Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette, Christmas 2015

September 16, 2015

Colder weather may still be several weeks away (I still have time to psych myself up), but Guerlain has me dreaming of a Winter wonderland with their upcoming Ors et Merveilles Collection for Christmas 2015 (launching November 1st). Kicking things off, is the Ors et Merveille Eyes and Blush Palette (CAN $95.00/limited edition), a two-tiered palette comprised of 5 eyeshadow hues (upper level) and 4 blush shades (lower compartment) in one slim-profile compact. Heads up: start saving, because I’m warning you right now that you will want Every.Single.Piece of this magical collection.

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette (just look at the snowflake detail printed on the inner packaging – love!)

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Palette Ors et Merveilles – Eyes | Considering all that it holds, the Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette is a relatively slim (and totally portable) rectangular compact in a luxurious brushed gold finish that has a nice heft to it, and which bears a large mirror on the inner lid — all housed in a protective velour sleeve with 3 included applicators: 1 dual-ended eyeshadow brush and 1 small blush brush. While I never bother with these types of applicators, I do appreciate how convenient they can be if you’re on the go and don’t want to carry a slew of brushes along plus I’m happy to see that they fit into the outside pocket of the protective sleeve, and do not take up valuable real estate within the compact, thus giving more room for the actual product.

Lightly scented with Guerlain’s signature violet fragrance, all five shades display a beautiful level of pigmentation, a buttery texture (with the exception of the gold hue that is thinner in feel and has ultra fine glitter, but without any of the fallout usually associated with this type of finish), excellent blendability with no powder stirred up by running brushes across the pans, and will be wearable by a wide range of complexions. The size of the hues also works in their favour, being large enough to pick up each individually with your brush, but without worrying about contaminating the shade beside it – props to Guerlain for including barriers between the colours. Staying power (when worn over primer) is amazing and will last without fading until removed.

Shade Breakdown (from the top):

milk chocolate with rose undertones, satin shimmer
plummy brown with slight pink reflects, satin shimmer
champagne, creamy iridescence
pale yellow gold with ultra fine golden glitter (also makes a lovely highlighter)
nude pink, matte

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette (detail)

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Eyeshadow swatches

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Eyeshadow swatches (alternate light)

Palette Ors et Merveiles – Blushes | Flipping the top deck of the compartment up reveals the four stunning blush shades below (clockwise from the top left):

pale pink, no shimmer (the coolest leaning of the four)
red based pink, no shimmer but with a slight sheen
coral pink with a golden reflective sheen
deep rose, satin sheen

Created to be worn alone or mixed and matched for a custom cheek colour, there is an interesting mix of both cool and warm tones – as well as finishes – with these blush hues. The downside to the 2 smaller sized shades (on the left), is that it makes it a little tricky for a conventional blush brush to access them without also picking up product from an adjoining colour, but it can still be done with a smaller fluffy-headed brush. The two larger pans are spectacular colours with off-the-chart pigmentation; the top right shade needs a light hand to start with, but can be built up if desired for more impact (imagine the way cheeks look after you come in from a brisk walk in the chill Winter air, and you get a better idea of this colour), while the bottom right shade reminds me a lot of NARS’ Orgasm, but with less bling factor, making it even more wearable (and needs to be released as a solo hue).

The texture is once again bang 0n, with a smooth and totally blendable application without any powdery kickback seen upon swirling my brushes through any of them. All four shades bear a stronger version of the Guerlain violet fragrance than their eyeshadow counterparts, and even though the scent dissipates quickly, it’s still worth noting for those with sensitivities. Staying power is excellent, with the exception of the palest hue that does not show up as much against my skin tone, but should work beautifully on those with fairer complexions.

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette (detail)

Guerlain | Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Blush swatches (clockwise from top left in the pan)

Guerlain | Palette Ors et Merveilles Blush swatches (same order, alternate lighting)

In a word? The Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette is SPECTACULAR, and I’m not usually one for all-in-one type beauty products such as this … but there is just so much to appreciate here. Overall warm-leaning (for both the eyeshadows and blushes), the shades are wearable and not holiday-crazy glitterbombs, while the compact itself is small enough to tote around and help get you ready in a flash for that unexpected after-work party. Price-wise, it may seem initially a little steep, but factor in that you’re getting five good sized eye colours plus four blushes (2 good sized, 2 smaller but still workable) with ALL amazing performers, and then it doesn’t seem so outrageous. All I can say, is that Guerlain devotees – and those new to the brand as well – will be swooning (yes, like Victorian maidens) when they are finally able to get their hands on this collection come November.

The Guerlain Ors et Merveilles Christmas 2015 Collection lands November 1st at all Guerlain boutiques and select counters across Canada. Find more information on the brand via www.guerlain.com

Press sample kindly provided by Guerlain for my unbiased consideration

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Andreja Pejic & Jamie Chung 4 Artist Shadow Palettes

September 15, 2015

MAKE UP FOR EVER, the brand that consistently pushes the envelope, all while delivering high performance beauty products, recently launched their ‘Be Bold. Be Unexpected. Be You‘ campaign to celebrate all faces of beauty and in all of its wonderful and diverse forms. As part of this initiative, two limited edition eyeshadow palettes were released in special-edition tins: one with shades curated by trans-gender model Andreja Pejic, and the other holding a selection of hues from actress Jamie Chung. If you’ve yet to try this brand’s Artist Shadows, then you have been missing out on some of the most incredible eyeshadows you will ever wear, but be warned: they are addictive.

EDIT: At the time of posting, I believe these palettes may be sold out online, but as they consisted of hues from MAKE UP FOR EVER’s core lineup, the individual shades are still available for purchase. Phew.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Andreja Pejic & Jamie Chung 4 Artist Shadow Palettes

Andreja Pejic 4 Artist Shadow Palette | My love of neutrals has been well-documented here on the blog, and proudly taking place on my list of go-to palettes, is this Andreja Pejic quad. Regardless of the fact that there are no mattes in this palette, the [oversize] shades offer a variety of looks to take you from day to night, with each bearing a superior pigmentation and excellent blendability — as well as the ability to be applied either dry or with a dampened brush for extra staying power and depth of tone. Speaking of longevity, both palettes defy all laws in that department, especially when worn over primer.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Andreja Pejic 4 Artist Shadow Palette

I-526 Pearl Beige (Iridescent) – oyster with pale pink reflects
I-662 Amber Brown (Iridescent) – amber with a coppery sheen
I-544 Pink Granite (Iridescent) – taupe/mauve with rose-pink sheen
D-652 Celestial Earth (Diamond) – milk chocolate brown with slight pink reflects & ultra fine gold shimmer

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Andreja Pejic 4 Artist Shadow Palette (swatches)

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Andreja Pejic 4 Artist Shadow Palette (swatches, alternate light)

Jamie Chung 4 Artist Shadow Palette | I wasn’t sure what to initially make of the Jamie Chung quad, primarily because of the included blue shade (I rarely wear blue eyeshadow), but one quick swatch and I was smitten. Smitten, I tell you. The pale matte hue not only works great at grounding the more reflective qualities of the other 3, but has become my favourite base-layering shadow as well (also works great for highlighting the brow bone area, cupid’s bow, and inner eye corner). As to that blue, I’ve been wearing it 2 ways: with a dampened liner brush and applied along the lower lash line, or dry and blended with the khaki to form a whole new colour category – and absolutely gorgeous.

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Jamie Chung 4 Artist Shadow Palette

M-532 Sugar Coated Candy (Matte) – ivory/parchment with light pink undertones
S-642 Sahara (Satin) – sand, warm-toned with a soft sheen
D-320 Golden Khaki (Diamond) – true khaki with ultra-fine golden shimmer particles
ME-108 Steel (Metallic) – steely blue, cool-leaning, stunningly reflective

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Jamie Chung 4 Artist Shadow Palette (swatches)

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Jamie Chung 4 Artist Shadow Palette (swatches, Alternate light)

To repeat what I stated in my first paragraph: if you’ve yet to try MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Artist Shadows, then you need to change that STAT. Apart from the superb quality — and bear in mind that these eyeshadows hold the highest level of pigment than any other brand in the marketplace today — the vast choice of colours will leave you utterly gob-smacked. This is a brand that not only embraces beauty in all forms, but encourages you to explore your many moods via the use of colour and finally? To just.have.fun. Doesn’t get easier than that.

The MAKE UP FOR EVER Andreja Pejic & Jamie Chung 4 Artist Shadow Palettes are available for a limited time exclusively through Sephora (online only) – while supplies last.

Press samples kindly provided by MAKE UP FOR EVER for my unbiased consideration

CHANEL | Joues Contraste 260 Alezane Powder Blush, Fall 2015

September 14, 2015

Cheek colour can make or break a look, but Joues Contraste 260 Alezane Powder Blush from the CHANEL Les Automnales Collection for Fall 2015, is one of those supremely well-balanced shades, turning it into one of those oh-so-totally wearable hues you’ll be reaching for again and again. And again….

INSPIRATION: willow catkin, eucalyptus leaf

Previously reviewed from this collection:

CHANEL Collection Les Automnales Fall 2015 (credit)

CHANEL | Joues Contraste Alezane Powder Blush

Joues Contraste Alezane Powder Blush (CAN $51.00)| Described as “brownish pink with golden shimmer”, Alezane is definitely all that, but I also detect peach, tan & rose tints as well. Fragranced with CHANEL’s signature rose scent, the shimmer is clearly visible in the pan but the powder is so ultra-finely milled that it melds seamlessly upon the skin with application. Warm leaning in tone, this blush is actually quite pigmented, so I suggest beginning with a light hand and building from there. A light sweep using a fan-shaped brush, provides a gentle hint of colour to help balance out a stronger eye (as seen in the photo above), but that excellent mix of dusky rose & neutral hues also means you can easily intensify the colour — without the fear of looking overdone. Initial appearances might lead you to think that this is a soft shade, but there are hidden depths here as well, with an impressive staying power to sweeten the deal (especially when worn over foundation).

CHANEL | Joues Contraste Alezane Powder Blush

CHANEL | Joues Contraste Alezane Powder Blush swatches

Looking through my collection of CHANEL blushes, I pulled out the two I thought would be quite close to 260 Alezane, but as the photos and swatches below show, they are nothing alike. How they compared:

80 Jersey – similar colour family but a few degrees lighter, powdery yet silky application, no visible shimmer but does bear a gorgeous satiny sheen
84 Accent – cooler leaning, harder surface making it paler on application, same finely ground shimmer
260 Alezane – the powder is a cross between the textures of the other two, but significantly more saturated in colour

CHANEL | Joues Contraste 80 Jersey, 260 Alezane, 84 Accent swatches (heavy swatches)

CHANEL | Joues Contraste 80 Jersey, 260 Alezane, 84 Accent swatches (blended out)

Other than mascara, blush is my kryptonite – in particular neutral toned blushes such as 260 Alezane, a colour that can be worn by a broad range of skin tones and will look amazing on every single person. There’s almost an impartiality to this shade, and while it looks deceptively soft (and even a little bland) in the pan, the resulting application is nothing short of amazing. Filled with that inner magic that CHANEL does so well, this is a colour that is off the charts in versatility and one I intend to never be without in my collection. Thank you, CHANEL, for making 260 Alezane a permanent shade.

The CHANEL Collection Les Automnales is available now at The Bay & thebay.com, as well as other fine retailers across Canada. Find more information via chanel.com

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

SPACE.NK | Autumn Beauty Edit: The Essentials Collection

September 11, 2015

SPACE.NK – the repository of some of the most amazing (and exclusive) products in the beauty world, is having their ‘Autumn Beauty Edit’ event take place tomorrow, September 12th. As part of this amazing one-day-only shopping event (both in-store throughout their 23 US locations, as well as online), customers who spend $250 or more, will receive a limited edition SPACE.NK cosmetics bag filled with a selection of must-have products (valued at well over US $400.00). This gift with purchase comprises 33 deluxe, travel & full-sized items from featured brands and let me warn you right now: it sells out lighting fast.

As part of the ‘Timeless Beauty FW15’ campaign, SPACE.NK will also be presenting the latest in Fall trends and looks, and guests can meet with experts from some of their finest brands for makeovers, beauty advice, or tips. Note that event times, featured experts, and services vary by location, so it’s suggested to call ahead in order to reserve an appointment (and avoid disappointment). It bears repeating though, this exclusive GWP sells out quickly in-store, but is also available to online shoppers for this one day (US only & while supplies last naturally).

SPACE.NK kindly send over this exclusive [beauty swag] bag, and I cannot wait to test drive so many brands that I’ve only heard/read about – what a great way to try out such a broad range of products … and the oversized transparent makeup bag (which measures: 12″ x 8.5″) makes the perfect travel companion as well.

I’m so happy to share this fabulous beauty news with you – let me know if you indulge!

SPACE.NK.apothecary | Autumn Beauty Edit 2015

SPACE.NK.apothecary | Autumn Beauty Edit 2015 (zipper pull detail)

SPACE.NK.apothecary | Autumn Beauty Edit 2015 (Skincare)

Roloxin Lift Revitalizing Facial Treatment (0.07 oz X 2)
Miriam Quevedo Extreme Caviar Restructuring Luxe Serum (50 ml)
Kat Burki Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Serum (7 ml)
Darphin Stimulskin Plus Reshaping Divine Serum (3 ml)
Rodial Pink Diamond Instant Lifting Serum (5 ml)
Radical Skincare Eye Revive Crème (5 ml)
Lancer Intensive Night Treatment (7.5 ml)
Mila Moursi Cryo Serum Ice Cube Infusion (5 ml)
Natura Bissé Tensolift Neck Cream (5 ml)
Malin + Goetz Vitamin E Facial Moisturizer (30 ml)
Ren Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial (10 ml)
Goldfaden MD Fresh A Peel (5 ml)
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (15 ml)
*Eve Lom Cleanser (20 ml + muslin cloth)

*Not shown: Eve Lom Cleanser (20 ml) – cloth shown only, as product was received after this shipment came in.

SPACE.NK.apothecary | Autumn Beauty Edit 2015 (Bodycare)

Leif Kakadu Plum and Macadamia Nut Hand Balm (75 ml)
Juara Candlenut Body Crème (44 ml)
Mio The Activist Firming Active Body Oil (30 ml)
James Read Tan Accelerator (25 ml)
Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Hydrating Aloe (30 ml)

SPACE.NK.apothecary | Autumn Beauty Edit 2015 (Haircare)

Original Mineral Atonic Thickening Spritz (50 ml)
R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo (2.25 oz)
Philip B. Nordic Wood Hair & Body Shampoo (15 ml)
Bumble & Bumble Repair Blow Dry (15 ml)
Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream (15 ml)

SPACE.NK.apothecary | Autumn Beauty Edit 2015 (Cosmetics & Fragrance)

Diptyque Eau Duelle Eau de Parfum (assorted, 12 ml)
*Sunday Riley Good Genes (10 ml)
Kevyn Aucoin The Flesh Tone Lip Pencil in Bloodroses (0.68 g)
Lipstick Queen Chase Glossy Pencil (assorted, 3.1 g)
Chantecaille Faux Cils Mascara in Black (4 g)
By Terry Mascara Terribly in Black Parti-Pris (4 g)
Hourglass Femme Rouge Lipstick in Icon (0.85 g)

*Note that the Sunday Riley Good Genes sample was accidentally added here but should really be with the skincare grouping #bloggerblooper

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Guerlain | La Laque Couleur 700 Blue Ocean

September 7, 2015

When Guerlain released their Summer collection, I was immediately drawn to 700 Blue Ocean (CAN $29.00), a shimmery aquatic confection that so perfectly reflected the feeling of Summer (and speaks to my beach-loving heart) … a season I’m nowhere near ready to let go of yet.

The breakdown: One of the most stunning aqua shades I’ve ever come across (or worn, for that matter), the formula of 700 Blue Ocean is near perfection in so many aspects: excellent density and flow (neither too runny nor thick, and will not pool around the cuticle area), a non-patchy & self-levelling application, and comes to a high gloss at the finish. The shimmer is exceptionally finely ground and flashes with a prismatic/silvery light at some angles, lending an added depth of tone to what is already a sublime hue. The first coat applies semi-sheer, but still provides decent coverage, while two coats will be much more opaque (those with longer nails will still see visible nail line – nothing that a third thin coat couldn’t take care of, although I personally love a slight translucency with this type of colour; gives it a more oceanic vibe).

I need to add that if you’ve never tried a Guerlain nail polish, then you’re missing out on not only an amazing formula, but one of the best brushes around; slightly bevelled and with the perfect combination of superior splay, flexibility, and density – all you need do is place this brush at the top of the nail bed, and let it do the rest for you. Flawless application in almost one swipe. For real.

Coats applied: 2 over Guerlain’s Nailift La Base base coat (which is phenomenal, by the way – review forthcoming), plus top coat.

Guerlain | La Laque Couture 700 Blue Ocean (Limited Edition)

The bad news: 700 Blue Ocean is a limited edition shade. The good news? Some counters may still have a bottle squirrelled away. That being said, if you’re a fan of aquatically-themed lacquer hues, or in the market for a spectacular nail polish, then I strongly suggest you try and hunt this little lovely down. It’s worth it, believe me.

Guardian beauty products are available at The Bay & thebay.com, Sephora & sephora.com, and Holt Renfrew across Canada. Find more information on the brand via www.guerlain.com