ommorphia beauty bar

Sometime after I began my blog back in late 2010, I came across the term “nail polish jewelry”, which had me completely baffled; was this jewelry for your bottles of nail polish, your nails, or what? It wasn’t until I did a little search that I learned that this term meant jewelry which incorporated nail polish into a part of the design. How innovative and unique!

When Susan of ‘The Subtle Shimmer’, a fellow blogger, contacted me a few weeks ago to ask if I would be willing to review an item from her newly created nail polish jewelry line, ‘Star Trinkets’, I was absolutely thrilled; here would be my chance to see exactly what this craft was all about AND I would be given the opportunity to help someone who has been one of my steadfastly loyal followers for quite some time now … not to mention the fact that she’s an absolutely lovely girl as well! Thank you, Susan!

After a few emails were exchanged to find out my preferences in item (a bracelet), nail polish brand/colour (this was a no-brainer: having collaborated with the amazing Adina of a-england, I naturally chose ‘Saint-George’ – previously reviewed here), and wrist size (for said bracelet!), Susan got to work in creating a custom piece for me and I could not wait to see the results … the lovely personalized thank you card she sent with the bracelet, was such a warm touch!

the incredible ‘Saint-George’ from a-england’s ‘The Legend’ Collection – an inspiration lacquer, both in name & in colour

I just had to include this closeup detail of the stunning cabochons

Background: In July 2011, Susan began her nail polish blog ‘The Subtle Shimmer’. Then near the end of the year, she discovered nail polish jewelry which just called to the creative part of her, so taking a hiatus from her teaching job, she decided to give this craft a try, and thus ‘Star Trinkets’ was born; the name refers to her fascination with stars as well as the small decorative objects she creates, while the initials of the name also cleverly mimic her name (Susan Toh).

The following excerpts are in Susan’s own words:

“I do notice more people making nail polish rings and earstuds for sale recently. As such, I decided to do something a little different by making bracelets and dangling earrings as well. These have more of a design element than using only ready-made settings. I do have the latter settings as well because they are beautiful too.

Currently, I have a rather wide range of settings. Other than the earrings, bracelets, rings, and earstuds mentioned, I also have pendants and chains, bobby pins, keychains, cufflinks, and a bag/purse hanger.

I use a water-resistant coating to protect the nail polish. There are some sellers who only use a top coat, but it’s my personal belief that is insufficient protection. I then use a waterproof glue to attach the glass cabochon (bead / marble) to the setting. I let the pieces set and cure for at least two days before I send them to customers.

I do customised pieces. Customers can browse the available settings and nail lacquers on my blog.

They can order via email and I will send them a Paypal invoice once they’ve confirmed their orders. I do need customers to make payment before I start work on their orders. All listed prices are final prices, and customers do not need to worry if there’ll be additional Paypal fees.

I’ve also just started an Etsy store, where I’ll be selling ready-made pieces. It is also possible to request for customised pieces via my Etsy store, as well as purchase and pay through Etsy.

I ship internationally via airmail. I ship from Singapore and I do charge shipping separately, as stated earlier

International shipping is charged at US$2 for the first item, and US$0.50 for each subsequent item. On my Etsy store, I do charge a little more for shipping heavier items, and a little less for smaller items. Most items are still charged at US$2 / US0.50 for shipping out of Singapore. Shipping within Singapore is free”.

a closer look at the clasp with its delicate design

detail of the t-bar portion of the clasp

the mani-friendly clasp closure

Final thoughts: All I can say is that I absolutely love this bracelet, and for so many reasons; the antiqued look of the chain, the subtle scrollwork designs, the 2 glowing cabochons, a totally mani-friendly clasp AND its retail value is US $17.00 ! Unbelievable, right? This stunning piece even got the seal of approval from my almost 18-year old – and that’s no easy task to accomplish, let me tell you! Please feel free to go and visit Susan and check out her entire repertoire of beautiful “trinkets” – and tell her I said “hi”!

Susan Toh

www.thesubtleshimmer.com

www.startrinkets.com

www.etsy.com/shop/StarTtrinkets

www.facebook.com/StarTrinkets

startrinkets@gmail.com

*Disclaimer: Product sample provided by company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Posted in Nail Polish Jewelry
Tags: nail polish bracelet, nail polish jewelry, Star Trinkets Accessories, Star Trinkets Nail Polish Jewelry

With a name like ‘Gold Digger’, I wasn’t sure if I should be sporting a knowing smirk, or act insulted – the smirk won! Instead of the usual connotations to this term, I’m going to take it another way, as “one who digs (enjoys) gold”. Maybe it’s just me, but that feels more appropriate somehow! Aside from that, this über-extravagant looking lip gloss released with the NARS summer 2012 collection is a definite eye catcher; luxury in a tube of lip gloss!

The iconic vamp, Mae West – a silver screen gold digger, with a heart of gold! (source)

‘Gold Digger’ Larger than Life Lip Gloss, is a clear-based gloss, filled with glimmering cold/bronze/copper smooth and ultra-fine glitter, with some specks of pink and green thrown in to round things out. The formula was surprisingly long-lasting, for a gloss, easily going past the 2 hour mark on me, and any initial stickiness was tempered with wear, leaving behind a well-nourished feeling. Worn on its own, ‘Gold Digger’ imparts a slightly translucent peachy tint without any opacity, as well as adding a nice shimmery effect to the lips, which is clearly seen in all lighting. The brush is rather tiny in comparison to the long wand, and while it does afford precision application, you need more swipes of gloss to cover your lips than you would with a larger applicator. That being said, I thought the brush was a little dinky at first, but once I got used to it, I actually found it to quite convenient.

look at how tiny the brush is in comparison to the tube!

the itty bitty brush (closeup)

in sunlight

indoors

with flash

I’m also completely loving the way ‘Gold Digger’ so totally compliments ‘Buenos Aires’ (previously reviewed here) when it’s layered on top; the golden shimmer adds a gorgeous dimension of depth to the more neutral base underneath, while amping up the volume by several degrees. This is a look that I have been wearing constantly — my new favourite!

in sunlight

indoors

with flash

Final thoughts: I have stated often enough how much I enjoy using glosses for their ease of use and portability, but they can also be a nuisance (hello – hair plastered to lips in windy weather, anyone?), but there’s no denying how convenient they are, not to mention how a gloss can completely transform whatever lipstick you may already be wearing. And let’s face it; nothing can draw attention to your pucker, quite like luscious, glossy lips (except for red lipstick of course … but that’s for another post!) but what I absolutely love about ‘Gold Digger’, is that the glitz factor seems to be tastefully done here and the clear base also leaves this shade open to numerous layering possibilities. Infused with anti-oxidants and natural lip plumping ingredients (which I don’t think I actually noticed on me, but then again, my lips are rather full), something tells me that I’ll be picking up back-ups of this beauty as well!

Posted in Lip Gloss, NARS
Tags: NARS Gold Digger Larger Than Life Lip Gloss, NARS Gold Digger over Buenos Aires swatch, NARS Gold Digger swatch, NARS Summer 2012 Collection

Is it a little crazy that I get such a thrill of excitement with the launch of a new collection? Case in point: the summer 2012 collection from NARS, which grabbed me from the start with its exotic sounding names and quirky play of colours and textures … but seeing it live, is a whole other story. One item that I was determined to bring home with me, was the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in ‘Buenos Aires’: a lipstick/pencil/lip gloss in one neat package – doesn’t get easier than that!

an aerial view of Buenos Aires – a perfect source of inspiration for this shade (source)

‘Buenos Aires’ Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, is exactly what the name implies; described by NARS as a “nude beige pink” shade, I would go even further by adding that it is one of the BEST and most flattering nude-beige-pink shades for lips out there.  The chubby stick is easy and comfortable to hold, and its portability is undeniable, but what makes this particular pencil so special is:

• its universally flattering hue, being neither too cool or warm leaning
• excellent lasting power, staying in place easily a full 6 hours
• no mirror needed for application
• no need to carry lip liner, lip gloss AND lipstick with this all-in-one

The texture of this pencil is quite creamy and glides easily across the lips without any pulling; I usually begin by outlining my lips first, then quickly filling them in – done in a flash! The colour itself is not too opaque, which is a plus in this case as its slight translucency allows some of your natural lip colour to add a nice warmth to the finished look. The gloss part of this stick is not like traditional glosses, so don’t expect a glass-like shine, but it certainly gives more than a sheen and according to NARS, the inclusion of “vitamin E and moisture-rich hyaluronic spheres increase hydration, improve barrier function and make lips appear fuller“.

Buenos Aires (closeup)

Buenos Aires (closeup)

in sunlight

indoors

with flash

Final thoughts: I have been looking for that one great nude lipstick, one that would give a soft focus effect without giving me “corpse” lips – and now thanks to ‘Buenos Aires’, I have found it.  What I wasn’t expecting, was how much I would come to love using this, both for its convenience, as well as its feel. Even long after the initial shine has faded, I found that my lips felt soft & nourished, with a light dusky hint of colour left behind … all of which has convinced me beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I NEED A BACKUP. Or maybe 2!

PS: this opens the NARS chapter of my ‘Wedding Anniversary Bounty’ (begun here, here, here and here) … yes, that’s still going on!

CONGRATULATIONS GOES OUT TO MELISSA – THE WINNER OF MY OPI VINTAGE MINNIE MOUSE COLLECTION GIVEAWAY!

Posted in Lip gloss/pencil, NARS
Tags: NARS Buenos Aires swatch, Nars Buenos Aires Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, NARS Summer 2012 Collection

*In case you were wondering, this review continues my Wedding Anniversary Bounty series! (see here, here, & here for previous entries) More than that, however, CHANEL’s ‘Sable-Emouvant’ Eyeshadow Duo made me do a double-take. Initially, I thought that this was a relatively common brown/beige duo, but upon closer inspection, I was gripped by how elegant in its utter simplicity this duo really is, and swatching it only confirmed this impression. Personally, I wondered how these more autumnal-seeming colours would work for a summer collection, but as you’ll see, this duo seems to rise above any trends.

this has to be one of the best CHANEL collection looks I’ve seen to date! (source)

the iconic CHANEL black box, banded in gold

I’m a huge fan of the protective velveteen sleeves that all CHANEL compacts come with

the glistening lacquered ebony compact *sigh*

the back of compact – made in France!

#37 Sable-Emouvant is one the most universally flattering eyeshadow duos I’ve ever come across, but as if that wasn’t enough, CHANEL sweetened the deal by making these powders exceptionally finely-milled and silky smooth. The left side of the compact bears a luscious minky brown hue, with the right side holding a creamy café latté shade, and the delicate glimmer you see on the surface gives a such a lustrous depth to what would be rather ordinary hues. Combined, the two colours take on an intricate silvery gleam and provides a nice counterpoint to each individual shade. I experienced almost no powdery kick-back or residue when applying a variety of  brushes to them, and even without primer, lasting powder was impressive as well – going easily a full 7 hours before creasing or fading. The following swatches are all on foundation primed skin.

closeup of the rich chocolate-brown shade

closeup of the glistening oyster-cream shade

swatches in sunlight (left to right): combined, brown, cream

swatches with flash (left to right): combined, brown, cream

eye look

I’m totally loving the fresh & juicy look of this lip combo!

Inspired by the photo of the CHANEL model for this collection (see top of post), I created this clean and simple look. I applied the ecru shade of ‘Sable-Emouvant’ over the lid up to the crease, then went in with the chestnut hue along the outer corners of the eye and in more detail along both upper & lower lids. With a fluffy blending brush I went back over the lid with the darker shade to add a different dimension, finally finishing with the paler hue along the inner corner of the eye.

Over tinted moisturizer (NARS Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in ‘St. Moritz’), and using a large fluffy brush, I first dusted ‘Sable Beige’ all over the face and neck, then went back with a smaller domed brush and applied ‘Sable Rose’ to lightly contour as well as give a natural blush to the cheeks.  To finish the look, I applied Rouge Coco Shine in ‘Flirt’ (previously reviewed here), topped with CHANEL’s new Glossimer in ‘Calypso’ (previously reviewed here).

Final thoughts: Even though the promotional photos looked beautiful, I was still tempted to pass this duo up, thinking I would focus on more “seasonally appropriate” items, but something stopped me; there’s a certain indefinable quality to these two shades, and after having worn this duo several different ways, I can honestly say that it is also exceptionally versatile.  I even went so far as to go through every single brown & beige eyeshadow I own to see if I could duplicate this duo, but surprisingly, I had nothing evenly remotely close.  Above all this, though is the phenomenal quality of these shadows, making this not only one of my better purchases, but also one of the most versatile.

This ends the CHANEL portion of my Wedding Anniversary Bounty’ … NARS is next in line to be revealed!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL “MOMS” – BEAUTIES FOREVER!

Posted in Chanel, Eye Shadow, Eye Shadow Duo
Tags: Chanel Sable-Emouvant Duo swatches, Chanel Sable-Emouvant eyeshadow duo, Chanel Summer 2012 Collection, Chanel Summer 2012 Makeup Collection

*Don’t forget to check out my Mother’s Day Giveaway here!*

A while back, I had blithely declared this to be the year of “the bronzer”, and when I saw my first glimpses of CHANEL’s upcoming summer 2012 collection with its 2 multi-hued sunny compacts, I was mesmerized — there may or may not have been some fainting involved! Last year’s versions, ‘Bronze Corail’ & ‘Bronze Rosé’ totally wowed me, but this year’s ‘Sable Beige’ & ‘Sable Rose’, literally took my breath away … witness the proof of why below!

Sable Beige (left), Sable Rose (right)

CHANEL has become justifiably reknown for producing not only exceptionally finely-milled face powders, but aesthetically beautiful and yet totally wearable bronzers as well. ‘Sable Beige’ and ‘Sable Rose’, the two limited edition bronzers which form part of this year’s summer 2012 collection, not only perfectly embody this well-deserved reputation, but also happen to be two of the best bronzers I’ve tried thus far. The finish is actually quite unique as well; I experienced absolutely no powder kick-back, but instead noticed a gorgeous luminous glow that was imparted once the bronzers were applied, similar to the finish of CHANEL’s ‘Blush Horizon’ from the spring 2012 collection (previously reviewed here).

The brush that comes with each compact is of excellent quality, with a large enough size that it can be used quite effectively, and while I was able to achieve good results with it alone, I prefer using several of my other brushes instead, depending on the look I wish to achieve. For the lightest application, a natural-bristle fan brush works well, as that will not only pick up just the barest amount of colour, but will give the most delicate dispersal across the face. A larger domed brush deposits stronger amounts of product, effective for a more contoured look, while a large fluffy brush can cover a wider area for a more even-looking, natural “tanned” finish.

NOTE: all of the following swatches are on un-primed, bare skin.

in sunlight: Sable Beige (left), Sable Rose (right)

with flash: Sable Beige (left), Sable Rose (right)

Sable Beige (macro)

Sable Beige (back label)

#907 Sable Beige, the lighter of the two bronzers, bears 7 stripes of colour, varying from camel, tan, and apricot, along with a pale golden hue that is embossed with the CHANEL name. While the stripes are each of a decent enough size, you would be hard pressed to apply them individually, nor are they meant to be worn that way – although I imagine you could always use a narrow brush to apply the gold strategically as a highlighter, if so desired.  I prefer to swirl them all together; what you get by this method, is a bronzer hue that has many levels of colour for a truly believable effect, never flat or one-dimensional.

From the two, I would say that ‘Sable Beige’ is THE perfect option for anyone with quite fair to medium-light skin tones, as well as anyone wishing to have just the merest whisper of colour swept along the planes of the face.  For darker skin tones, this shade may come off more as a “luminizer” than a bronzer, which may take away from its intended use, but can still work well in that capacity.

TIP: I’ve found that, without exception, all bronzers take a few minutes to “develop”; I suggest that you alway begin with a few light swipes of product, then wait about 5 minutes to judge the effect.  The bronzer needs some time to interact with your skin’s natural heat & oils, and it’s only after this that you can tell how much you really applied, or if you need/wish to add more. This way, you won’t over-do it and wind up looking “leathered”!

Sable Beige, in sunlight

Sable Beige, with flash

Bronze Corail (left, Sable Beige (right)

Bronze Rosé (left), Sable Beige (right)

fig. 1 – in sunlight: Bronze Corail (left, Sable Beige (centre), Bronze Rosé (right)

fig. 2 – with flash: Bronze Corail (left), Sable Beige (centre), Bronze Rosé (right)

How ‘Bronze Corail’ and ‘Bronze Rosé’ (figs. 1 & 2), compared to ‘Sable Beige’:

• less variation in colour among the bronzer stripes
• both appear more rose hued, likely due to the larger blush strip in the palette
• a touch more powdery, but still finely milled
• no “glowy” finish

Sable Rose (macro)

Sable Rose (back label)

#917 Sable Rose, the darker of the two bronzers, also bears 7 stripes of colour, but this time in shades of russet, bronze, and deep rose, along with the same golden hue embossed with the CHANEL name. Better suited for medium to darker skin tones, this bronzer can also serve double duty as a blush, especially if you have a light tan going on. Giving a slightly ruddier appearance, you need to apply ‘Sable Rose’ with a touch more care to ensure a more uniform look, but I love how the paler stripes of colour not only keep this from coming across as too muddy, but actually serves to add a nice warmth to your look.

Sable Rose, in sunlight

Sable Rose, with flash

Bronze Corail (left, Sable Rose (right)

Bronze Rosé (left), Sable Rose (right)

fig. 3 – in sunlight: Bronze Corail (left), Sable Rose (centre), Bronze Rosé (right)

fig. 4 – with flash: Bronze Corail (left), Sable Rose (centre), Bronze Rosé (right)

While both ‘Bronze Corail’ and ‘Bronze Rosé’ have the qualities I listed above, in comparison to ‘Sable Rose’, they now appear to lose some of their rosiness and take on a more tanned look (figs. 3 & 4).

Final thoughts: When I first tried ‘Sable Beige’ to complete my look, an interesting thing happened; I couldn’t really see what I had applied. Taking my own advice, I waited – and was rewarded! Once the powder had reacted with my own skin’s body heat & oils, what I was left with, was a gentle café au lait kind of glow. This bronzer works beautifully, especially for during the day, as it’s subtle enough to not stand out, but adds a nice golden touch. ‘Sable Rose’, on the other hand was a lot more visible, and yet did not overpower or come off as “sunburnt” – it managed to give the look of a slightly deeper tan. Both bronzers are easy to wear and without any orange tones, making them suitable for even the fairest of skin tones, although darker skin will probably have a harder time making these work. Overall, I don’t regret picking up either of these beauties, as I find that even among my ever-expanding bronzer collection, they offer something new, and impart a completely unique yet totally believable glow.  The two masterpieces in CHANEL’s summer 2012 collection, ‘Sable Beige’ and ‘Sable Rose’ are each a gorgeous tan held in the palm of your hand … and limited edition, so you know what that means: act fast!

Posted in Bronzers, Chanel, Comparisons
Tags: Chanel bronzer comparisons, Chanel Sable Beige swatch, Chanel Sable Beige vs Bronze Corail, Chanel Sable Beige vs Bronze Rosé, Chanel Sable Rose swatch, Chanel Sable Rose vs Bronze Corail, Chanel Sable Rose vs Bronze Rosé, Chanel Soleil de Tan Bronzers Summer 2012

*Don’t forget to check out my Mother’s Day Giveaway here!*

Continuing with the reveal of my Wedding Anniversary Bounty (begun here), I realized that I also needed to include something for the lips, and as I have a soft spot for CHANEL Glossimers, this stunning shade was definitely calling my name! ‘Calypso’, might mean “to hide from/hidden” in Greek, but I much prefer revealing every brilliant aspect of this tropical beauty!

#337 Calypso is an absolutely gorgeous orange/coral hued gloss, filled with the tiniest glistening shimmer in shades of gold, orange and pink – with perhaps even a speck or two of blue deep within. Considering that this is a gloss, I found the pigment to be rather well saturated throughout, as it leaves a nice veil of colour when applied. With a formula that’s neither thick, overly slippery or too tacky, I believe that this hue will work well with all skin tones, and it won’t settle into any lines like many glosses have a tendency of doing. I generally get at least 2 hours of solid wear with CHANEL Glossimers, and ‘Calypso’ seemed to last a little longer than that; when it finally faded, it left the faintest touch of a delicate sparkle behind, while my lips continued to feel quite nourished and moisturized.

NOTE: I’ve learned over the years, that when using a new CHANEL Glossimer for the first time, you may find that only a small amount of product is released at the onset; the more you continue to use your gloss, the more saturated the spongy tip will become, and deposit more than enough product for a perfect application.

I still get a little thrill looking at those interlocked “C’s”!

the spongy doe-foot wand grabs the perfect amount of product

in sunlight

indoors, natural lighting

with flash

Final thoughts: I usually prefer lip glosses over lipstick primarily for their ease of use; one swipe and you’re done, no mirror needed (for the most part – highly pigmented glosses being the exception). CHANEL Glossimers also have the unique advantage of being rather long-lasting, for a gloss, and while applying the term “non-sticky” to a gloss may sound like an oxymoron, I love how ‘Calypso’ stays on the lips until it eventually fades, and doesn’t develop that filmy line along the inner lip that so many other glosses can. Even when it faded away, I was left with the faintest glimmer behind and my lips felt quite moisturized – another plus. The perfect hue for when you want your lips to be the focus, this ‘Calypso’ should definitely never remain hidden!

Posted in Chanel, Lip Gloss
Tags: Chanel Calypso swatch, Chanel Summer 2012 Glossimer, Chanel Summer 2012 lip gloss, Chanel summer 2012 lip gloss swatch