Filed In: Makeup

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

September 11, 2014

The latest from Dior Beauty, Rouge Dior Baume (CAN $37.00, available in 14 shades), is a new breed of makeup: a beautiful melding of colour with breakthrough ingredients for intensely nourished lips. The star component here is Cristal Oil, a natural origin lip care ingredient developed at the Dior Laboratories which “forms an extra-fine yet generous film on the lips, revitalizes, protects, and radiates colour” (my review on the matching new Dior Contour Lip Liner shades will be forthcoming).

In the brand’s signature blue lacquered casing with the initials on the cap, the silhouette is leaner here, making Rouge Dior Baume highly portable, as well as so luxe & elegant-looking. Inspired by M. Dior’s beloved garden, this ‘bouquet’ of 14 shades offers translucent colour with the incredibly emollient feel of a balm, but yet lips never feel undressed. I could detect no real scent, and the actual feel upon wearing is almost transformative, as my lips feel smoother and plumper after the fact.

My lips, while not overly dry, do tend to experience flaking with several lip products – even if I’ve properly moisturized beforehand. Applying a regular lip balm before lipstick is not always the best option for me either, as it can make said lipstick then slide around the lips and/or completely not cover some areas. I’ve even experienced quite severe peeling issues with some tinted lip balms, but something about the ingredients in the Rouge Dior Baume formula, just totally works on me. Definitely on the steeper end of the price scale – if you consider these as simply balms (which they’re not), but worth every single penny if you’ve ever suffered from dry, peeling, or flaking lip colour from a regular lipstick. And shiny too, did I mention that?

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette (ingredients – click to enlarge)

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star, #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star

Dior Rouge Baume #128 Star (CAN $37.00) | The sheerest shade of the four, #128 Star will suit both warm and cool complexions due to the combination of pearly/pink/golden tones it holds. Ultra smooth (a touch thinner in texture than the rest, but with the most glide overall), there is absolutely no gritty feel as a result of its shimmer. Not surprisingly, staying power was the shortest of the four, although lips continue to feel well nourished long after all shimmery traces are gone.

Dior Rouge Baume | #128 Star

Dior Rouge Baume | #468 Spring

Dior Rouge Baume #468 Spring (CAN $37.00) | Bearing a medium thick texture that nevertheless glides effortlessly across the lips, #468 Spring is a pink hue with peachy/coral undertones for added warmth. Application is several degrees lighter than what appears in the tube, but even after most of the initial colour has faded, a light pinky stain remains behind. Non-sticky feeling and no settling into lip lines either, staying power was about 4 hours on average – surprisingly long for both a balm, as well as a lighter shade.

Dior Rouge Baume | #468 Spring

Dior Rouge Baume | #558 Lili

Dior Rouge Baume #558 Lili (CAN $37.00) | I expected #558 Lili to be an intense red once applied, but I was actually surprised to find that it held the sheerest payoff of the 3 deeper coloured shades, bearing more of a watered-down red rose hue (similar in texture to #128 Star, in fact but without the obvious shimmer). Creamy and buttery soft application, there’s a gorgeous “bitten-lips” stain left behind (which will make lips appear plumper as a result) once the colour has faded. Staying power was an impressive 5-6 hours, all things considered.

Dior Rouge Baume | #558 Lili

Dior Rouge Baume | #688 Diorette

Dior Rouge Baume #688 Diorette (CAN $37.00) | #688 Diorette is simply AMAZING – and I’m not usually a fan of vivid lip shades, let alone fuchsia leaning ones (which happens to be a colour group that’s hard for me to pull off). Bearing a similar texture to #468 Spring, this shade is also the most pigmented of the four shown and probably with the most luxurious feel once applied. Non-sticky and with no noticeable migration into surrounding lip lines, staying power blew me away – lasting easily 8 hours (that’s with eating & drinking included). Surprisingly, the next morning I could still see a faint tint of it on my lips. And this is a balm? WOW!

Dior Rouge Baume | #688 Diorette

I am beyond in love with these new Rouge Dior Baumes and after playing with the four shown today, absolutely cannot wait to add more to my collection. To choose a favourite amongst them is impossible, as each offers something unique; #128 Star fulfills my love of neutrals, #468 Spring provides a light touch of youthful colour, #558 Lili is the quintessential ‘my-lips-but-better’ kind of shade, while #688 Diorette is meant be noticed. Beyond that, what is even more impressive is the formula as it leaves my lips feeling extra soft, 100% hydrated, and actually better for having used them. Total win-win.

In Canada, these are available now exclusively through The Bay, and will be at all other Dior counters as of October 1st. For more info:

*Disclosure: Press samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

NYFW Makeup Edition | Hourglass covers Oscar de la Renta SS/15

September 11, 2014

This past Tuesday at NYFW’s Oscar de la Renta SS/15 runway show, Gucci Westman created a pretty, polished, and yet a still modern look on the models using Hourglass cosmetics. Inspired by some of the more graphic prints seen in the collection, the look was all about luminous skin, berry stained lips and dramatic winged liner on the eyes.

Get the look:

SKIN:

Prep skin with Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer and follow with Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint for a luminous complexion. Conceal any dark circles or imperfections with Hourglass Hidden Corrective Concealer

CHEEKS:

Create a seamless, soft-focus glow with Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette. Lightly contour with Radiant Light, a sun-kissed golden beige. Then apply Ambient Lighting Blush in Diffused Heat, a vibrant poppy shade, to the apples of the cheek. Finish up by highlighting with Incandescent Light, a pearlescent shade

EYES:

Sweep Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner along the upper lash line, flicking the liner up and out. Repeat the application to create a thicker line. Follow with Hourglass 1.5mm Mechanical Gel Eye Liner to enhance the black tone. Finish up with two or three coats of Hourglass Film Noir Mascara on the top lashes

BROWS:

Perfect arches with Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil

LIPS:

Prep lips earlier with Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil. Apply Hourglass Opaque Rouge Lipstick in Empress, a deep aubergine shade, and use your fingers to diffuse the color. Finish with a dab of Hourglass No. 28 Lip Treatment Oil for a subtle sheen

*Images courtesy of Hourglass/Gucci Westman Instagram, photo credits: Thaddeus Rombauer

NYFW Makeup Edition | NARS covers Alexander Wang SS/15

September 9, 2014

NARS Cosmetics is once again playing a major role at several shows this year for NYFW (New York Fashion Week), where many new products are first premiered. For the Alexander Wang SS/15 show held on September 6th, lead makeup artist for NARS, Diane Kendal, created a look that was “strong & energetic – the look is clean with moisturized skin, paired with accentuated highlighting and contouring to bring out the strength of the girls’ features”. The key products used:

FACE:

NARSSkin Luminous Moisture Cream
NARSSkin Optimal Brightening Concentrate
Radiant Creamy Concealer
Sheer Glow Foundation

CHEEKS:

Cappadoce Matte Multiple
Left side of Cravine Dual-Intensity Blush (new for Spring 2015; for now try Copacabana Multiple)

EYES:

Via Appia Larger Than Life® Long-Wear Eyeliner
Iskandar Eye Paint
Cappadoce Matte Multiple layered with South Beach Multiple

All products, except where noted, available at www.narscosmetics.com

Lead Artist for NARS Cosmetics, Diane Kendal in action

Images credit: NARS/Rob Latorre

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Organica Palette Yeux, Fade to Grey Fall 2014

September 9, 2014

The undisputed star of the Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2014 Fade to Grey Collection, is without a doubt the Organica Palette Yeux, Limited Edition (CAN $70.00). There’s a unique contradiction going on with this palette; to begin with, I don’t usually consider 2 shades a ‘palette’, usually reserving that title for 4 or more hues, and then there’s the selection of colours themselves – grey & golden, not a common pairing by any stretch of the imagination (see my review on one other piece from this collection). But somehow, this duo just totally works. Can we also take a moment to admire the intricately embossed pattern on the surface as well?

Meant to provide a ‘subtle and elusive beauty’, Linda Cantello (Internatonal Makeup Artist Giorgio Armani) has this to say:

“I think the best and most flattering makeup, is the makeup you can’t see. It’s more striking when it has that slight ‘live-in’ look. Eyes with muted colour, an Armani look with stronger eyebrows, grey eyes and a soft mouth. It’s all easy to apply and anyone can wear it”

Sounds simple enough, no?

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fade to Grey Fall 2014 | Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Fall 2014 using products from the Fade to Grey Collection

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fade to Grey Fall 2014 | Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition)

Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition) (CAN $70.00) | This palette comes housed in the brand’s by-now recognizable black lacquered ovoid shape and has 2 compartments: the top layer is all about the shadows while the bottom section holds 2 small dual-headed sponge-tipped applicators (which I’m not a fan of personally and don’t understand why companies continue to include them – waste of space & most likely jacks up the price as a result. But I digress…) and closes with a magnetic clasp. Embossed with a crocodile-like pattern, there’s a silvery overspray on the surface of the palette (which gets basically removed from the first swipe of your brush), but interestingly enough, that light shimmery/pearlescent/prismatic effect seems to go right through all the layers of this product just the same. Quite pigmented in spite of the visibly light tone, you need to apply these shades with a light hand to start with, while intensity and depth can be easily built up. According to the company:

“The innovative formula of the Organica Palette Yeux is derived from its ‘micro pearl’ technology – cold cast in a base with a texture between a gel and powder, and imprinted with a pattern before being pressed. Micronized pearl and pigment particles remain intact down to the bottom of the pan”

There’s a rich buttery softness that you can immediately see and sense when you dip your brush into either shade, with barely any powdery kickback to speak of. Application is also effortless, as these colours almost seem to melt off the brush and flow across the skin – a sort of gliding effect, really. As mentioned before, both shades are quite pigmented and require a light touch to start with such as a large fluffy eyeshadow brush for a light wash of colour, and a denser headed brush can then be used for more definition. The darker half is described as a “shimmery black” but it would be more accurate to say that it is pewter grey with definite purple/mauve undertones. The other side is correctly describe as a “golden nude“, but it also holds rose-gold tints in the base for added depth. The finish is a cross between pearl, satin and ultra-fine shimmer – very unique and luxurious, but never over-the-top. Blending is ridiculously easy and I actually love how seamlessly the two appear when combined (TIP: you can also layer one shade over the other to create entirely new colours). Staying power – on primed lids (as my lids are oily, I never apply eyeshadow without), is impressive, looking as fresh at the 10 hour mark as when first applied, without any fallout or fading.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fade to Grey Fall 2014 | Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition)

Well known for his attention to detail, Mr. Armani carries that into his beauty range as well, as this exquisite palette clearly proves. There is an understated appeal to these shades and yet something about these two particular colours lend themselves to a variety of looks – in fact, I’ve only just begun experimenting with wearing it different ways, and the more I use it, the more I’ve come to appreciate all that the Organica Palette Yeux has to offer. Interestingly enough, the price of this palette here in Canada is significantly lower than the US ($70.00 vs $88.00), which almost [ALMOST] makes up for the price gouging us Canadians experience with this brand’s nail polishes. All in all, this is a beautiful piece to invest in, as the colours are not only wearable, but unique as well.

Available now but be aware that it is limited edition. Find more information via:

*Disclosure: Press sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Artist Shadow event

September 5, 2014

To celebrate their 30th anniversary, MAKE UP FOR EVER has recently released their Artist Shadow range – 210 highly pigmented eye shadows with “superior blendability and an intense even colour payoff”. In going back to the product that launched this brand to the public, Creative & Artistic Director Dany Sanz worked for 3 years to create a breakthrough formula based on “Pigment Atomization and Water-Blend Technology”, or eyeshadows made with up to 88% concentrated pigment (the highest in the market at the moment) and that will maximize colour delivery. Light as air in texture, the new Artist Shadow range is available in 5 finishes: Matte, Satin, Metal, Iridescent and Diamond and is the most extensive lineup of eyeshadow shades available to consumers. Forget pre-bought store palettes that may or may not include shades you love; Artist Shadow is fully customizable and is available as single shades, duo or even trio palettes – all in generous sizes, I might add.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending the Montréal Artist Shadow event at the MAKE UP FOR EVER Pro Loft in Montréal, where we were not only treated to the most amazing eye candy any beauty lover would kill for (seriously, it was like walking into the beauty version of Ali Baba’s cave), but got our hands dirty (literally) with some arts & crafting by creating our very own mood boards, the intention being that they would be used as our personal inspiration. I confess that my mood board turned out as a cross between surreal art/psychedelic hallucination (the Proseco I was enjoying while “creating” may have had something to do with that), and wound up having nothing to do with the shades I was to choose later on, but I definitely enjoyed making it just the same.

Once our mood boards were done, and with the keen eye and help of Trinidad, MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Regional Educator, we were invited to choose 3 shades to create out own customizable palette – a choice made that much harder by the overwhelmingly beautiful selection of shades before us. In the ended, I opted for shades I can see myself wearing often (review forthcoming) – a matte caramel, metallic copper, and metallic bark brown. To go with our new palettes, we were also given our choice of an eye brush from the brand’s amazing range of makeup brushes, and I decided on #240 Round Shader Brush (Medium), a size and shape that was missing from my collection.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the event such a fabulous experience – the best play date ever!