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YSL – La Laque Couture ‘#33 Première Neige’ Top Coat

Something about snow globes just seems like pure magic to me … finding the same effect in a bottle of nail lacquer, namely the limited edition ‘Première Neige’ (which means “first snowfall” in french) Top Coat from the YSL Northern Lights Holiday 2012 Collection, literally stopped me in my tracks. There’s an interesting story here; well, maybe not that interesting, but definitely a story …

During the past week, I had been lurking near my closest YSL counter and inquiring about when the Holiday 2012 collection would be available, but got vague replies at best. Then, a few days ago, I went to pick up an item from the CHANEL counter and casually inquired the SA about the YSL collection; specifically, I wanted the ‘Première Neige’ Top Coat. She then went to check for me (as the YSL counter was unattended) and returned with the LAST BOTTLE. Even though the display wasn’t up yet. Even though I had inquired just the night before and was met with blank stares. The moral of the story? Become friendly with an SA who has a good grasp of cosmetics and customer service — it pays.

YSL Première Neige – unshaken

YSL Première Neige – unshaken (prismatic flakes massed on the bottom)

YSL #33 Première Neige Top Coat – (CAD $27.00 10 ml/0.34 fl. oz) is pure fantasy. A clear easy flowing base bearing ultra-fine multi-chromatic and prismatic glitter that flashes primarily blue and violet, although I also catch pink & green hints as well. The contents need to be well shaken – no rolled – prior to application, as the glitter does settle onto the bottom of the bottle … exactly like that of a snow globe. Once shaken, the shimmery particles seem to dance, suspended in the base, and it actually becomes a challenge to begin application, as you could get lost for hours just staring at it! The iridescent effect is achieved in a sophisticated manner, and never overpowers your base shade – it simply enhances it.

The formula on ‘Première Neige’ flows with excellent density and provided the contents have been well-combined, the coverage is perfect. One coat offers up amazing sparkle (over a base colour), but two brings things to a spectacular level. With a relatively quick dry time, the finish is not only smooth to the touch, but incredibly glossy, making the addition of any other top coat completely superfluous.

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over a dark shade such as black, the colour flashes range from aqua, turquoise, royal blue, ultra marine, cobalt, and purple
over a bright hue such as the blue shade used here, the colour flashes range from turquoise, blue, violet, and pink

The elegant rectangular bottle comes with a removal outer cap, revealing a ridged inner cap that is quite easy to grip. The brush is the traditional fan shape, with an excellent flexibility and spread to the bristles.

For the following swatches, I applied ‘Première Neige’ to all nails over the glossy black from YSL’s ‘Terriblement Noir Duo’, a black with a gel-like consistency, non-staining, and with an intense vinyl-glassy finish. I was curious to see the effect on a bright shade, and so my thumb is sporting YSL’s ‘Bleu Majorelle’.

I strongly encourage you to click to enlarge the swatch photos, so you can really grasp ‘Première Neige’s’ full effect.

YSL Première Neige in natural light

YSL Première Neige

YSL Première Neige – removable outer cap

YSL Première Neige

YSL Première Neige – logo embossed on inner cap

YSL Première Neige & the glossy black from the YSL Terriblement Noir Duo

YSL Première Neige (over YSL Bleu Majorelle on thumb)

YSL Première Neige

YSL Première Neige – angled to show purple leanings

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Final thoughts: Effects top coats are nothing new in the world of nail lacquer, although definitely not prevalent with department store and high-end brands, which is part of what makes ‘Première Neige’ so unique. The fact that the contents need to be shaken in order to be “activated” is a different touch as well, along with the fact that this formula not only flows like a regular varnish (as opposed to the usually thicker, suspension-like base of other similar top coats), but provides a superior glassy finish when dry. The only problem I see, is that it’s not only limited edition, but already as elusive to find as spotting a unicorn; therefore, if you do chance upon this about-to-become-fabled beauty – no, not the unicorn – act fast, or live with everlasting regret … (total drama!)
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China Glaze ‘On Safari Collection’ part 2 – Tourist

November 25, 2012

Barring the 2 glitters, this second half of China Glaze’s ‘On Safari’ collection (see part 1 here) has colours that truly bring the African landscape to my mind – a sometimes arid landscape, tawny fur, star-strewn skies, glorious sunsets, and deep night-time shadows. I really don’t see “tourist” here, but that doesn’t stop me from loving each and every hue shown.

All swatches shown are with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat

The ‘Tourist’ group

the only way I’ll ever camp on safari … (source)

Kalahari Kiss – a decadent banana cream/custard hue, bearing excellent viscosity and flow that applies smoothly even with the first coat. Completely self-levelling and finishing off with a superior glossy shine, this is the lightest shade of camel – almost desert sand-like and I absolutely LOVE it! Coats applied: 2

Kalahari Kiss

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CG Desert Sun – a creamy caramel hue that completely reminds me of butterscotch pudding (my favourite!), this unique shade applies in a hybrid crème-jelly format, bearing a slightly thinner formula that gives amazing coverage, as well as being self-levelling & super glossy. Coats applied: 2

CG Desert Sun

CG I’m Not Lion – densely packed silver and gold ultra-fine glitter in a clear, easy flowing base (not the usual suspension-like base). One coat offers a light & delicate look, while 2 coats gives surprisingly good coverage although far from opaque. The colours combine to give the nails a platinum tone, but note that the finish is satiny – top coat not only enhances all its facets, but brings out the glitter’s prismatic side.
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CG I’m Not Lion – 2 coats, no top coat

CG I’m Not Lion – 3 coats, no top coat

CG I’m Not Lion – 3 coats + top coat

I Herd That – (that name!) a complex mix of gold, bronze and copper micro glitter in a clear, free-flowing base that gives off a simultaneously rosy cast & an oxidized greenish-gold effect. Although this shade doesn’t seem to have the same density of ‘I’m Not Lion’, it appears to apply in the same manner, both at 2 and 3 coats. Note that the ultra-fine glitter has a tendency to spread out upon removal, but nothing excessive.

I Herd That – 2 coats, no top coat

I Herd That – 3 coats, no top coat

I Herd That – 3 coats + top coat

CG Adventure Red-y – a deep cerise hue with blue-based undertones, this bears a medium-thick formula that flows amazingly and provides an ultra-creamy appearance. Great pigmentation even with the first coat, it’s also totally self-levelling and finishes with a super high gloss. BONUS: no staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2

*Even though blue-based reds are traditionally more suited to paler skin tones, something about this shade makes it universal.
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CG Adventure Red-y

CG Call of the Wild – a luxurious deep chestnut hue with russet undertones for added warmth, the formula here was perfection – flowing with a superb density, falling in a self-levelling way, and leaving behind a mirror-like finish. Very fall-like and totally vampy, this is the sexiest dark brown colour I’ve ever come across – LOVE! Coats applied: 2

CG Call of the Wild

Final thoughts: Wrapping up this collection, I am in awe once more of how China Glaze managed to take otherwise conventional colours and give them that certain “je ne sais quoi” which takes them all to a whole other level. It’s also nice to know that in this case, a lower price point doesn’t mean that the quality is compromised in any way – but is actually the reverse (high-end brands, take note). I did not expect to fall for a shade such as ‘Kalahari Kiss’, but something about it blew me away. ‘Call of the Wild’ was a natural draw for me as well (I love me a good vampy hue) and ‘Adventure Red-y’ is a total screamer. All I can say is that if you haven’t picked up any of these shades yet, then what are you waiting for?

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

China Glaze ‘On Safari Collection’ part 1 – Native

November 23, 2012

Technically, it’s still fall – at least until December 21st. And yes, I am a little behind in showing this collection but to their credit, these are all hues that can easily transition into the winter season … if not even beyond that (just a smidge of justification here). Part 1, the ‘Native’ grouping, are all richly pigmented colours that bring to mind the incredible vibrancy of the “cradle of civilization” – Africa. These six shades are comprised of a variety of finishes that include crème, jelly, and shimmer – yet all done in a fresh new way. Let the journey begin …

All swatches are with Seche Clear Base Coat and Seche Vite Top Coat

… because I love elephants … (source)

The Native group (natural light)

CG Elephant Walk – a soft & diffused grey shade bearing a distinctive greenish undertone, and filled with incredibly fine silver shimmer. The medium thick formula has an excellent flow & viscosity, being neither too thick nor overly watery, applying in a completely self-levelling way and ending with a nice gloss at the finish. More of a warm-leaning shade of grey, this unique colour totally reminds me of an elephant’s pebbled skin! Coats applied: 2

CG Elephant Walk

Jungle Queen – a complex mix made up of plum/prune/brown hues filled with an ultra finely ground pink shimmer that appears as a delicate purple flash in certain lighting, but disappears when seen indoors – although it does serve to add a deeper dimension. While the formula applies in a self-levelling way, the first coat fell a touch patchy but was quickly corrected by the second layer, ending in a lovely gloss. Coats applied: 2
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Jungle Queen

Naturally, I needed to compare ‘Jungle Queen’ to CHANEL’s ‘Paradoxal’, as the colour resemblance seems to be identical. How they compared:

index and middle fingers: China Glaze Jungle Queen
ring & pinkie fingers: CHANEL Paradoxal – this formula applies with utter perfection by the first coat, a degree lighter in tone bearing a slightly more complex shimmer, less purple in the base and perhaps a tinge greyer overall

Jungle Queen vs CHANEL Paradoxal

CG Purr-fect Plum – an ultra-creamy raisin/dusky plum hue with a slight brown/burgundy undertone. With a formula that bears excellent coverage and opacity, this shade applies in a totally self-levelling way and with a high gloss shine at the finish. BONUS: No staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2

CG Purr-fect Plum

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CG Exotic Encounters – an absolutely gorgeous mid-tone teal crème hue that bears a jelly-like consistency, with an excellent formula that shows amazing pigmentation even with the first coat. Self-levelling and with a high gloss finish at the end, I absolutely love its deep yet murky turquoise leanings – very chic! Coats applied: 2

CG Exotic Encounters

CG Man Hunt – a paradoxically vivid yet muted ultra marine blue shade, in a slightly thick jelly-like formula that may show some bald patches upon initial application, but gives excellent coverage with the second layer. Self-levelling, ultra glossy, and with crazy intense cobalt leanings, there was no staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2

CG Man Hunt

CG Prey Tell – Intense vampy shade = pure love for me! A stunning combination of the deepest berry/burgundy wine/aubergine hues, this amazing formula applies in a hybrid crème/jelly-like manner, is totally self-levelling and leaves behind a mirror-like shine at the finish. Excellently pigmented, it may be a little patchy upon the first coat – soon rectified by the second layer. Bonus: No staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2

CG Prey Tell

Final thoughts: I’ve said it time and time again, but I truly believe that China Glaze puts out an amazing product – especially when you consider its budget-friendly price point. This first half of the ‘On Safari’ Collection (a theme which I absolutely LOVE), has completely and thoroughly impressed me on all points: colour, formula and wear. ‘Jungle Queen’ was a nice surprise and so incredibly similar to the much pricier ‘Paradoxal’ – sure to make many people quite happy. If I had to choose my favourites, I would have to say ‘Elephant Walk’ – because I love grey and ADORE elephants, ‘Man Hunt’ – for its totally eye-catching colour, ‘Prey Tell’ – for its sheer sexiness (and because I have a thing for vampy hues), and finally ‘Exotic Encounters’ – because I melt for anything aquatic. buy valtrex online noprescriptionbuyonlinerxx.com/valtrex.html no prescription

Stay tuned for part 2, the ‘Tourist’ grouping

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

Deborah Lippmann ‘The Millionaire’s Holiday’ Giftset (Holt Renfrew exclusive)

November 20, 2012

Tis the season … for holiday gift sets, and no one does it better than Deborah Lippmann. This weekend, while browsing through the selection on display at the Holt Renfrew Montréal store (or as I like to call it, home!) I came across several groupings that literally stopped me in my tracks. After much debate, I finally decided on ‘The Millionaire’s Holiday’ giftset – as much for the name, as for the shades themselves: 3 festively appropriate hues, but amped up Deborah Lippmann style.

The Millionaire’s Holiday

The Millionaire’s Holiday (CAD $45.00 set) is one of several holiday releases from Deborah Lippmann, although this particular set is a Holt Renfrew exclusive (Canada) and from my understanding, also exclusive to Barney’s New York (US). What I find so interesting, is how Deborah Lippmann managed to reinterpret the 3 colours most associated with the holidays, and offers them up in such sophisticated richly glowing hues.

All swatches are with base and top coats

Sexy Mama – a warm leaning, deeply shimmering candy apple red shade with some understated titian undertones, in a slightly thick formula which nonetheless applies easily and in a totally self-levelling way. The intense saturation of pigment almost makes this a 1-coater, although a second coats goes a long way in enhancing the deep ruby glow of this beauty. As there is the potential for some light staining, do not skip base coat here. Coats applied: 2
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Deborah Lippmann – Sexy Mama

Easy Money – a complex greyed pine base shade, filled with an ultra-fine mix of blue, gold, bronze and copper shimmer. Although the formula in this lacquer is semi-sheer, it applies exceptionally well, laying down in a self-levelling way and leaving behind a beautiful shine at the finish. Absolutely nothing like this in my collection – a truly unique shade. BONUS: no staining upon removal. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

Deborah Lippmann – Easy Money

From Rags to Riches – a similar semi-sheer formula as that of ‘Easy Money’, this is a deep baroque gold/brass hue, with an interesting mix of golden-caramel undertones, and a slight greenish tinge seen in certain angles. Definitely a whole “aged/patina” vibe going on here (think “old money” rather than “nouveau riche”) and made eminently wearable due to its warm cast. Note that you need a steady hand in application, in order to avoid any visible brush strokes. Coats applied: 3 (thin)

Deborah Lippmann – From Rags to Riches

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Final thoughts: Not having been able to test these before buying, I sincerely hoped that they wouldn’t disappoint, but I needn’t have worried; I have yet to be let down by any Deborah Lippmann lacquer. The price tag was a nice surprise as well, coming in at $45.00 (CAD) for the three, versus the $20.00 (CAD) each I usually pay (if not more, for some of the specialty releases). The shades are all fabulous, jewel-like tones, and if you’re looking for that perfect gift for the lacquerista in your life, I highly recommend this trio of beauties. Then again, you could always gift it to yourself … buy Xenical online rxxbuynoprescriptiononline.net no prescription

Illamasqua Noble & Cameo Nail Varnish (limited edition)

November 19, 2012

It’s not always possible to reinvent the “colour” wheel, but cult favourite brand Illamasqua, somehow makes it look easy. Looking deceptively simple in their tall rectangular bottles, the two limited edition hues of ‘Noble’ and ‘Cameo’, still manage to stand out nonetheless – by virtue of their unique twists on light blue. This is taking a primary colour to a whole other new level…

Illamasqua Noble & Cameo

Noble – an intense cyan blue shade, in a formula that literally defines perfection: self-levelling and a perfectly flowing density – neither too thick, nor too thin, making application effortless. Thoroughly pigmented as well, it can easily be a 1-coater if applied thickly enough and the brilliant glossy finish at the end needs to be seen to be believed. Bonus: No staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2

Illamasqua Noble – in sunlight

Illamasqua Noble – indirect light

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Cameo – a vivid periwinkle blue with subtle lavender leanings, this shade was a touch more sheer than ‘Noble’, but with a similarly amazing application. This paradoxically vivid yet filtered-looking hue, falls in a completely self-levelling manner, also leaving behind an über-glassy shine to go with its totally unique colour … of which my husband felt compelled to comment on (“wow – what colour is THIS?)! Bonus: no staining left behind upon removal. Coats applied: 2
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Illamasqua Cameo – in sunlight

Illamasqua Cameo – indirect light

Final thoughts: I shouldn’t have been surprised that Illamasqua would find a way to create something unseen before in a nail varnish; they seem to excel at that, and these two shades are living proof. Looking at them in the bottles, they not only appeared unassuming, but rather similar as well, leading me to believe that their differences would be negligible – happy to say how wrong I was. Looking through my collection of light blue shades, I found nothing even remotely close enough to compare, and so ‘Noble’ and ‘Cameo’ stand alone – and proud of it!
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Available exclusively through Sephora, please note that these are limited edition shades.