Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette

The collaboration between socialite/model/actress Olivia Palermo and British brand Ciaté London, aims to bring an ‘it-girl’ status and style to a capsule collection of beauty products. Filled with shades that Olivia adores and has become known for, the Smokey Suedes Eye Palette has a nice mix of buttery mattes and luminous shimmer shades, with a central neutral hue, Butler, to ground them (true story: Butler was named after Olivia’s dog, Mr. Butler).

Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette

Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette (US $39.00) | Housed in a slim profile compact with a black faux eelskin lid and elegant gold touches via the case framing and stamped lettering, there is also an oversized mirror on the inner lid to make on-the-go touchups a breeze. The nine shades are [surprisingly] good-sized, making it easy to dip into each one without fear of cross-contamination. The 4 matte shades all have a slight sheen to them that prevents them from appearing flat upon the skin, while the other 5 all display a finely ground shimmer that helps in providing a radiance that won’t translate as excessive. The texture on all is truly silky and suede-like, seen & felt more with the mattes, and while there is some powdery kick-back when swirling brushes through them, the plus side is that I experience no fall-down whatsoever. All shades blend effortlessly, can be effortlessly built up & layered, as well as worn damp for more depth of tone and impact. Excellent staying power, especially when worn over primer.

Top Row:

Shaken – bronze, shimmer
Verde – pine green, shimmer
Whoopie Pie – mauve, matte
Glazed – rose gold, shimmer

Centre: Butler – bone, matte

Bottom Row:

Prosecco – champagne, shimmer
Cocoa – chocolate, shimmer
Macchiato – mink brown, matte
Plumberry – currant/raisin, matte

Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette

Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette swatches

Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London Smokey Suedes Eye Palette swatches (alternate light)

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Not sure what to expect, I can honestly say that falling hard for this palette wasn’t one of those things. But I did. Hard, I tell you. For starters, I’m all about the slim profile (easy fit into my makeup bag) and totally luxurious heft (can’t stand cheap packaging), as well as the large size of each shade. The colours of the Smokey Suedes Eye Palette are all incredibly easy to wear – regardless of skin tone – with enough shade diversity to create a variety of both day & night looks. The only downside, is that while available at Sephora, that would be only through the US website, but I’ll hopefully be able to update with more info. If not, I say we get a petition going for all us Canadian beauty fans.
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More information on the Olivia Palermo X Ciaté London collection can be found via www.ciatelondon.com

Press sample kindly provided by Ciaté London for my unbiased consideration

Kérastase® Fusio-Dose™ Event Privé Par David D’Amours

November 25, 2015

I’m a big fan of moisturizing, be it for my skin, body, nails, as well as hair, so when I was recently invited to try out Fusio-Dose™ from Kérastase® at one of Montréal’s top hair salons (apparently Céline Dion is a client), I totally jumped at the chance.

Loved (and lauded) by stylists & celebrities alike, there are many reasons why luxury haircare brand Kérastase® has earned such a devoted following: these products work. They might be priced on the steep side, but the payoff is strong, healthy, and vibrant hair – I’d say that’s a pretty good deal, wouldn’t you agree?

Originally launched in 2011, Kérastase® Fusio-Dose™ is:

‘The first personalized mix of hairstylist-blended super-concentrated active ingredients for treating the surface of the hair without weighing down the fiber. Four concentrated care formulas are mixed with four powerful active ingredients offering multiple combinations for a custom-designed treatment to instantly and lastingly transform the hair’

For 2015, Kérastase® has reformulated the Fusio-Dose™ range to include 20 tailor-made treatment combinations (versus 16 before) that include:

Four Concentrates:

Concentré Pixelist – Intensification of radiance
Concentré Oléo-Fusion – Instant nutrion and softness
Concentré Vita-Ciment – In-depth reconstruction
Concentré Densifique – Immediate densification

Five Boosters:

Booster Brilliance – Amino-Shine active ingredient, 45 000 PPM + Zinc Gluconate
Booster Densité – Body-enhancing active ingredient, 10 000 PPM
Booster Reconstruction – Anti-erosion complex, 20 000 PPM + Resurrection Sap
Booster Nutrition – Nutrition complex, 60 000 PPM + Iris Royal
Booster Discipline – Smoothing agent, 15 000 PPM + Morpho-Kératine™

The beauty of Fusio-Dose™ treatments, is that not only are they tailored to your hair’s individual needs (a far cry from the one-size-fits-all mentality of conventional haircare treatments), but there’s also no downtime: after washing, the treatment is applied, rinsed out et voilà: you’re done, with the effects lasting easily over a month (more, for those who shampoo less frequently). Doesn’t get sweeter than that.

Opened just over a year ago, Privé par David D’Amours is a salon in the heart of historic Old Montréal and my first surprise was that it’s located at basement level (completely unexpected). The second surprise came upon entering the beautifully lit space, and viewing the stunning decor that while modern, is still in keeping with the ambiance of the neighbourhood, with its concrete floors and exposed stone walls. The club chairs at the washing station are über-comfortable while the adjacent colouring station is expansive and brightly-lit. There’s even a counter/bar area to treat yourself while waiting, along with a seating area that looks like it belongs in a magazine. I absolutely loved the minimalist yet effective layout found at each stylist chair: a floor-to-ceiling mirror flanked on either side by columns of light that also double as hidden storage for all the stylists’ tools and needs, thus avoiding the clutter one usually sees.

The reception desk with its stunning oversized floral display

At the entry, the full Kérastase® lineup

Wash stations

Colouring station

Sitting area

Stylist chair

With my glass of champagne in hand (a custom drink was created for the event, but I never turn down bubbly!), I was given a consultation to determine my hair’s needs and learn which Fusio-Dose™ treatment would be best for me. Blessed with good hair genes (thank you, parents) and coupled with the fact that I totally baby my locks, it was decided that we would improve my mane’s overall condition via the Reconstruction booster, to add even more strength and protection against the colouring process.
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My stylist for the evening, a charming Venetian-born gentleman named Dennis (yes, Dennis from Venice – and is it just me, or does he also bear a strong resemblance to Gerard Butler?), then led me to his chair and after a few quick questions, he then got to work. I wanted ‘Sexy Hair‘, something with waves and body and so totally a look I never do, mainly because I can’t. After blowing out my tresses using a combination of his fingers and a round brush and then strategically using both curling & flat irons, Sexy Hair, is exactly what he gave me – so much so, that I may have gone overboard with the photos.
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Thank you, Dennis ♥

Flanked by my stylist Dennis & owner David D’Amours

My recommended Kérastase® range that I was sent home with

Another surprise that evening, was meeting Chinese-born illustrator Ben Liu and having my personalized illustration created by this talented artist (which I am SO framing).

Oh….haii, Alexa from www.stealing-beauty.com

Thank you to everyone involved for such a wonderful event!

Salon Privé par David D’Amours, 360 Rue Notre-Dame Ouest Suite 601, Montréal, Québec 514.303.4777

Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015

November 20, 2015

There’s no doubt that the holidays are a magical time of year, and nowhere is that more evident than with Neiges & Merveilles for Christmas 2015 from Guerlain. One of the star pieces of the collection, Météorites Flocons Enchantés (French for ‘enchanted snowflakes’), takes the brand’s cult-fave face pearls and transforms them into a Winter Wonderland – complete with a snowball-like casing. Have you melted yet?

Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Limited Edition (CAN $89.00) | Let’s begin with the case: luminous/pearly white & globe-shaped with a band of golden snowflakes, bearing a gold underlay imprinted with snowflake designs & the Guerlain ‘G’ on the lid, but which appears to be seen as though through frosted glass. Upon opening, you’re greeted by a kitten-soft white puff and its golden satin bow, that not only serves to protect the treasure held beneath, but makes for a useful applicator as well. Within, the skin-illuminating face pearls come in warm-leaning shades of nude, light beige/pink, and palest gold with a dash of coolness provided by the pearly white stars thrown into the mix. The product bears the brands iconic violet fragrance (and while clearly obvious at first, the scent dissipates fairly quickly upon application – or at least, I don’t notice it any more).

Trying to describe what Météorites do, is about as easy as capturing a mythical unicorn (see the swatch below; the varying tones are almost impossible to capture in photographs); basically this is a face setting powder that is meant to provide a natural and totally subtle luminosity to the skin. The powder of each pearl is incredibly finely milled – so much so, that it’s almost invisible or rather, it’s probably closer to the truth to say that this fine texture helps it meld and fuse with your skin, without being obvious or sitting at surface level. The slight gradation in tones also work to provide dimension and to avoid appearing flat & dull when swept along the face.

There’s something undeniably special about Météorites Flocons Enchantés, something you (and anyone looking at you) will be hard-pressed to say exactly what that is, but it gives the skin the most gorgeous radiance you’ve ever experienced – and never over the top. My preferred way of using these pearls, is by swirling a large face brush through them, then applying that to key areas: cheekbones, hairline, bridge of the nose, décolleté and cupid’s bow.

Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015

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Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés, Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015

Guerlain | Météorites Flocons Enchantés (swatched heavy for show only)

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Ever have someone ask what you’ve done to your skin to make it look so amazing? Well, THAT is the effect that Guerlain’s Meteorites provide, and this year’s Flocons Enchantés version with its Wintery theme adds an extra level of ooh-la-la via the addition of its shimmery white stars. I’m going to stop here, because this is something you need to try for yourself to understand what I mean; no amount of words or photos can capture its essence (and God knows I tried), but that might explain why devotees passionately collect these little balls of fairy dust. And even though this is a limited edition item and pretty much disappeared off the shelves before it could even be stocked, you may still be able to score one at your nearest Guerlain counter – but I wouldn’t wait too long.

The Guerlain Neiges & Merveilles Christmas 2015 Collection is available now through The Bay, Nordstrom, and Sephora stores across Canada. Find more information via www.guerlain.com

Press sample kindly provided by Guerlain for my unbiased consideration/Post may contain affiliate links

CHANEL | Joues Contraste Lumière 12 Coups de Minuit, Rouge Noir Absolument

November 18, 2015

Shining like a beacon amidst the [mostly] vampy hues of the CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection, is Joues Contraste Lumière 12 Coups de Minuit (French for ‘stroke of midnight’) and while ‘blush’ may not be the first thing that comes to mind when laying eyes on this beauty, there’s something so ethereal and yet utterly wearable about this shade that makes it a must-have, in my opinion.

Also reviewed from this collection:

12 Coups de Minuit Highlighting Blush, Limited Edition (CAN $51.00) | An antiqued pink hue with grey undertones, Joues Contraste Lumière comes housed in the brand’s black lacquered compact case, bearing the iconic interlocked CC’s with a full sized mirror on the inner lid, and also includes a small brush for application (which is quite soft and works well, considering the size).

This blush has a very subtle rose scent (you have to literally hold it right under your nose to pick it up), but which seems completely undetectable once applied. Touching Coups de Minuit with a finger reveals a suede-like texture, with minimal powder kicked up in the pan upon swirling a brush across its surface. The shimmer you can see in the pictures actually translates into a soft luminosity when applied; CHANEL has totally mastered the art of the magic shimmer, if you ask me – with the particles so finely milled that you never need to fear either any fallout, or coming across as too glowy.

With regards to application, the very nature of this light hue makes it pretty difficult to wear as a blush per se, unless you have alabaster skin (and even then, it’ll be stretch to call it that). Where it comes into its own, however, is either as a highlighter – giving such a gorgeous radiance when applied to the high points of the face, or better yet, try applying a light dusting over another blush shade to create a unique and customizable new colour (also works to ‘tone’ down a too-bright blush). Wear time is excellent when applied over foundation and/or over another blush, and keeps giving off a subtle radiance throughout the wearing.

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CHANEL | Joues Contraste Lumière 12 Coups de Minuit (detail)

CHANEL | Joues Contraste Lumière 12 Coups de Minuit

CHANEL | Joues Contraste Lumière 12 Coups de Minuit swatches (applied heavy, left & blended out)

CHANEL | Joues Contraste Lumière 12 Coups de Minuit

This year’s Holiday offering from CHANEL is shaping up to be absolutely STELLAR, and while I never thought this particular piece would capture my interest to such a degree, I confess that Coups de Minuit is beyond. Flashy highlighters have their time & place, but are also admittedly hard to pull off for most of us; not so this little beauty. For those who might be a touch highlighter-phobic, do yourself a favour and check.this.out. You’re welcome (in advance).
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The CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection is available now through Hudson’s Bay and thebay.com, Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom stores across Canada. Find more information via www.chanel.com

Press sample kindly provided by CHANEL for my unbiased consideration/Post may contain affiliate links

CHANEL | Étincelle Glossimer, Rouge Noir Absolument Collection

November 16, 2015

One of four limited edition lip products released with the CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection for Holiday 2015 (review coming on the other 3), 487 Étincelle Glossimer (French for ‘spark’), continues the black-red story of the brand’s iconic Rouge Noir shade, albeit in a much more wearable format.

Also reviewed from this collection:

487 Étincelle Glossier Limited Edition (CAN $34.00) | Don’t let the deep shade in the tube fool you; this is a semi-sheer and non-sticky lipgloss (still haven’t figured out how CHANEL has managed the non-sticky part) with a berry tint and filled with incredibly fine irregularly shaped shimmery bits – all of which lay perfectly smooth on the lips, never gritty. Applied solo, I get about 2.5 – 3 hours of wear time (which is about the norm), with a slight blush-like tint left upon my lips after most of the actual colour has worn off, along with a totally moisturized feel. Étincelle also makes a great layering shade especially when worn in conjunction over CHANEL’s matching Rouge Noir lipstick, to not only emphasize that gorgeous vampy effect, but to add a little shimmery pop as well.
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CHANEL | 487 Étincelle Glossimer (detail)

CHANEL | 487 Étincelle Glossimer

CHANEL | 487 Étincelle Glossimer swatches (direct & alternate lighting)

CHANEL | 487 Étincelle Glossimer swatch

I absolutely love the look of a dark & vampy lip, but I’m not always successful in pulling it off; apart from the logistics involved (the darker the shade, usually the more precision work is involved in application), deep hues can also clash with my colouring. Étincelle Glossimer is an effective and perfect way of indulging the trend, without a major commitment AND the added bonus of being a swipe-and-go kind of colour. Holiday beauty made easy, I tell you.
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The CHANEL Rouge Noir Absolument Collection is available now through The Bay & thebay.com. Holt Renfrew and Nordstrom stores across Canada. Find more information via www.chanel.com