye shadows, the brush, and a blush.

Do you own any Burberry Beauty products? 

Giorgio Armani's Eyes To Kill in Purpura #03 Swatch and Review

I'm not going to do a lot of talking about this particular eye shadow since I have done in-depth reviews on two other colors (pulp fiction #04 and champagne#08 ) here and  here.

I purchased this directly at giorgioarmani.com because it is not yet available in stores or at the stores online counterparts.

What is there to say about this color except for out of the three Giorgio Armani silk shadows I own, this one is my favorite. The color is so regal looking and the gold flecks keep the color from falling flat.

The swatch, I apologize is not the best. I am home alone with my daughter and I took the picture myself (I mean how hard is it to hold the camera and take a picture? Kids these days! I kid, I kid). I just want to stress that the color in the pan is different from the swatch. In the pan the color may come off as being scary, dark but it swatches into the most beautiful purple with lavender and gold highlights. If worn dry, I think the color would be suitable for conservative work environments and would really set off hazel and/or green eyes.

I just love how blendable these colors are and how well they stay put on the eye without creasing. I still need to experiment and see how these apply wet on the eye. I did do a swatch that is both wet and dry to demonstrate the color intensity and payoff.

The stomper holds the shadow together since it leans more powdery than creamy

This is a dry swatch

A dry swatch

The dry swatch is on the bottom and the wet swatch is on top. 

Retails for $32.00 USD for 0.14 oz. and can be found at high end retailers everywhere (Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, etc.) and found online at giorgioarmanibeauty.com.

Isn't Purpura gorgeous? What is your favorite purple shadow?