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Cirque Colors | Kontiki Collection, Limited Edition

Cirque Colors has just recently released three vivid (and limited edition) shades inspired by Summer’s heat: the Kontiki Collection. Filled with colour-shifting shimmer that both captures and reflects light, the formula is not only lushly decadent in appearance, but free of all nasty toxins. Annie Pham, the creative genius behind the brand, has also gone one step further and added essential oils of lavender and clary sage to the formula; nails are fortified and smell simply divine as the polish dries. First seen in Cirque Colors’ Coronation (reviewed here), all three shades of the Kontiki Collection bear a similar otherworldly glow, giving nails a gorgeous and dangerously hypnotic appeal (don’t drive and stare).

All swatches are were done with the brand new Holdfast™ Base Coat (garlic-infused to strengthen & anchor – and no, it doesn’t smell) and Liquid Laminate™ Top Coat from Cirque Colors, 2 products that I am absolutely obsessed with and which I cannot recommend strongly enough. Seriously.

an idyllic island scene or where I want to be right now …

Cirque Colors | Kontiki Collection, Limited Edition

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Dear Dahlia | A Popsicle pink hue with colour-shifting shimmer that flashes primarily green & oxidized gold, in a semi sheer jelly-like formula that comes to a semi-glossy finish. Self-levelling and squishy looking, short nails won’t need more than 2 coats for decent opacity, although longer nails could use a 3rd to cover any visible nail line. Personally, I love it with a slight translucency – it seems to elevate Dear Dahlia above your average pink jelly. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Cirque Colors Kontiki Collection | Dear Dahlia

Thicker Than Water | A vivid turquoise/aqua hue filled with colour-shifting shimmer that flashes primarily antique golden, in a self-levelling jelly-like formula that comes to a glossy natural finish. Slightly sheer, Thicker Than Water can also be applied over “undies” (i.e.: a ridge-filling base coat that offers some opacity), or left at 2 coats for a sea glass-like translucency. As I have a mega weakness for these types of shades, I love that this still manages to be totally unique in my collection. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

Cirque Colors Kontiki Collection | Thicker Than Water

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Midsummer Night | Prepare to be wowed: a totally hot indigo/ink blue shade filled with colour-shifting shimmer that flashes primarily dark pink with golden glints, in a self-levelling jelly-like formula with a ridiculously easy flow and glossy finish. There’s this ‘lit-from-within’ glow to Midsummer Night, an especially strong effect seen along the nail centers – truly SPECTACTULAR! I honestly don’t have enough superlatives to adequately describe this beauty. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

NOTE: I doubled up on base coat as a precaution before applying the actual polish, as blue shades can be notorious stainers – happy to report no staining left behind upon removal with this method.

Cirque Colors Kontiki Collection | Midsummer Night

This collection may be small, but it packs a powerful punch: pink, turquoise, cobalt – three shades that we’ve all come across in one form or another, are somehow still made unique by the addition of the colour-shifting shimmer seen here. My favourites are without a doubt Thicker Than Water and Midsummer Night – both are gorgeous and so very eye-catching … not to mention how they totally speak to my beach-loving ways.

Available now, but bear in mind that this is a limited edition collection. Find more information via:

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

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Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Rose Tutu trio

August 14, 2014

The Rose Tutu trio from the Dior 5 Couleurs Collection for Fall 2014, features a palette which bears both warm & cool pink tones, as well as a very ladylike pink lipstick and coordinating pink nail lacquer – all three items looking deceptively soft. I say deceptively, because appearances can be misleading as once again, it’s all about the textures (first mentioned in my review of the Dior Pied-de-Poule trio here). What I found refreshing to see with the launch of these reformulated eyeshadow palettes, is how Dior appears to have embraced – as well as thought of – the many varieties of complexions, offering selections to suit the very fair (as with this trio here) to the darkest (the Trafalgar trio comes to mind, to be shown in an upcoming review), although that being said, I urge you to experiment at the counter as you just never know how a particular palette will work on your own skin.

Jennifer Lawrence in her stunning baby pink Dior gown at the 2013 Oscars (remember her famous trip up the stairs to collect her award?)

A vintage sketch of a Dior pink gown from the 50’s

Rouge Dior #354 Rose Tutu (CAN $36.00) | This is a carnation pink hue with warm undertones (I can almost detect hints of pale coral) and the finest pearly shimmer (not really visible when applied, but which serves to add depth and a lustrous shine), in Dior’s buttery soft and ultra-creamy formula. Considering the colour seen in the tube, I expected #354 Rose Tutu to apply rather opaquely, but was pleasantly surprised to find it actually slightly sheer, making it not only an extremely wearable pink shade, but one that will suit even those who never thought they could wear pink (like me). Imbued with Dior’s signature rose scent (how appropriate, right?) – which fades quickly after initial application, staying power was average, giving me about 5 hours of solid wear before fading, although there was still a light rosiness seen once it had worn off and my lips felt very hydrated and well-moisturized – a huge bonus that comes with this formula.

Oh yeah, I should mention here that this may very well be the first pink lipstick that I have ever been obsessed with.

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Rouge Dior #354 Rose Tutu

5 Couleurs #846 Tutu (CAN $61.00) | Forget everything you ever thought about pink eyeshadow, because the #846 Tutu palette is about to blow all that out of the water. To begin with, the textures found here all bear gleam of varying intensities – from a delicate pearl, to a more complex shine – with zero fallout, no powdery residue, or annoying glitter to contend with. A breakdown of the shades, starting clockwise from the upper left:

warm peachy pink, the least pigmented overall and one that pulls more silvery on my skin tone – best used as a highlight shade
cool lavender pink with excellent pigmentation & super easy application, with a slight duo chrome effect
deep rose and the darkest shade in this palette, warm leaning but with some silvery gleam that will also suit cooler complexions
lilac pink with excellent pigmentation and a subtle but stunning shimmery effect, superb application
pale pink with a gray/gold duo chrome effect, amazing colour saturation for such a light shade

The challenge I faced with this palette, was basically: how to wear pink colours on my eyes, without looking like A) I’ve been crying or B) that I have an eye infection? In truth, I can’t see anyone wearing all five of the #846 Tutu shades at one time, but it’s actually quite easy to create looks with several of the colours.

Option 1

Combine the top 2 hues + the centre shade for a soft, ballerina-esque daytime look: use the top right colour all over the mobile lid and along the lower lash line, then add touches of the middle colour to the outer crease for depth and a touch of impact, finish with the top left colour on the brow bone and inner eye corner

Option 2

Combine the lower 2 hues + the centre shade for a soft smokey eye: smudge the middle and the bottom right colours along the mobile lid to the crease, create more drama by dampening your brush and adding more of the middle colour to the upper lash line and outer crease, then run this same shade along the lower lash line to the inner corner. Finish by applying the bottom left colour to the inner corner of the eye as well as the lower lash line (over the middle hue).

Option 3

Create a fresh & wide-eyed look by applying the bottom right shade all over the mobile lid to the crease, then take a fluffy brush and run it along the crease to diffuse and blend the two shades together, finish with multiple coats of a volumizing/thickening mascara.

See what I mean? Once you start playing around with this palette, it literally opens up the door to so many possibilities you may never have thought of before. I also love how this is a welcome change from the traditional dark smokey eye, although incorporating a deep plum or grey/charcoal here can also look spectacular.

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | #846 Tutu

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | #846 Tutu, swatched dry

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | #846 Tutu, swatched damp

Dior Vernis #254 Rose Tutu (CAN $26.00) | A true pink hue with Dior’s ‘secret shimmer’ (which translates as depth when applied, not really visible) in a crème/jelly hybrid formula. More warm than cool leaning, there is just the perfect amount of colour to #254 Rose Tutu to keep it from veering into juvenile territory, giving it instead a feminine, fresh & fun kind of vibe. The application is on par with the rest of Dior’s newly revamped lacquers: superb, as in totally self-levelling and ending with an insanely glossy shine. As with the lipstick shade above, I do believe I may have just found THE perfect pink nail polish for my skin tone as well. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Dior Vernis #254 Rose Tutu

While I’ve always experimented with beauty, I’ve also tended to stay clear of pale pink colours (major clashing with my skin tone) but for some odd reason, I’ve also always been so drawn to them as well – a beauty dilemma. Seriously. The Dior Rose Tutu trio has given me options I’ve never had before, but what makes each of these products outstanding, is the quality and fresh, new, and sophisticated textures that every single item so incredibly wearable. Bear in mind that while I’m showing each of the new launches as trios, there are no hard & fast rules – feel free to mix and match at will, as there appears to be a seamless compatibility and harmony with all these new releases. Then again, you should be warned that it may prove impossible to not want them all.

Available now at all Dior counters, find more information via:

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

Dior 5 Couleurs Collection Fall 2014 | Pied-de-Poule trio

August 13, 2014

For Fall 2014, the house of Dior has reinvented its iconic eyeshadow palettes; first launched in 1987, the reissued 5 Couleurs palettes are now graced with unique new textures for even more options in creating eye looks, as well as being housed in a new slimmer midnight blue case. The concept behind the 5 Couleurs, is built around the central “key” hue; by using the top 2 shades along with the middle hue, a daytime look can easily be achieved, while the bottom 2 shades – along with the middle hue – are perfect for an evening look. Released alongside each new 5 Couleurs palette is a complementary lipstick and nail lacquer, meant to harmonize beautifully together and how I’ve decided to show you these lovelies – although one is certainly free to mix and match.

The five new trios of Dior’s 5 Couleurs Fall 2014 Collection revolve around M. Dior’s 5 favourite shades: red, grey, pink, black and blue and today’s post features the Pied-de-Poule trio, or the “black” collection.

Rouge Dior #977 Pied-de-Poule (CAN $36.00) | A deep wine hue in a buttery smooth and colour saturated formula bearing Dior’s signature rose scent, although once applied it becomes barely noticeable. By applying #977 Pied-de-Poule straight from the tube, then blotting most of the colour to leave a stain behind, you achieve a totally wearable & casual look – perfect for daytime or the strong colour-phobic. To rock a more dramatic lip, add a matching lipliner shade for precision and then amp up the colour with multiple layers; the result, is a lush & decadent vampy tone. Staying power is quite impressive, going easily past the 7 hour mark, although you will need to reapply after eating/drinking. To avoid feathering and/or bleeding into lip lines, I strongly suggest investing in a lip liner such as No Bleeding Lips (previously reviewed here) – this has saved me countless times from those dreaded effects. The Rouge Dior formula is something truly amazing; the feel upon the lips is feather-light and yet very velvety as well – if you haven’t tried it yet, I cannot urge you enough to give it a shot.

Dior 5 Couleurs Fall 2014 | Rouge Dior #977 Pied-de-Poule

5 Couleurs #096 Pied-de-Poule (CAN $61.00) | With matte, velvet, iridescent and even metallic finishes, the #096 Pied-de-Poule palette has variety to spare. The five shades are as follows, starting clockwise from the upper left:

denim blue – satin finish with some iridescence (revealed more when applied damp), very pigmented, extremely smooth application & no fallout
ivory with a golden undertone – frosted finish with light colour payoff applied dry, much more intense worn damp, ideal for brow bone and inner corner highlight
charcoal – matte finish with a softly diffused look when applied dry, serious impact applied damp, no noticeable fallout
blackened khaki – satin iridescent finish with ultra fine golden shimmer – both the colour and the shimmer show up better when applied damp
blackened plum – metallic finish with excellent colour payoff whether applied dry or damp, shimmer particles larger but do not leave any fallout

The blendability factor is quite good with all 5 shades, with staying power dependant on the particular colour selected as well as application (wet/dry). With a primer, I was able to extend the life of all 5 hues for the entire time of wearing +/- 10 hours, although the ivory did seem to fade a little quicker. Applied damp, not only are the colours significantly more vibrant, but looked perfect until removed. Overall, the denim blue and blackened plum are the most pigmented (and easiest to use) of this palette, but I actually love the centre black hue for the softer tone it gives to a smokey eye look. I really did not experience either fallout or powder kickback with any of these shades – another huge plus.

Dior 5 Couleurs Fall 2014 | #096 Pied-de-Poule

Dior 5 Couleurs Fall 2014 | #096 Pied-de-Poule, swatched with a dry brush

Dior 5 Couleurs Fall 2014 | #096 Pied-de-Poule, swatched with a damp brush

Dior Vernis #206 Pied-de-Poule (CAN $26.00) | Dior nail lacquers have quickly become one of my favourites, and the new formula – Couture Colour Gel Shine and Long Wear Nail Lacquer (what a mouthful), is beyond compare. The brush is wide with a chiselled head of bristles that seem to splay just enough for an easy application with very little pressure, and the resulting finish is not only chip-resistant, but über-glossy as well.

#206 Pied-de-Poule is a creamy blend of putty/taupe/beige is a jelly-esque formula (looks like a crème but has the cushy feel and springiness of a jelly), with slight mauve undertones for warmth. The formula is sublime: self-levelling with an amazing density & flow (no pooling at either the cuticles or nail edges) and highly glossy at the finish – the perfect “nude” tone and highly flattering for all skin tones. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Dior 5 Couleurs Fall 2014 | #206 Pied-de-Poule

Dior 5 Couleurs Fall 2014 | #206 Pied-de-Poule, in sunlight

I am personally a huge fan of Dior cosmetics and have been for many long years now, but what continues to impress me and keep my loyalty, is how the brand is constantly looking to better its products. This particular 5 Couleurs palette is perfect for achieving a sultry smokey eye, and yet the shades can also be toned down for daily use by using just one of the darker colours along with the highlight. The lipstick shade is out of my comfort zone of nudes that I tend to stick with, but paired with a simple winged eye, becomes a gorgeous focal point (it doesn’t hurt that the formula is so lush). What’s perfect about this particular nude nail polish shade, is that it has enough colour and warmth to keep it from blending into the skin tone, and yet still stays neutral – giving that gorgeous clean & perfectly manicured look to one’s nails. My verdict: love all 3 items of this trio.

Available now at all Dior counters, find more information via:

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

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin (Limited Edition)

August 8, 2014

The latest designer to enter the field of luxury nail lacquer, is none other than shoe guru Christian Louboutin – the man behind those signature red soles. As the story goes, after having designed his first pair of shoes and feeling a little disappointed with the prototype, he noticed one of his assistants painting her nails and so inspiration struck; grabbing her bottle of red nail polish, M. Louboutin proceeded to then paint the soles of the shoes, and the rest is now shoe legend.

It seems only fitting, that M. Louboutin’s first foray into the world of beauty begins with nail polish, and what could be more appropriate than Rouge Louboutin? A red shade in a limited edition bottle & packaging, that is an exact match to those cult-fave soles. Housed in a crystal-cut bottle which displays an ombré effect – as though the red hue is floating above it – the tall spire of the bottle was inspired by the stiletto heel of the Ballerina Ultima, created in 2007 for a photography shoot with David Lynch.

With more colours to follow starting September (31 announced for now), but with wands in a slightly smaller format than Rouge Louboutin‘s impressive size, Christian Louboutin is set on creating a little city (“Loubieville”) of lacquers – and one can only assume that it won’t be long before more beauty products join the ranks.

The inspiration behind the bottle: the Ballerina Ultima created in 2007 for a photo shoot with David Lynch

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Display of Rouge Louboutin at Holt Renfrew, Montréal

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Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin

Rouge Louboutin, Limited Edition (US $50.00/CAN $58) | A fierce red hue with blueish undertones that should still manage to suit both cool and warm complexions, in a formula bearing a medium-thick flow. With a stiletto wand that measures 8″ in height, the base of the bottle is reminiscent of old-world crystal-cut flacons and comes housed in a black cardboard base with a glossy red interior, as well as a removable perforated lid. Highly pigmented and colour saturated, Rouge Louboutin can easily pass for a 1-coater, although 2 coats give a much more uniform and luxe appearance. Rounding things off, is a great self-levelling flow and a ridiculously high gloss at the finish – like that which you see on the finest of lacquered furniture. One warning, however, is the stain factor which could run fairly high; with that in mind, I strongly suggest doubling up on a thickish type base coat before application – taking this little precaution makes removal much easier and eliminates the stain risk significantly. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat buy strattera online salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/strattera.html strattera no prescription

A few tips on application: Don’t let the length of the wand scare you; it’s actually quite easy to hold, as well as manipulate. Grasping the ridged section of the wand – just about at its thickest point – will give the best grip and offers excellent control in application. The brush itself is of the old-school variety, with a good density and flexibility to the non-splaying type bristles that fall more towards the thin side – a plus in this case, as the formula leans slightly thick (which also works in this shade’s favour, as you don’t need to worry about excessive drips, pooling, or running issues). buy remeron online salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/remeron.html remeron no prescription

Inspired by the ombré effect of the bottle, I attempted to recreate the look upon my nails – rather simple to do, in fact, and perfect for someone of my limited nail art skills. After applying 2 coats of Rouge Louboutin and letting that dry thoroughly, I then sponged a black shade on top (Camelot from a-england, previously reviewed here), keeping most of the colour towards the cuticle line and fading it out, leaving a good section of the red still visible. The entire mani was then finished with a glossy top coat to seal everything in and to smooth out the gradient effect. buy imuran online salempregnancy.org/wp-content/languages/new/imuran.html imuran no prescription

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin bottle size in comparison to CHANEL #475 Dragon

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin brush/wand comparison with CHANEL #475 Dragon

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin gradient mani featuring Camelot by a-england

For a collector such as myself, it was a no-brainer that I would be snagging Rouge Louboutin the instant it became available and while the price tag is definitely steep, that still didn’t put me off. Is the colour that unique? No … and Yes; not all red shades are created equal, as there are limitless tones, levels & nuances to factor in – but yes, you can probably find something close at a much more wallet-friendly price. Even without having gone through my entire collection of lacquers to compare, I can still see that this is a degree of red that I may not already have, but that’s splitting hairs. The truth of the matter is that one buys an item such as this for other reasons than to own a red nail polish – although that being said, the formula is rather spectacular. Then there’s the matter of just how GORGEOUS this bottle looks on one’s vanity.

Available now in Canada exclusively through Holt Renfrew (I believe it is also available through Nordstrom’s and Sak’s in the US), this particular version is limited edition, although I suspect that this specific shade will also be released in the regular sized bottles once the entire range launches (don’t quote me on that, though).

Find more information via:

Christian Louboutin Beauté | Rouge Louboutin

YSL | #50 Bleu Celadon & #51 Bleu Cyclades, Bleus Lumière Collection Summer 2014

July 28, 2014

For Summer 2014, Creative Director Make-Up for Yves Saint Laurent Beauté, Lloyd Simmonds, referenced the brand’s archives and M. Saint Laurent’s legendary love of the colour blue to create the Bleus Lumière Collection – filled with the dazzling heat of the season and the way light plays off water. The two limited edition shades of Lacque Couture in #51 Bleu Celadon and #52 Bleu Cyclades are meant to compliment each other and yet still stand alone: fluidly sensual, timelessly modern.

I have absolutely no resistance when it comes to shades like this; add to the mix my water-loving nature (I am a Summer baby, after all) plus my Greek heritage, and well … it’s pure love.

Yves Saint Laurent Bleus Lumière Summer 2014 | #50 Bleu Celadon & #51 Bleu Cyclades

#50 Bleu Celadon, limited edition (CAN $27.00) | A baby blue/aqua crème hue with cool undertones to keep it fresh and crisp. The formula is beyond STELLAR: self-levelling and with a perfect density that helps it flow evenly along the nail, bearing an excellent opacity. The high gloss shine at the finish is simply the icing on the cake. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Yves Saint Laurent Bleus Lumière Summer 2014 | #50 Bleu Celadon

#51 Bleu Cyclades, limited edition (CAN $27.00) | A deep cerulean/royal blue filled with ultra fine silvery shimmer for added depth. Once again, the formula is spectacular, with its easy flow, intense colour saturation, rich jewel-like tone, and glossy shine at the finish. This is both a meditative and mysterious shade – very oceanic, indeed. BONUS: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Yves Saint Laurent Bleus Lumière Summer 2014 | #51 Bleu Cyclades

It’s very simple, really: these are both must-have shades. The bad part, is that they are limited edition and from my understanding, selling out faster than you could blink, but still worth trying to hunt down. Yes, we’ve all seen light aqua and royal blue shades countless of times before, but there’s still something so unique about both #50 Bleu Celadon and #51 Bleu Cyclades that make them stand out amongst their peers. All the criteria have come together beautifully: formula, colour, and quality – and as far as Summer shades go (or any season, for that matter), both are spot-on trend. Did I mention how drop-dead gorgeous they are?

Available now but limited edition, find more information via: