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Guerlain · Shalimar Collection by Natalia Vodianova, Holiday 2016

October 18, 2016

Several weeks ago I was honoured to be amongst a select few invited to a special media preview of the Guerlain Shalimar Collection for Holiday 2016 which was held at Restaurant Europea in the heart of downtown Montréal. Discreetly tucked away on de la Montagne Street, the unassuming exterior belies the gastronomic delights we were about to discover, along with the exquisite beauty collection itself. Presented by key members of the Guerlain team along with International Makeup Artist for the brand, Maxime Poulin (whose talent is simply phenomenal), we were given a thorough breakdown of not only the entire collection, but of several other new releases, including Orchidée Imperial Black, the most über-luxurious skincare cream I’ve ever come across, and the newest additions to the Les Exclusifs de Guerlain fragrance range.

The Guerlain holiday release is always one of the season’s most highly anticipated (last year’s version sold out as soon as it hit counters), and the Shalimar Collection which was created by Shalimar face & muse Natalia Vodianova in collaboration with the house’s Creative Director, Olivier Echaudemaison, is no exception — drawing inspiration from Imperial India and one of history’s great love stories, that of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Tahal. Their passion and love for one another has since reached legendary status and when she passed away, her grief-stricken husband dedicated one last homage to her: the creation of one of the seven wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal, a tomb fit for a queen.

I’m going to warn you right now: this post is quite picture-heavy so get comfortable and read on. I’ve begun with the event itself, immediately followed by my review with swatches of the entire collection. I’ve also included the Shalimar full-length video produced by Bruno Aveillan — an absolute must-see for any die-hard romantic. Personally, I can watch this on repeat all day long as it is just so beautifully crafted and visually arresting. Then there’s the divine jewelry worn by Natalia that I’m absolutely lusting after …

*Note that the entire collection is limited edition

Natalia Vodianova for Shalimar

The Legend of Shalimar, directed by Bruno Aveillan

The venue: Restaurant Europea, downtown Montréal, Québec

Brought to the event from the Guerlain vault: the Shalimar Talisman Bizantin by Maison Gripoix, bearing 1.5 litres of Shalimar Extract and valued at $11,500 — of which there are only 25 pieces in the world

It’s all in the details: delicate beading surrounds the neck with the iconic chauve-souris (bat) label in front

Table settings and ambiance — all perfectly meshed

Guerlain Shalimar Collection by Natalia Vodianova, Holiday 2016

Lobster Capuccino with truffle purée

Lower-River shrimps & pea gazpacho, creamy celery remoulade, citronnade, roasted sunflower seeds & wild pansy petals (*photo taken before the gazpacho was added)

Strips of cured meat paired with white wine

Caramelized scallops, citrus & yuzu juice, creamy risotto with green sprouts & crispy-fondant sautéed mushrooms

Lemon Pie Cristalline with fresh berries

Vanilla meringue buttons and raspberry cotton candy

Guerlain · Shalimar Collection by Natalia Vodianova, Holiday 2016

The uniqueness of this collections starts with the intense cobalt blue outer packaging, a hue that’s also carried throughout the rest of the pieces. Inspired by the colours of India’s precious metals and stones, blue & gold decorates the detailing of the Météorites container, a design which is reminiscent of elegantly delicate lapis lazuli jewelry boxes. Taking things to the next level, a faux-sapphire cabochon adorns the luxurious Rouge G lipstick, turning this ubiquitous beauty item into a covet-worthy work of art that just begs to be taken out in public. Rounding the collection out is the body & hair spray; delicate, ethereal and the only festive touch you’ll need for the holidays.

Precious Light Pink Pearly Illuminator (CAN $62.00) | A subtle highlighter in a pen format that you click to release the product onto the brush. The shade is a pale pink with pearly reflects and can be used to bring radiance to key points of the face: inner or outer corners of the eye, upper cheekbones, bridge of the nose, brow bone and/or cupid’s bow of the lips. The shade is actually universally wearable due to the complexity of the pearly particles, and should even suit the darkest complexions without appearing ashy.

Guerlain · Precious Light Pink Pearly Illuminator

Guerlain · Precious Light Pink Pearly Illuminator swatches

Écrin Shalimar Precious Eyeshadows, Gold & Sapphire (CAN $51.00) | The two shades of this palette are not only incredibly complex formula-wise, but work in perfect harmony together. The gold has a nice balance of both cool and warm tones, therefore making it workable on a broad range of skin tones, while the sapphire is truly jewel-like with hints of indigo, purple and even a fine blue shimmer thrown in to keep it unique. The texture is incredibly smooth — almost creamy to the touch — and blends beautifully. The colour of both shades, while not initially overly strong, is also easily built up; you can apply either as a sheer wash of colour, or layered for more impact and depth of tone. One thing to note with Guerlain eyeshadows: if you opt to use the shades damp, then you probably won’t be able to go back to using either dry again, as wetting them changes the texture.

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Écrin Shalimar Precious Eyeshadows, Gold & Sapphire

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Écrin Shalimar Precious Eyeshadows, Gold & Sapphire swatches

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Écrin Shalimar Precious Eyeshadows, Gold & Sapphire

L’Or Eyeliner, Felt Eyeliner Sparkling Gold (CAN $42.0) | A scintillating gold eyeliner with a felt tip for ease of use and precision application. The texture is initially cooling to the touch upon skin (but which dissipates fairly quickly) and you can build up the intensity for more impact. Apart from using this in place of a traditional eyeliner (i.e.: to line either the upper or lower lash line), you can also apply some to your finger then lightly pat that on the mobile lid for some extra sparkle, or my favourite, along the tips of the outer lashes for a unique glittering touch. There’s about 30 seconds of play time before it sets, because once it does, it’s there until removed. True fact: I swatched a bit on my hand and even after showering, it was still there — how’s that for crazy staying power?

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · L’Or Eyeliner, Felt Eyeliner Sparkling Gold

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · L’Or Eyeliner, Felt Eyeliner Sparkling Gold swatches

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Terracotta Terra India Shimmering Bronzing Powder

Terracotta Terra India Shimmering Bronzing Powder (CAN $64.00) | There are several facets that make this Terracotta powder stand apart from the brand’s other versions: first up is the indigo outer packaging, followed by the intricate pattern embossed on the powder’s surface. Not meant to be a bronzer in the traditional sense, the hue appears more rose-gold when applied thus turning it into an almost hybrid highlighter/bronzer type of product. That being said, there’s a unique versatility to this shade in the fact that all skin tones can get something out of it: the über-fair can use this as bronzer without fear of overdoing things, it works as a gorgeous highlighter (neither blingy nor ashy) for women of colour, and makes for a gorgeous touch of radiance for just about everyone. The texture is [unsurprisingly] highly refined and blends/buffs into the skin flawlessly, while the product can be worn either as a sheer wash or layered for more depth — all depending on your preferences and the look you’re going for.

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Terracotta Terra India Shimmering Bronzing Powder

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Terracotta Terra India Shimmering Bronzing Powder swatches

821 Rouge Saphir Rouge G Exceptional Complete Lip Care (CAN $61.00) | The epitome of luxury lip colour, if a fairy-tale Indian princess carried a lipstick, then I’m betting this would have been it. The finesse starts with the casing, which here is a gleaming pewter that bears a solid heft to it and adorned with a faux-sapphire cabochon. Popped open, it reveals a mirror — perfect for touch ups and basically made to be pulled out in public to do so (I mean, how could you not?). The shade is a lush scarlet and so incredibly pigmented that you basically get full coverage/opacity from the first swipe. As to the texture, I almost have no words: buttery, velvety, and hands down superior to anything else I’ve ever applied to my lips. Even the staying power is impressive, lasting through eating & drinking with minimal fading, and leaving a beautiful deep-rose stain behind.

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · 821 Rouge Saphir Rouge G Exceptional Complete Lip Colour

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · 821 Rouge Saphir Rouge G Exceptional Complete Lip Colour swatch

Météorites Perles de Légende (CAN $79.00) | I may have an slight obsession with Météorites, begun when I first discovered these little pearls of perfection years ago and saw first-hand the effect they can have on one’s skin. This collection’s iteration is no less amazing; housed in a stunning metal container that bears a design perhaps Peter Carl Fabergé might have imagined, the 3 shades it holds were personally selected by Natalia as they reminded her of ‘the colour of mosaics in Indian palaces’, although there’s more to them than that. The pink hue provides brightness and enhances the complexion with a touch of freshness, the blue shade works to even out the skin, while the golden hues act as subtle illumination and call forth light to the face. Bearing the brand’s signature violet fragrance, it does dissipate fairly quickly after application and instead of the usual powder puff (which honestly, I never use) the pearls are protected by a foam cover. Slightly more shimmery than any of the Météorites in the permanent range by virtue of the golden pearls, the effect is still delicate enough that you won’t come off as appearing overly glittery. In fact, trying to describe what this powder does is beyond difficult; you basically have to try it to fully understand, but it’s like an invisible veil that somehow magically makes your skin look a zillion times better. The type that will have people asking what you did, because your complexion looks so good.

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Météorites Perles de Légende

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Météorites Perles de Légende swatches

Souffle D’Or Perfumed Iridescent Body & Hair Powder (CAN $105.00) | The final crowning touch, Souffle D’Or is literally bottled fairy dust. I kid you not.

Imbued with a subtle version of the Shalimar fragrance, this gossamer-light mist is meant to add delicate golden touches to either hair or skin and retains some of the scent long after it’s applied, only to be picked up ever-so-softly with movement. The indigo bottle bears the traditional Shalimar shape and has that Old Hollywood-glam style bulb for applying it with, lending a sensuous boudoir touch to the entire experience. The shimmery bits come in a variety of sizes and while some may fade, others stay behind along with a whisper of scent, just to keep things interesting.

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Souffle D’Or Perfumed Iridescent Body & Hair Powder

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Souffle D’Or Perfumed Iridescent Body & Hair Powder (in action)

Guerlain Shalimar Collection · Souffle D’Or Perfumed Iridescent Body & Hair Powder swatch

If you’ve made it all the way to this point, then I applaud you for sticking it out but sometimes you just can’t condense something so spectacular in just a few words or pictures. Guerlain is a luxury brand that refuses to comprise on details, and that fact is brilliantly apparent with the Shalimar Collection, a first for Natalia Vodianova who’s been the muse for the Shalimar fragrance range running on 8 years now. This collection has been beautifully curated and nothing has been overlooked, but it does lean on the steep-side price-wise; the lipstick alone is a hefty investment, but I can honestly say that I have never worn anything like it before (and trust me, I’ve worn a lot). Last year’s Météorites had a waitlist a mile long and something tells me that this year’s version will fare the same, especially when you consider that the shade range is so suitable to a much broader complexion range. With the Christmas season and holidays upon us, any one of the pieces here would make an absolutely incredible gift for the beauty-lover on your list … that’s assuming you don’t scoop everything up for yourself first.

Available November 1

Press samples/As always, all opinions are my own

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Fragrance Spotlight: My Burberry Black

September 29, 2016

The newest member of the My Burberry family, My Burberry Black, had me at first sniff. Created by CEO Christopher Bailey in collaboration with renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, this decadent fragrance is inspired by the classic black Burberry Heritage trench coat, as seen in the bottle’s finely crafted detailing. As someone who has a weaknesses for anything dark, brooding, and boozy, I had a feeling — without even knowing the ingredients — that this scent would be right up my alley. I was so, so right.

By the way, when the press package arrived, I swear it took me forever to open it up as I didn’t want to ruin the lovely way it was tied. Can you blame me? And can we take a second to ooh over seeing one’s initials on a bottle of fragrance?

Lily James shot by Mario Testino for My Burberry Black

My Burberry Black Parfum (these packaging details get me every time…)

My Burberry Black Parfum

My Burberry Black Parfum (CAN $138.00/90 ml) | Let me set the mood for you:

“…a London garden amidst a gathering storm, heavy rain contrasting with the warm and captivating flora … the sensual elements of a black Burberry trench coat against bare skin”

The latest take on the My Burberry collection of fragrances, My Burberry Black, takes a decidedly sensuous turn (some might even say lascivious, according to the above – and I love it). The details start with the amber-coloured heavy glass bottle with its faux horn cap, the latter echoing the distinctive buttons of the brand’s iconic trench, followed by the black hand-tied English-woven gabardine knot made in Castleford, Yorkshire, which pays homage to the weatherproof fabric invented by Thomas Burberry over 100 years ago.

The fragrance is a heady and darker version of anything else in this family, fusing the scent of ‘sun-drenched jasmine and peach nectar with a touch of rose’. That signature rose note lies at the heart of My Burberry Black, but it’s been given a sugary twist to offset the boozier tone of the amber patchouli, and thus taking it into more erotic territory.

Top note: jasmine flower
Heart notes: candied rose and peach nectar
Base note: amber patchouli

I’ve always tended to lean towards sultry oriental/musky fragrances, as I find that they mesh the best with my body’s chemistry and don’t wind up giving me a headache as so many florals can. My Burberry Black strikes all the right notes for me: assertive yet undeniably sensual, feminine but with a masculine undertone — like the feel of wearing your man’s shirt and nothing else, and with an almost smoky lingering presence that gets you noticed (in the very best way). Or as I like to call it, bottled sophisticated lust.

Bonus: you can have your bottle of My Burberry Black personalized — just like mine — with up to 3 initials through the monogrammed service available in select stores.

Detail: hand-tied black gabardine knot

Detail: English-woven in Castleford, Yorkshire

Detail: faux horn-finish cap

Detail: personalized bottle monogrammed with my initials

So basically, if you’re a fan of the Burberry brand, have a weakness for fine detailing, adore the thought of owning something monogrammed, and above all, prefer your scent to be on the drop-dead sexy side, then My Burberry Black is the one. Another thought to leave you with: the holidays are looming closer ever day and how awesome would it be for that special someone on your list to receive their very own monogrammed bottle? You’re welcome.

Available at select drugstores, Sephora, The Bay, Nordstrom & Sears nationwide

Press sample/As always, all opinions are my own

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CHANEL N°5 L’EAU

September 2, 2016

I’m that woman who’s always wanted to wear CHANEL’s iconic N°5. But the sad truth is that I just can’t; something about the aldehydes in the formula coupled with its powdery notes, so totally does not agree with my body chemistry. As a master CHANEL-phile, you have no idea how real the struggle has been … until now, that is.

Originally created in 1921, CHANEL N°5 has had new life breathed into it for this generation by Olivier Polge, son of Jacques Polge, the brand’s master perfumer. Introducing CHANEL N°5 L’EAU (CAN $119.00/50 ml, $168.00/100 ml), the newest member of the N°5 family. Neither a cologne nor a diluted version of the original, this is a brand new olfactory creation that nevertheless manages to pay homage to the one that began it all — and then takes it to a whole new level of freshness and modernity.

At the start of the Summer (which seems eons ago now. Sigh), I met with my CHANEL rep and after enjoying a delicious lunch at Holt’s Café of sushi tartine, truffle fries, & wine, she presented me with a nondescript white box; nestled inside was this jewel of a fragrance. Forget dessert (which I didn’t, actually) … I was done.

How pretty is the sushi tartine I had from Holt’s Café, Montréal?

CHANEL always goes with coffee & dessert

CHANEL N°5 L’EAU purity (from my Instagram feed @ommorphia)

My idol, Marilyn Monroe and her CHANEL N°5

Lily-Rose Depp for the CHANEL N°5 L’EAU campaign

Olivier Polge, creator behind the fragrance

CHANEL N°5 L’EAU

As someone with a rather sensitive nose (read that as extremely sensitive), I’m exceptionally particular about my fragrances; the wrong combination of notes will trigger an instant migraine that will put me out of commission for hours, sometimes days. My preferences tend to run towards anything with vanilla notes, woody and/or amber-based scents, and even some light orientals. I’ve also been known to wear masculine fragrances, mainly because they seem to mesh so well with me. Flowery notes have never been my thing, but lately I have been captured by vetivers and some florals have surprisingly drawn me in.

Fragrance is one of those incredibly personal things that truly is unique to each and every one of us and while I may not be a ‘nose’, I know what I like and what works for me. After having tested out CHANEL N°5 L’EAU for several months now, I can say with certainty that this combination so totally works for me ∗insert chorus of angels singing∗

In creating N°5 L’Eau, Olivier Polge first looked to the original formula, then with the precision of a surgeon he began dissecting its individual components to truly understand the role each ingredient played in this time-honoured masterpiece. Then, he started playing. Creating a new balance that would embody the N°5 spirit but capture the essence of today’s generation, he began by:

including the aldehydes of the original that bore the scent of orange rind but abandoning the more metallic ones
increasing the vibrancy of the zests
removing the powder from the base
rendering the woods more dynamic and adding green to the ylang-ylang
making the jasmine light as air and finally…
decreasing the vanilla

So what does all this mean? In a nutshell, this isn’t your mother’s (or grand-mother’s) fragrance; this is the CHANEL N°5 of today, made lighter, fresher, younger, sexier, and a whole lot more fun.

CHANEL N°5 L’EAU

I have always had a love affair with fragrances and lately my collection has been growing to include new scents with unconventional note combinations, although the one that’s always been missing from the group has been the iconic CHANEL N°5 bottle with its instantly recognizable silhouette. But that was then and this is now — and CHANEL N°5 L’EAU now has a place of honour on my vanity … was well as along my pulse points.

Available now at CHANEL counters nationwide

Press sample by the CHANEL team kindly provided/All opinions my own

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer 2016 Collection

July 8, 2016

One of the brand’s most hotly anticipated seasonal collections, Estée Lauder has recently launched Bronze Goddess 2016 – a group of products that were created to compliment the summertime heat, as well as make you feel instantly transported to tropical locales.

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer 2016 Collection

Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Eyeshadow Palette, limited edition (CAN $55.00) | A collection of 6 sultry shades that include 2 matte and four shimmers, in a gold coloured slim-profile compact that’s perfect for travelling with. Shade breakdown (left to right):

almond, matte (with a slight sheen)
nude pink, soft shimmer
gold, shimmer
teal with aqua reflects, metallic
taupe with rose gold shimmer
chocolate brown, matte

The two matte shades on either end are quite pigmented and lay down along the skin easily, while the four shimmers range in colour saturation: the first three (from the left) applying much less intense than seen in the pan, with the taupe giving the strongest colour payoff. All blend quite easily and can be layered over a base for even more depth of tone, but I prefer a slight translucency to my eyeshadows during the Summer as it helps to keep my makeup look a touch more lighthearted and fun.

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Eyeshadow Palette

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Eyeshadow Palette swatches

Bronze Goddess Summer Multi-Glow Palette, limited edition (CAN $55.00) | The must-have palette of the collection, this travel-friendly trio includes a highlighter, blush, and bronzer – all in a gold coloured slim-profile compact. The gorgeous pattern on the surface (which totally reminds me of waves) adds visual appeal while the texture on each shade is softly milled and quite easy to work with. Shade breakdown:

highlighter – iridescent pearl with a pale pink undertone
blush – soft rose/pink with a refined shimmer
bronzer – light tan with a subtle sheen

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer Multi-Glow Palette

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer Multi-Glow Palette swatches

Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Illuminator, limited edition (CAN $36.00) | The creamy consistency of this liquid highlighter makes it so incredibly easy to blend along the skin, while the light peachy hue also has a subtle iridescence to it for even more visual appeal. If you’re already sporting a light tan, then all you really need is a few swipes of this Illuminator along the cheekbones for the most effortless evening look, although it looks equally amazing over makeup along key areas (upper cheeks, cupid’s bow, brow bone). Bonus: can also be applied at the décolleté and collar bone area, or along shins for gorgeously glowing touches.

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Illuminator

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer Glow Illuminator swatches

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent, limited edition (CAN $78.00) | For me, the pièce de résistance has got to be this fragrance, redolent with the scent of the beach and all things ‘getaway’. Notes of amber, coconut milk, sandalwood and vanilla are rounded out with vetiver and myrrh while lush tiare flower, exotic jasmine and creamy magnolia petal add the perfect floral touches (the image that comes to mind: laying along the sandy shore while wearing a crown of orchids. So totally not practical but who cares?). All I can say is that as a a huge fan of anything beach-related, a few spritzes of this heavenly concoction and I literally have a smile on my face throughout the entire wearing. #beachobsessed

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Eau Fraîche Skinscent

Estée Lauder | Bronze Goddess Summer 2016 Collection

I’m all about Summer and having just returned from holiday, this Bronze Goddess Collection is doing a fabulous job of keeping the beach-withdrawal to a minimum (or so I tell myself). The standout for me is Bronze Goddess Skinscent, primarily because the fragrance manages to be both sultry and fun (killer sexy, but not taking itself too seriously), although both the palettes and the Illuminator are right along up there as perfect holiday essentials. Plus, the collection has the words ‘Bronze’ and ‘Goddess’ – who needs anything more?

Available now at The Bay and esteelauder.ca

Kindly provided to enhance my Goddess ambitions/As always, all opinions are my own

SPACE.NK | Autumn Beauty Edit: The Essentials Collection

September 11, 2015

SPACE.NK – the repository of some of the most amazing (and exclusive) products in the beauty world, is having their ‘Autumn Beauty Edit’ event take place tomorrow, September 12th. As part of this amazing one-day-only shopping event (both in-store throughout their 23 US locations, as well as online), customers who spend $250 or more, will receive a limited edition SPACE.NK cosmetics bag filled with a selection of must-have products (valued at well over US $400.00). This gift with purchase comprises 33 deluxe, travel & full-sized items from featured brands and let me warn you right now: it sells out lighting fast.

As part of the ‘Timeless Beauty FW15’ campaign, SPACE.NK will also be presenting the latest in Fall trends and looks, and guests can meet with experts from some of their finest brands for makeovers, beauty advice, or tips. Note that event times, featured experts, and services vary by location, so it’s suggested to call ahead in order to reserve an appointment (and avoid disappointment). It bears repeating though, this exclusive GWP sells out quickly in-store, but is also available to online shoppers for this one day (US only & while supplies last naturally).

SPACE.NK kindly send over this exclusive [beauty swag] bag, and I cannot wait to test drive so many brands that I’ve only heard/read about – what a great way to try out such a broad range of products … and the oversized transparent makeup bag (which measures: 12″ x 8.5″) makes the perfect travel companion as well.

I’m so happy to share this fabulous beauty news with you – let me know if you indulge!