Monthly Archives: May 2015
Guerlain | Summer 2015 Colour Collection
Of all the Summer beauty offerings I’ve seen thus far, Guerlain has somehow managed to perfectly capture the essence of the season with their Summer 2015 Colour Collection. Calling to mind azure skies, sun-bronzed limbs, and turquoise seas, the pieces feel fun and carefree; the brand’s signature Terracotta Bronzing Powder now sports a removable neoprene sleeve (aqua for the Blonde version, coral for the Brunette option) along with the heady beachy scent of its tiare flower-infused powder, while the lipstick pops up at the push of your thumb. For the first time, Guerlain introduces a waterproof cream eyeshadow formula with a unique new airy-light texture while nails get their vibe on with a shimmery new aqua hue.
Enjoy the following preview – individual reviews of all pieces forthcoming. Note that the entire Guerlain Summer 2015 Colour Collection is limited edition (while the Terracotta Bronzing Powders are permanent, the neoprene sleeves are limited).
Guardian Summer 2015 Collection | Terracotta 02 Natural – Blondes Bronzing Powder
Guardian Summer 2015 Collection | Rouge Automatique 603 Yellow It-Stick
Guardian Summer 2015 Collection | Summer Shadow in Blue Ocean
Guardian Summer 2015 Collection | Colour Lacquer in Blue Ocean
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
Charlotte Tilbury | The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette
Launching officially in-store next month and exclusive to Holt Renfrew, cult beauty-brand Charlotte Tilbury will finally (FINALLY) be available in Canada. Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury – with her stylish bouffant and expertly drawn feline eyeliner – has created a range of products inspired by the many film stars and A-listers she has worked with, and as my introduction to this amazing line I was kindly sent The Dolce Vita Collection to review.
The Dolce Vita Collection (CAN $275.00) consists of:
- Charlotte Tilbury makeup bag
- The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette
- Cheek To Chic Swish & Pop Blusher in Ecstasy
- The Feline Flick Quick Fine Line Shodo Pen
- Full Fat Lashes in Glossy Black
- Lip Cheat in pillow Talk
- K.I.S.S.I.N.G Fallen From The Lipstick Tree in Penelope Pink
- Lip Lustre in Seduction
Filled with several of Charlotte Tilbury’s best-sellers, The Dolce Vita Collection has basically all you need (with the obvious exception of foundation & powder) to create a variety of looks, taking you easily from ‘desk’ (day) to ‘disco’ (night), in shades that will suit a broad range of complexions and in formulations that are the very definition of luxe. As an added bonus, all the products are housed in a generously and well-crafted makeup bag whose soft contours make it so easy to travel with – and just look at the fun lip prints splashed all over – love!
To makes things easier, I’ve split up the products of this collection into several reviews (otherwise things would get rather photo & text-heavy), starting things off with The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette. Each eyeshadow palette is ‘decoded’ to facilitate the optimum way to use each shade (listed on the back label as Prime, Enhance, Smoke and Pop), but that’s just a suggestion – feel free to mix & match at will and create your own personalized look(s).
As an extra bonus, be sure to check out the Charlotte Tilbury video at the end of this post, where she gives a detailed tutorial on how to effectively use this eyeshadow quad in a variety of looks.
Charlotte Tilbury | The Dolce Vita Collection
The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette | (CAN $64.00 when purchased separately) The four shades that make up this palette are all warm-leaning in nature and quite universal in their appeal and suitability for a wide range of complexions. The deep maroon compact with its rose-gold details bears Charlotte Tilbury’s initials silkscreened on the lid, and even though it’s smaller than I had expected, this is a welcome bonus as I prefer a slim profile as opposed to palettes that are unnecessarily beefed up with excessive packaging.
Three of the shades (Prime, Enhance & Smoke) display an ultra-refined shimmer, of the type that lays down smoothly and is deeply interwoven into the colour, while the last ‘Pop’ shade gets a boost with the addition of golden flakes. Where these shadows really stand out, is in their pigmentation that can be summed up in one word: STELLAR. The texture of the three shimmer hues is almost cream-like, with hardly any powdery kickback upon swirling brushes through the pans, each displaying a superior blendability. As each shade is so richly colour-saturated, you really don’t need to apply any of them damp for extra impact – although that’s always an available option. The ‘Pop’ shade appears to have several levels, with a complex shimmer that’s just so elusive to truly capture on camera; in direct light, the brilliance is incredible while deeper/indoor lighting gives a smoother overall look and tones things down a few degrees. Staying power for all (over primed lids) is impressive, with the colours staying true until removed.
- 1 Prime – oyster shimmer with beige/pink undertones
- 2 Enhance – rust shimmer with slight pink reflects
- 3 Smoke – mink brown shimmer with slight copper reflects
- 4 Pop – bronze shimmer with flat golden flakes
Charlotte Tilbury | The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette (macro)
Charlotte Tilbury | The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette swatches (direct sunlight)
Charlotte Tilbury | The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette swatches (alternate light)
INGREDIENTS: Talc, Mica, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Dimethicone, Zinc Stearate, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Diisostearyl Malate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Silica, Hydrogenated Castor Oil Hydroxystearate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Potassium Sorbate, Chlorphenesin, Polyethylene, Isononyl Isononanoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tin Oxide, Caprylyl Methicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Zeolite, Dimethiconol, Sorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, BHT, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, [May Contain: Ultramarines CI 77007, Carmine CI 75470, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Ferric Ferrocyanide CI 77510, Blue 1 Lake CI 42090, Titanium Dioxide CI 77891, Manganese Violet CI 77742, Iron Oxides CI 77492, Iron Oxides CI 77499, Iron Oxides CI 77491]
Charlotte Tilbury | The Dolce Vita looks
As a long time fan of Charlotte Tilbury (there’s just something about the looks she creates, which are at once wearable and just so lush), I was so excited to lear she had created her own beauty line and couldn’t wait until it arrived on my [Canadian] side of the pond. The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette is spectacular if I’m to judge by the performance of each shade, but as my subsequent reviews will show, this isn’t the only item worth investing in. Breaking into the luxury cosmetics market is not for the faint of heart, but Charlotte Tilbury has definitely begun giving the other high-end brands a run for their money. Things are about to get hot in here …
The Charlotte Tilbury beauty range will be available next month at select Holt Renfrew stores across Canada. The Dolce Vita Luxury Palette can also be purchased through beautylish.com and charlottetilbury.com (link provided for convenience)
Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice & N°6 Sienne
Recently launched from YSL Beauté, is Les Sahariennes Sun-Kissed Blur Perfector Healthy Glow Balm-Powder (CAN $60.00, available in 6 shades in Canada – 7 shades elsewhere), a product that is the first of its kind and one that merges the faux glow of a bronzer with the pore/fine-line minimizing power of a primer – all in a hybrid balm-to-powder formulation.
This new and unique formula is meant to:
- disguise imperfections
- smooth the complexion
- enhance skin’s ‘vibrant solar radiance’ (I’m guessing that means sun-kissed glow)
- buildable to create a natural, healthy glow all year-round
The unique texture – not quite a balm, nor a powder – but one that starts off silky and slightly slippery, quickly morphs into a soft second-skin powdery finish without any visible shimmer, but neither is it completely flat – leaving a very natural appearance upon the skin. According to the brand:
“Les Sahariennes is the first patented sun-kissed powder-in-balm by YSL Beauté. Concentrated, yet surprisingly lightweight, it transforms from balm to optical powder upon application. The formula contains a combination of volatile oils; once applied, they evaporate leaving the skin’s surface a matte bronze finish which perfects the complexion and minimizes pores“
The compacts bear the brand’s signature Casandre logo in gold set against a cushioned deep amber lid (which can appear tortoise-shell patterned at certain angles), protected by a dual-pocket velour pouch (*NOTE: do not place the compact face down on non-fabric surfaces, as it will stick with almost suction-like strength. I learned that the hard way). The included applicator is dual ended, with a soft brush on one side and a flat velvet sponge on the other which works well for on-the-go touchups, but I prefer the control I get with my own regular sized brushes and/or beauty sponges. The product is pleasantly scented – a cross between green & floral – and while it’s not strong for me, those with sensitivities may want to take note.
The two shades I was sent for review, work perfectly with my skin tone, and while N°6 Sienne was initially much too dark for me to use at first, it has become indispensable now that I’ve returned from holiday with a tan. Both shades seem to have rosy undertones which I feel more accurately mimic the effects of the sun (as opposed to a yellowish base, that can make skin look sallow and/or muddy). This formula seems to take a little while to set 100%, which actually works in its favour as you have ample time to properly buff it into the skin – or even blend two shades, if desired – for a true-to-life sun kissed look.
On my recent holiday, I was determined to minimize my sun exposure, as my bone-headed sun practices in the past have resulted in hyper pigmentation issues, especially on my face (forehead, cheeks and chin). Therefore, my beauty bag had more bronzers and such than actual makeup – with Les Sahariennes sharing top spot. As my vacation progressed and I started getting some colour, I enhanced my complexion with these two little miracle workers; my preferred method is to apply N°3 Épice on broad areas of the face where evening out of my skin tone is needed (using a dense brush such as the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush), then going in with N°6 Sienne along the tops of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose, forehead, and lightly along the chin – mimicking the fresh glow of a day spent at the beach. This two-pronged effect is incredible; not only does it make my skin look perfectly and evenly tanned (PS: never forget to apply to the tops of ears and down the neck), but the blurring properties minimize pores so that my skin also looks flawless. This is hands-down, one of the most incredible two-in-one products I’ve come across in years.
Another bonus is that the darker shades can also be used in a contouring capacity, and as this formula is incredibly lightweight as well as effortlessly blendable without any strong shimmer to mess things up, the effect is quite natural looking – just don’t forget to buff, buff, buff for a seamless look.
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder with applicator & sleeve
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice & N°6 Sienne
N°3 Épice is the lighter of the two and even though it appears somewhat beige-y in the pan, it holds just enough pink in the base to warm it up beautifully. A few weeks ago (and pre-holiday) my skin was several degrees lighter, so this shade worked beautifully as a very natural-looking bronzer, but now that I’m sporting more of a tan, I have been using N°3 Épice as an allover base to unify my skin tone (works like magic against my light hyper pigmentation issues).
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice swatches
N°6 Sienne is the darker of the two hues, bearing a caramel-like colour and light ruddy tints for extra warmth and impact. Before my holiday-tanned skin, I would use this with a stippling brush, picking up a light amount and gently buffing it into the skin – mainly in areas where the sun would naturally hit (upper cheekbones, forehead, bridge of the nose); in that capacity, it looks like the most spectacular tan (without any of the effort involved acquiring it – bonus!). Even with my presently tanned skin, I still prefer to use this the same way, but I’m able to load up my brush a bit more (and usually applied over a light layer of N°3 Épice) – makes my skin look like I’ve just spent the day beachside.
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°6 Sienne
YSL Beauté | Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder in N°3 Épice & N°6 Sienne swatches
Ingredients: Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Dimethicone, Isononyl Isononanoate, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate, Fragrance, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Paraffin, Silica, Benzyl Alcohol, Tin Oxide, Linalool
Once the warmer weather hits, it’s usually all about bronzers and/or bronzed skin and brands have really stepped up their game in this area, introducing more natural looking formulas and lightweight textures. The YSL Beauté Les Sahariennes Healthy Glow Balm-Powder takes that concept a step further with the addition of a blurring agent, helping to provide a gorgeously flawless (but never fake-looking) glow to the skin. I like how the included applicator is in a separate pocket of the velour sleeve – this way, it doesn’t take away from the size/amount of the actual product, and while said applicator is ok in a pinch, I still prefer the precision and control I achieve by using my own brushes. With 6 shades to choose from, I would say that there is a colour to suit all complexions except perhaps the darkest, although you’d have to test that out at counter to be sure, as even deep skin tones can always use some evening out.
Available now through all YSL Beauté counters across Canada, Sephora and sephora.com, The Bay and thebay.com (direct links provided for convenience), and Holt Renfrew. Find more information via yslbeautyus.com
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
NARS x Christopher Kane | Neoneutral Lip Glosses
As my first post back from my holiday (where I decided to basically unplug, hence the unnatural quiet on the blog), I bring you the 4 luscious shade from the NARS x Christopher Kane Neoneutral Collection (CAN $31.00 each, limited edition). This collaboration draws inspiration from Christopher Kane’s aesthetic of combining neons with neutral hues in unexpected and refreshing ways – but what makes the bold colours of these glosses totally work on everyone, is the fact that they’re sheer in application.
The glosses come in a rectangular tube with a transparent body to clearly display the colour of each shade, while the applicator is of the angled sponge/doe-foot variety for ease of application. I detect no discernible scent, but I recommend you ask for a full ingredient listing at the counter (as these are press samples, I don’t have that information on hand).
NARS x Christopher Kane | Neoneutral Collection Lip Glosses
NARS x Christopher Kane | Neoneutral Collection Lip Glosses
Nucleus is a milky pink/nude shade that bears enough pigment as to not appear totally transparent when applied. Since Nucleus has a tendency to settle in lip lines, it’s best when worn over a matching lipstick; barring that, any settling issues will eventually work themselves out during wear, but the trade-off will be less colour upon the lips. Wear time is approx. 2 – 2 1/2 hours, which is average for a pale gloss such as this.
NARS x Christopher Kane | Nucleus Lip Gloss swatch
Nebulous is a warm-leaning Creamsicle shade of orange and definitely nowhere near as über-neon when applied. Orange can be a tricky colour when worn on the lips, but the silky texture and softened hue of Nebulous eliminates any issues. Almost as if by magic, there manages to be enough colour deposited upon application to give a gorgeous tint and lush look to lips (I count that as a bonus). Wear time is about 2 – 2 1/2 hours, longer when applied over a matching lipstick.
NARS x Christopher Kane | Nebulous Lip Gloss swatch
Glow Pink appears more lavender-like in the tube (although my photo above gives off more of a pink vibe), but comes across as a sheer fuchsia when applied, with the colour deepening as it develops – leaving a rosy stain behind when most of the glossy part has worn off. What looks like the most vivid shade of the four, Glow Pink is a beauty contradiction: almost transparent in finish but with long-lasting colour. Sorcery, I tell you. Wear time is two-sided, with the glossy part fading after about 2 1/2 hours, although the stain left behind can go on for at least 6 hours +.
NARS x Christopher Kane | Glow Pink Lip Gloss swatch
Mezmer is described as a watermelon hue and while the tube colour meshes with that, upon the lips it definitely appears more rosy (at least, it does on my lips – which are rather pigmented to begin with, so bear that in mind). With excellent pigmentation for a sheer gloss, Mezmer can also be layered over a similar lipstick for more impact, although be warned: this shade develops with wear and intensifies, leaving the strongest stain behind of the four — which is absolutely gorgeous! Wear time is the longest of the bunch, going easily 4 hours (the glossy part) to 7+ (the stain portion).
NARS x Christopher Kane | Mezmer Lip Gloss swatch
NARS x Christopher Kane | Mezmer Lip Gloss swatch with gloss worn off, showing stain shade
Unless the shade is super colour-saturated and requires care in application, I tend to reach for glosses over lipsticks, mainly because they’re a swipe-and-go type of product, and can be applied without needing a mirror (I can be lazy that way). The beauty of these Neoneutral shades, is how they seem to morph upon application; all but Nucleus deepen as they go and leave a stain behind on the lips, basically keeping the colour alive long after the shine has gone. The NARS formula is also one that I really like, as it’s not too sticky or slick-feeling, leaving a well hydrated feel upon the lips as well. The only minor disappointment here was Nucleus primarily when worn solo; that being said, it totally redeems itself when applied over a matching shade. If you usually steer clear of neons, I suggest you give this collection a try – it will not only surprise you, but in all likelihood convert you over to the [sheer]bright side.
The limited edition NARS x Christopher Kane Neoneutral Collection is available now through Sephora and sephora.com, thebay.com (links provided for convenience), Holt Renfrew stores across Canada, as well as narscosmetics.com
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links
CHANEL | Campanule & Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect, Orchidée Stylo Yeux Waterproof
The much-anticipated CHANEL Collection Mediterranée for Summer 2015 has finally landed at counters across the country, pieces filled with the sun drenched colours of the French Riviera. I was kindly send three eye pencils to test out: N°107 Campanule & N°147 Caroube in the Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect format (first released in 2013) and N°997 Orchidée Stylo Yeux Waterproof – all limited edition.
The Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect bears a unique cream eyeshadow formula made with a higher than usual concentration of water, which provides a ‘cooling’ sensation upon the skin at first application. The travel-friendly & retractible pen style has a tapered edge (although that does wear down and round out with use) which can deposit a dense layer of colour or sheered out for a lighter wash along the lids. There are 5 shades released with this collection (all limited edition), all in a satin finish and with each bearing a complex shimmer. Note that all shades can be worn alone, or mixed & matched for more effect.
The Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect formula is meant to be long-lasting, but I still need to apply primer first (the curse of oily lids) in order to keep the colour intact and crease-free. The cooling sensation is indeed noticeable, but dissipates quickly and if you’re planning on any blending or smudging out of the colour, you do need to work relatively quickly because once it sets, it’s near impossible to move around. The formula is a soft-solid in the pen with the tip wearing down and taking on a rounded shape by just a few uses – which actually makes application even easier, but not conducive for detailed work (although perfect for a more diffused eyeliner application).
CHANEL’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof range of eye pencils are slim retractible pencils that never need sharpening, are soft enough to avoid stressing the delicate skin of the eyes but bear a solid enough density to help deposit colour easily. Long-lasting, they are safe for use on the waterline (inner rim of the eye) and are meant to stay in place.
I have been a fan of CHANEL’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof pencils for many years now (I swear by the black version as my go-to liner, especially for the waterline) and appreciate how easily they apply, as well as how long-lasting most can be. N°997 Orchidée is quite unique in my collection, with its vividly intense violet shade truly making my green eyes stand out.
CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect 107 Campanule & 147 Caroube, Stylo Jeux Waterproof 997 Orchid swatches
CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | 107 Campanule & 147 Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect
CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | 107 Campanule & 147 Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches
N°107 Campanule (CAN $38.00) | Inspired by the Florentine Iris so beloved by Coco Chanel, this is a nice mix of lavender and violet tones with hints of blue reflects in the base. The shade can be intensified by layering (as well as complimented by the addition of N°997 Orchidée), or sheered out for a whisper light wash of colour.
CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015| 107 Campanule Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches
N°147 Caroube (CAN $38.00) is a complex bronze-brown hue with hints of taupe in the base. Inspired by the beauty of golden Summer skin, this shade is ultra rich in both texture and appearance, and is universal enough to suit all skin tones and eye colours across the board.
CHANEL Collection Mediterranée 2015 | 147 Caroube Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches
Upon first looking at N°147 Caroube, I was under the impression that it would be almost identical in colour to N°07 Moon River (released in 2013 – now discontinued) but the two couldn’t be more different; Caroube is obviously several shades darker and more chocolate hued, while Moon River is not only lighter and rather platinum-leaning, but displays much more shimmer as well.
CHANEL | 147 Caroube vs 07 Moon River Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect
CHANEL | 147 Caroube vs 07 Moon River Stylo Eyeshadow Fresh Effect swatches
N°997 Orchidée (CAN $35.00) is a vivid violet pencil shade and much more intense than what’s seen by just looking at the pencil. Worn along the waterline, the colour seemed a little subdued at initial application, but once the pencil has warmed up and has been worked in a bit, the effect is definitely amplified. Applied along the lash line, this pencil stays in place until removed – when used in conjunction with N°107 Campanule, the effect is just gorgeous; a modern & still elegant way to wear vivid colour.
CHANEL Collection Méditerranée 2015 | 997 Orchidée Stylo Yeux Waterproof swatches
I absolutely love the versatility & unique tones of the Stylo Eyehshadow Fresh Effect pencils, as well as how easy they are to use. Portable and long-lasting (although those with oily lids should prime beforehand), there are an infinite number of ways to wear/apply them for a wide variety of looks, not to mention how easily they can all mix & match. The Stylo Yeux Waterproof in 997 Orchidée is a wonderful addition to my Summer makeup wardrobe, and by just adding a few swipes of mascara I’m able to achieve an easy, yet fun eye look. Do yourself a solid and check these out next time you’re at a CHANEL counter – but don’t wait too long to do so, as they are limited edition and are sure to go rather fast (judging by how fast they sold out back in 2013).
Collection Mediterranée Summer 2015 is available now at all CHANEL counters across the Canada. Visit chanel.com for more details.
Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration
