Dior | Eternal Gold & Blazing Gold, State of Gold Christmas 2015

December 7, 2015

If there’s anything from the Dior Christmas 2015 State of Gold Collection that you should put on your radar, my vote goes to the limited edition eyeshadow palettes. You might want to add the lipsticks and nail polishes to that list as well – but I’ll get to those in upcoming posts. Stepping away from their past holiday quints that featured a bevy of sparkly shades (which looked good, but were relatively underwhelming performers), these quints which come housed in the brand’s signature navy lacquered compacts and protected by velvet sleeves, not only look amazing with their urban chevron pattern embossed on the eyeshadows’ surface, but happen to apply like a dream. The unique colour groupings also make them stand head & shoulders above so many other new releases, and will not only see you through many holiday looks, but long after the last champagne cork has been popped.

Dior | Eternal Gold & Blazing Gold, State of Gold Christmas 2015

576 Eternal Gold (CAN $70.00) | Appearances might dictate that this is the obviously cooler leaning palette of the two, but Eternal Gold happens to offer shades that can be easily worn by a wide variety of skin tones. The texture on all (including the darkest shade) is buttery soft and almost suede-like, displaying a wonderful blendability and no falldown, with the added bonus that all shades can also be applied with a dampened brush for more depth and ooh-la-la. Staying power, especially over primed lids, is excellent, with no visible fading or creasing.

Shade breakdown (starting from top left & going clockwise):

seafood green, greyish undertones, finely milled satin shimmer
peach, finely milled satin shimmer
white gold, finely milled satin shimmer/soft gold reflects
gunmetal, silver sparkle (semi opaque worn dry, fully opaque applied damp)
taupe with mauve undertones, finely milled satin shimmer

Dior | 576 Eternal Gold

Dior | 576 Eternal Gold, swatched dry

Dior | 576 Eternal Gold, swatched damp

Dior | 576 Eternal Gold

886 Blazing Gold (CAN $70.00) | Don’t let the more visibly warmer-leaning tone of this palette fool you, as Blazing Gold has the ability of looking great on cooler complexions as well (it’s some kind of Dior sorcery, I tell you). Bearing the same silky texture, the shades of this palette offer a deeper pigmentation when worn dry; applied with a dampened brush takes things to a whole new level of colour saturation, while also serving to especially intensify the sparkle of the darkest hue. Once again, staying power is there for the duration (over primed lids), or until removed.
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Shade breakdown (starting from top left and going clockwise):

sangria red, finely milled satin shimmer, slight pink reflect
icy pink, finely milled satin shimmer
oyster gold, finely milled satin shimmer
deep pewter, multi-dimensional sparkle
plum mauve, finely milled satin shimmer

Dior | 886 Blazing Gold

Dior | 886 Blazing Gold, swatched dry

Dior | 886 Blazing Gold, swatched damp

Dior | 886 Blazing Gold

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Working his magic once again, Dior’s Makeup Creative Director, Peter Philips has crafted a collection that’s filled with visual beauty as well as an interesting array of colours. The texture of these quints is impressive and definitely worth investing in – that red shade alone (yes, red. I know, right?) in the Blazing Gold compact almost defies description, yet is still so totally wearable while the taupe/mauves of both palettes are some of the best I’ve seen to date. I’m even loving the luminous centre hues of both palettes, as they also work double-duty as face highlighters. Definitely two of the most unique (colour-wise) and quality palettes in the Dior lineup. And yes, they’re both limited.

The Dior State of Gold Christmas 2015 Collection is available now through The Bay & thebay.com, Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom stores across Canada. Find more information via www.dior.com

Press samples kindly provided by Dior for my unbiased consideration

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OPI | Designer Series 2015 Charcoal & Imperial

December 4, 2015

For 2015, OPI has added two new shades to their Designer Series (DS), Charcoal – a colour shifting hue (that also totally reminds me of a gasoline spill looking at it in the bottle – love!) and Imperial – a majestic & royal purple, if ever there was one. Viewing a wall of OPI goodness, it’s easy to spot the DS shades thanks to their silver caps – although you do have to look (and grab) quick, as they seem to sell out lightning-fast.

OPI | Designer Series 2015 Charcoal & Imperial

DS Charcoal | OPI describes this as a “jaded smoke with hints of violet” and while that seems about right, it’s also WAY more than that. To my eyes, this is a rather shifty mix of pewter/grey, purple, teal & bronze, and depending on the light + angle of your hand, you will see one or more of the afore-mentioned colours. With a self-levelling application, as well as perfect density & flow (which means it won’t pool around the cuticles), Charcoal displays an excellent opacity and if you load your brush up, you can probably get away with one coat – although I suggest 2 thinner ones instead for an even better look. The finish is unique as well, with its buttery satin matte tone (so hard to capture in photos, but trust me when I say it’s actually perfectly smooth when seen in person), while adding a top coat (as seen in the last swatch photo) takes things to a whole other level and really brings out the prismatic effect. Bonus: ombré nails without any extra effort. What can I say? There’s a lot of love for this magical shade. A lot.

OPI | DS Charcoal

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch (macro)

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch (alternate angle)

OPI | DS Charcoal swatch (with top coat)

DS Imperial | A deep & rich magenta violet shade, filled with ultra finely ground shimmer (seen in the bottle), that seems to play more of a supporting overall role in the final look. Self-levelling as well, the application is somewhat semi-sheer at first coat, but reaches full opacity by the second – and also comes to the same satin matte finish as Charcoal. I confess that I originally dismissed this shade as ‘been there, done that’ — but that was BEFORE I actually swatched it; then, it was more ‘WHOA’. I’m also a little confused (but in a good way) by Imperial – mainly because once applied, it seems to morph into more than just your average purple lacquer, at times looking vivid then with a flick of the hand, becoming more grape-like and deep. Interesting how OPI managed to create a colour-shifting shade without the usual holographic/prismatic-ness associated with that effect. Like a mood polish, if you will. Adding top coat (as seen in the last two swatch photos) not only brings out that shy inner shimmer, but also creates a moiré pattern. Ok, so I love this one too.
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OPI | DS Imperial swatch

OPI | DS Imperial swatch (macro)

OPI | DS Imperial swatch (with top coat)

OPI | DS Imperial swatch (alternate angle, with top coat)

These are both spectacular, and if you can get your hands on them, I say DO IT. Don’t even hesitate, just grab. And yes, as with previous DS shades that OPI has released, both Charcoal and Imperial are limited edition. Le sigh……

Available now through OPI retailers and fine salons. Find more information via www.opi.com
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Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer & Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Edition

December 1, 2015

As someone who never really delved into Benefit’s magical & colourful world until fairly recently, I have become a quick convert not only to their whimsical and retro packaging, but to the products themselves, so when their latest offerings – They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer and They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Edition – landed at my doorstep several weeks ago, I may or may not have done a little happy dance #mascarafiend

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer & Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition

They’re Real! Dual Purpose Tinted Lash Primer (CAN $31.00) | A brown tinted lash primer that can be worn alone for subtle and natural looking colour, or layered under mascara for volume-boosting properties. The Custom ExtraFlex Brush has been designed to move with lashes, offering excellent lash separation, while the formula is enriched with Provitamin B5 for help your eyelashes stay conditioned.

For those days when I want a hint of definition & colour to my lashes, one coat of this primer gives me that easily enough; a second coat – while adding some volume – still stays fairly natural-looking, and provides a more ‘finished’ look to eyes.

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer (ingredients)

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They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition (CAN $34.00) | A jet-black lengthening mascara in a limited edition matte-black casing that is embellished with Swarovski® crystals (making this into one of the easiest mascara tubes to hold on to) with a specially designed brush that features staggered bristles to help grab lashes from the roots, thus providing a precision lift, curl, & definition (even for those teeny-tiny lashes at the corners). The formula while long-lasting, manages to also stay flexible enough so that lashes never feel crunchy, with no visible signs of flaking or clumping. Wear time is excellent and stays that way throughout the duration, easily removed with a dual-phase eye makeup remover.

When applied over the Tinted Lash Primer, the results are absolutely amazing; I noticed a visible difference, with my lashes seeming to fan out with more precision and while there was a marked increase in both volume and length, I didn’t have any of the expected chunkiness that you’d associate with layering lash products.

Benefit | They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition

Benefit | They’re Real! Beyond Mascara, Swarovski® Limited Edition (ingredients)

Benefit | They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer & Beyond Mascara (bare lashes, primer only, primer + mascara swatches)

Just had to show this; seriously, Benefit sends out the most amazing media packages!

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While lash primers are not exactly new on the scene, most versions (until now) have been white coloured and not always something people would remember to apply first. The ‘Benefit‘ (see what I did there?!) to wearing a primer, is mainly to add a thickening layer to your eyelashes – especially useful for those with thin and/or sparse lashes, and when said primer also has the added bonus of protection and conditioning properties, then that sounds like a sweet deal to me. As to the mascara itself, not only is it one of the better ones I’ve come across lately, but also now decked out for the holidays and yes … it’s what’s on the inside that counts, but I’m a totally sucker for pretty packaging. A pricey, but wonderful stocking stuffer just the same!

The Benefit They’re Real! Tinted Lash Primer will be available as of January 2016; the They’re Real! Beyond Mascara (Swarovski Edition) is available now through Sephora and sephora.com Find more information via www.benefit.com

Press samples kindly provided by Benefit for my unbiased consideration

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Urban Decay | Naked Smoky

November 30, 2015

Urban Decay does naked so, so well.

Welcoming the latest iteration to their iconic eyeshadow palettes, is Naked Smoky – the edgier and somewhat grown-up counterpart to the rest of the Naked clan. Still staying well within the mantra of wearable shades, this grouping features 9 never-before-seen hues as well as 3 exclusives from past palettes, along with a dual-ended brush for application, but let’s face it: it’s really all about these colours, wouldn’t you agree?

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky

Naked Smoky (CAN $64.00) | You had me at Naked…or maybe it was Smoky? Starting from the case which features a pattern of swirling smoke plumes in a transparent base with Naked Smoky written in raised gunmetal lettering, it also holds a full-size mirror on the inner lid and snaps firmly closed, the better to keep its precious cargo safe & snug. The 12 shades are a mix of high-impact metallics, shimmers, as well as mattes – ranging from neutral to deep and which offer a wide range of looks that can be created. The dual-ended brush that comes with the palette is useful when you’re on the go, although I personally prefer using my own brushes instead. Quality with all shades is outstanding, with some displaying higher pigmentation than others (such as the deeper colours, naturally) and even the more shimmery hues don’t have the usual fall-down of similar past UD shades (although I still recommend patting instead of brushing these on – just in case). The texture on all is buttery smooth and offers excellent blendability, while wear time will obviously depend on your application method and colour selection, although all appear to last beautifully until removed, in particular when worn over primer.

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky with included dual-ended brush

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky swatches (in sunlight)

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky swatches (alternate light)

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky

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1st Quadrant:

High – champagne, shimmer with micro-glitter
Dirty sweet – oyster/light bronze, satin shimmer
Radar – taupe, metallic/iridescent and with micro-glitter
Armor – silver/taupe, metallic tonal + sparkle

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (1st Quadrant swatches)

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (1st Quadrant swatches, alternate light)

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2nd Quadrant:

Slanted – steel/grey, metallic
Dagger – charcoal/blue-grey, subtle micro-shimmer
Black Market – jet black, satin (slight iridescence)
Smolder – dark amethyst, shimmer

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (2nd Quadrant swatches)

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (2nd Quadrant swatches, alternate light)

3rd Quadrant:

Password – deep mauve/taupe, matte
Whiskey – cool brown, satin matte
Combust – nude pink, matte
Thirteen – bone, satin matte

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (3rd Quadrant swatches)

Urban Decay | Naked Smoky (3rd Quadrant swatches, alternate light)

Urban Decay | Naked medley

There have been many comparisons posted online of all the Urban Decay Naked palettes, and since I don’t want to bore you more detailed breakdowns, I’ve opted to simply show visuals of all 4 palettes without swatches. I do believe that the photos speak for themselves!

Urban Decay | Naked, Naked 1, Naked 2, Naked 3 & Naked Smoky

From the original Naked palette that went on to spawn a trend (as well as numerous look-a-likes), Urban Decay has reinvented the genre with the release of this deeper and more jewel-toned grouping of shades. Personally, I think this one is probably their best yet, as it offers many more combinations than any of the previous palettes do, as well as suitable for a broad range of tastes and complexions. In a nutshell: the Naked Smoky palette is a total winner and must-have. With Christmas around the corner, THIS would make one helluva gift for that beauty-lover on your list (hint, hint).

The Naked Smoky palette is available through all Sephora, and sephora.com stores across Canada (as well as select Shopper’s Drug Mart location). Find more information via www.urbandecay.ca

Press sample kindly provided by Urban Decay for my unbiased consideration

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CHANEL | Rose de Lune, Vaporeuse & La Merveilleuse, Rouge Noir Absolument Collection

November 27, 2015

Perhaps as a counterpoint to the brooding tone of CHANEL’s iconic Rouge Noir shade, there are also several new and more lighthearted lip options that have been released with the Rouge Noir Absolument Collection for Holiday 2015, and not surprisingly, I am in love with them all.

Also reviewed from this collection:

CHANEL | 347 La Merveilleuse, 237 Vaporeuse, & 477 Rose de Lune

CHANEL | 477 Rose de Lune, 347 La Merveilleuse & 237 Vaporeuse

CHANEL | 477 Rose de Lune, 347 La Merveilleuse & 237 Vaporeuse swatches

477 Rose de Lune, Limited Edition (CAN $34.00) | An icy pink shade with cooler undertones and filled with a soft and almost iridescent silvery shimmer. CHANEL Glossimers are amongst my favourite lip glosses, primarily because they’re not sticky and always leave lips feeling well hydrated. That being said, there is something magical about Rose de Lune, with its multi-dimensional shimmer that elevates it from being a typical pink gloss to something almost ethereal. Totally backup-worthy.

CHANEL | 477 Rose de Lune Glossimer

CHANEL | 477 Rose de Lune Glossimer swatch

237 Vaporeuse Rouge Allure, Limited Edition (CAN $42.00) | A soft nude-pink shade in CHANEL’s relaunched Rouge Allure formula, with a smooth glide upon application and subtle shine at the finish, lightly scented with the brand’s signature rose fragrance (which definitely dissipates quickly after application). As my lips are quite heavily lined, I was pleased to see that Vaporeuse doesn’t seem to settle or emphasize said lines, and while the shade itself is quite subtle, it’s also perfect for balancing a stronger and/or smokey eye. Lasting power is on the light side (approx. 2-3 hours), although it leaves a nicely moisturized feel to lips once the colour has faded. Layered with Rose de Lune on top creates a lush look and can boost wear time slightly.

CHANEL | 237 Vaporeuse Rouge Allure swatch

347 La Merveilleuse Rouge Allure Velvet, Limited Edition (CAN $42.00) | A luxurious magenta/berry shade in a highly pigmented formula with a matte/satin finish. With its effortless glide along the lips, this lush hue benefits from a liner if you want a precise look, but I love the more approachable tone of applying it directly from the bullet. Fragranced with the CHANEL’s classic rose scent that becomes undetectable (to my nose) once applied, this is a far cry from other matte lipsticks that can be somewhat drying, leaving a fully hydrated feel to lips throughout the wearing and after. Longevity is impressive, lasting easily 8+ hours, even with drinking and eating thrown in the mix.
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CHANEL | 347 La Merveilleuse Rouge Allure Velvet swatch

I have been impressed with every single piece of CHANEL’s Rouge Absolument Collection for Holiday 2015 (left to go: my review of the eyeshadow quad, coming soon), and that’s something that doesn’t happen often. Of the three lip products shown here, my hands-down favourite is Rose de Lune and I definitely intend to stock up as this has now become my go-to lipgloss (I have literally been stopped by total strangers asking me what shade I’m wearing when I have this on). What’s lovely about La Merveilleuse and Vaporeuse, are that they’re both shades that will transition well for Spring & Summer, but also totally on point right now. To repeat: a highly impressive collection and well worth checking out … before they’re all gone.
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The CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection for Holiday 2015 is available now at The Bay & thebay.com, Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom stores across Canada. Find more information via www.chanel.com