CHANEL Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2015-16

This past Tuesday, July 7th, the Grand Palais in Paris was transformed into an actual working casino, creating a lavish backdrop for the CHANEL Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2015-2016 collection. Drawing inspiration from jewelry sketches drawn in the 30’s by Paul Iribe (one of Coco Chanel’s boyfriends) stored in the CHANEL archives, Karl Lagerfeld created incredible pieces literally dripping with diamonds that adorned some of his closest celebrity-muses, namely Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart, Vanessa Paradis with daughter Lily-Rose Depp (yes, Johnny Depp is her father), Lily Allen, Geraldine Chapman and newcomer Rita Ora, to name but a few. After taking a turn on the catwalk, the stars then retired to the two centre-stage roulette tables where they continued to play as the show’s models then began to strut their stuff. In an interview after the show, Karl Lagerfeld stated that he was inspired by the fantasy image of elegant and glamorous women attending a casino, although the reality is that he personally hates gambling.

Using a Selective Laser Sintering machine, technology that could never have even been previously imagined, the runway pieces were literally spun from powder using a high-powered laser, which in turn created the clothing in 3D form. In fact, clients ordering any of the items from the show would need to have their body scanned in order to produce the piece.

The iconic CHANEL tweed suit was given a modern new look via a boxier silhouette and exaggerated shoulders. Some gowns displayed over 1 million hand-sown beads, while dreamy feathers wafted in the breeze on other pieces. One spectacular coat was swathed in layer upon layer of hand-shredded chiffon blooms, and there was no shortage of gossamer fine silk tulle. While no handbags made an appearance, shoes were either black or off-white, in a shape that was reminiscent of tuxedo lapels.

To compliment the runway creations, makeup artist Tom Pecheux created a look that focused on flawless skin, heavy brows, intense blush to carve out the cheekbones in shades that alternated between high-voltage fuchsia or a more subdued rosewood, with lips matching the blush colour. For hair, celebrity hairstylist Sam McKnight created sharply defined and angled brunette bobbed wigs, leaving some of the models own hair visible at both the front and nape of the neck. Nails were almond shaped and kept graphically simple: an edgier take on the classic French mani, with black tips on a stark white base.

Closing the show, Karl Lagerfeld’s latest star – Kendall Jenner – wore a creamy white double-breasted pantsuit in lieu of the more traditional bridal gown, complete with a luxurious tulle veil and train.

My bet: the house always wins … in this case, the House of CHANEL.

The Grand Palais, Paris

Making a runway entrance: Kristen Stewart with Julianne Moore

Lily-Rose Depp placing a bet

High rollers: Kristen Stewart, Julianne Moore, Lara Stone

One of two beauty looks, featuring intense cheeks and lips

The second beauty look with its softer palette

Nail details

A closer look at the nails

The grand finale

Photos c/o CHANEL and Vogue

a-england | Rossetti’s Goddess

July 7, 2015

With her passion for art, literature, and beauty, Adina Bodana (aka: the creative mastermind behind boutique nail lacquer brand, a-england), draws inspiration from the life & works of Dante Gabriel Rossetti to bring forth her latest collection, Rossetti’s Goddess – four complex shades that bear a multitonal and magical prismatic gleam.

Rossetti, one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, infused an undertone of sensuality to the medieval-revival style of his art and poetry, most of which was strongly influenced by his life’s personal events that also included his long-running love affair with muse Jane Morris – the wife of his friend and peer, William Morris. With the Rossetti’s Goddess Collection, Adina once again manages to effortlessly marry touches of history to beauty and has single-handedly created a new industry category, or what I like to call: Art/Lacquer. Rossetti’s intense and somewhat brooding artistic undercurrents are clearly displayed with this capsule collection – all done in that impeccable a-england way.

As with other prismatic shades in the a-england family, the four shown here come to a satin rather than glossy finish – which can be a unique look as is, but become so much more elevated when layered with top coat.

All swatches shown are with 2 coats of lacquer (each) and top coat.

a-england | Rossetti’s Goddess

Portrait of Jane Morris, Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1868)

Jane Morris | A slate/steely grey shade with strong violet reflects and light silvery glints. The prismatic effect is quite evident when seen in person, but can be rather camera-shy unless taken with flash, all of which serves to nevertheless add a stunning dimension of tone. The formula falls on the thicker side (the thickest of the 4, in fact) and is basically opaque at 1 coat – a plus if you’re in a hurry.

a-england | Jane Morris

Captive Goddess | An icy cerulean blue with aqua reflects and a scattered, but still clearly visible holographic effect. The formula is a bit of a contradiction; relatively thick in flow but with a sheer-leaning application, but still very easy to apply and which becomes completely opaque by the 2nd coat. The paler hue of this shade makes the prismatic part of it appear to pool along the sides and tips of the nails (more so than the middle), which only adds to its uniqueness.

a-england | Captive Goddess

Jane Morris painted as Proserpine, Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1874)

In Greek (and Roman) mythology, Hades – God of the Underworld – falls in love with beautiful Persephone (Proserpine), daughter of Zeus and Demeter (Goddess of Agriculture & Fertility, also known as Ceres) and kidnaps her to become his wife. Demeter in her anguish to have her daughter returned, refuses to allow any crops to grow until Zeus intervenes on her behalf and manages to convince Hades to release his reluctant bride. Told not to eat or drink anything in the Underworld or risk staying there forever, Persephone rashly eats a few pomegranate seeds in gratitude of her upcoming release, which then binds her forever to Hades for part of each year. Demeter to this day, continues to grieve for her missing daughter during that time – Winter – and refuses to permit anything to grow upon the land, relenting only when the two reunite once more each Spring.

Proserpine | A smoky deep teal with a multi-layered scattered holographic effect. The formula here is nothing short of amazing: self-levelling, perfectly opaque at just 1 coat, and stays exactly where placed without pooling along nail edges or cuticles. While deeper lighting dims the prismatic flare to a certain degree, sunlight brings it to absolutely gorgeous and brilliant life. BONUS: non-staining upon removal.

a-england | Prosperine

Incense Burner | The undisputed Pièce de Résistance of the collection, this shade almost defies description; an aubergine/olive multichrome hue with a strong topaz flash and a formula that can be described in one word: STELLAR. The first coat lays down a rich eggplant purple, and while that seems to be the general colour of this shade, that changes depending on one’s angle of vision and the light – at times calling forth a greener hue, then morphing into a more mauve/brown/amber tone. Truly hypnotic and very unique in my collection, I can assure you.

Trying to capture the many facets of Incense Burner (inspired by the actual incense burner seen in the lower left hand corner of the above painting of Proserpine, symbolic of her attribute as a Goddess in her own right) can prove tricky at best, so I’ve included a few extra photos to portray its gorgeousness as accurately as possible. Enjoy!

a-england | Incense Burner

No more words are really needed, are they? Following the tradition of putting forth an amazing product, Rossetti’s Goddess from a-england is a collection worthy of both its historical inspiration and the brand itself, known for quality above all else. My favourites here are hands down Incense Burner and Proserpine (dark, mysterious & brooding shades get me every time), although Jane Morris and Captive Goddess are simply perfect for the season now and will no doubt transition beautifully once the weather starts to cool again, faithfully completing the cycle of the myth itself. Bravo & well-done, Adina.

Available now through a-england, where you can also find a complete list of stockists for your location.

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Clinique | Cheek Pop

June 29, 2015

With their feel-good mood-enhancing gerbera daisy motif and vibrant hues, the new Cheek Pop blushes from Clinique (CAN $24.00) will not only brighten your face, but your vanity tabletop as well. Available in 12 shades (although the Canadian website lists only 10), they are created using a patented new breakthrough technology that involves transforming pure liquid pigments into a super smooth silky powder through a process of slow baking – the result of which is an ultra-light, sheer yet buildable colour that gives your cheeks a luminous flush without any powdery trace whatsoever. To say that the formula is STELLAR, would not be a lie; pigmentation is excellent – regardless of whether they are applied sheerly or layered, blendability is ridiculous easy and these blushes seem to melt into the skin, leaving no absolutely NO demarcation lines, their complex shimmer is ground so fine as to impart a lit-from-within luminosity to the skin (and not the variety that just sits at surface level), and staying power is true until removed. Blush Perfection, I tell you.

After having played with these shades for a few weeks now, this blush fiend is beyond impressed and this gorgeous little bouquet has now earned itself a permanent spot in my beauty arsenal. Then there’s the added bonus of that floral pattern; is it possible to look at these Cheek Pops and NOT want to clutch them all protectively home?

NOTE: My rather tired laptop decided to spontaneously delete the original product photos I took of these Cheek Pop blushes (the HORROR), which explains my less than usually pristine pictures in this post. Believe me, there was much swearing involved when I found out what had occurred — and none of it suitable for printing here. Needless to say, I’m in the process of upgrading my system, as I’d probably explode if I had to go through this again.

Clinique | Cheek Pop

Clinique | Cheek Pop swatches (in sunlight)

Clinique | Cheek Pop swatches (in shaded light)

15 Pansy Pop | A vivid lavender hue that has a bit of a dual personality; seen in sunlight, the colour displays warmer undertones yet shaded light brings out a cooler vibe. Either way, I was surprised to find that Pansy Pop suited my complexion (which is light-medium with warm/yellowish undertones) and I have no doubt that this will be absolutely spectacular on those with fair skin tones.

Clinique | 15 Pansy Pop

Clinique | 15 Pansy Pop swatches

14 Heather Pop | The most ‘neutral’ of the four shades shown, Heather Pop is a good mix of both warm (red) and cool (mauve) undertones, that makes it perfect for a wide variety of complexions. An amazing shade to give that “I just came back from a jog by the beach” flush of colour (without any of the effort and/or accompanying sweat), this also makes a good layering colour over bronzer for the most believable sun-kissed glow.

Clinique | 14 Heather Pop

Clinique | 14 heather Pop swatches

13 Rosy Pop | With its vivid deep rose tint, Rosy Pop is nevertheless easy to wear – mainly due to its buildable formula. A sheer wash (using a loose blush brush or better yet, a fan brush) will give that perfect youthful flush, especially for very fair skin tones – but you do need to use a light hand to avoid over-intensifying the colour (and thus avoid the slapped cheeks effect), and a wonderful non-ashy-looking shade for those with darker complexions as well.

Clinique | 13 Rosy Pop

Clinique | 13 Rosy Pop swatches

02 Peach Pop | I have this insane obsession with peach and/or coral blushes, so I naturally gravitated to Peach Pop and its Popsicle-like yumminess. Think of NARS’ Orgasm (the blush shade, not the man!) without the accompanying shimmer, and you get an idea of this shade’s tone; pink-peachy undertones, warm, sunny, fresh-looking, and THE perfect hue to wear with sun-kissed skin (although it will be equally gorgeous during the cooler months as well, not to mention extending that Summery vibe).

Clinique | 02 Peach Pop

Clinique | 02 Peach Pop swatches

Jamie Lee Reardin | When I was sent these Cheek Pop blushes to test out, I was thrilled by the inclusion of a framed original Jamie Lee Reardin print, a Fashion Illustrator originally from Toronto, Canada and who now calls LA, California her home. Inspired by Disney and Tim Burton, Jamie Lee’s fashion figures started to take on ‘impossibly long silhouettes with uncomfortably long necks’ and have become her signature style seen today. You can see a snippet of the print in the photo below – which will definitely have a place of honour of the walls of my soon-to-be studio space!

Clinique | Cheek Pop with a framed original Jamie Lee Reardin illustration

I’m going to keep this short: if you love blush and want to invest in quality shades (all without breaking the budget) that are also 100% fragrance-free, along with allergy & ophthalmology tested, then you owe it to yourself to check out Clinique’s Cheek Pop range. All I know, is that I might just want to get them all now – whether they suit me, or not (but I know they will!).

Available through The Bay & thebay.com. Sephora & sephora.com as well as Holt Renfrew across Canada. You can find more information via clinique.ca

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post may contain affiliate links

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes & A Special Giveaway!

June 22, 2015

For Summer 2015, Guerlain introduces a colourful way to dress up your favourite {Guerlain, of course!} bronzer with the help of a soft silicone sleeve; I’ve already shown you the aqua version (read about it here) and today I bring you the second limited edition option: My Terracotta 03 Natural -Brunettes (CAN $62.00). This hot coral sleeve is not only a fun way to jazz up your compact, but also provides an extra layer of protection to the casing – making it perfect for travel & to cushion any potential impact, along with being super easy to remove should you wish to do so. But why would you? I mean, just LOOK at it!

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

As a way of thanking my wonderful readers for all their continued support, I have teamed up with Guerlain to give away a bronzing powder of your choice along with a selection of special edition coloured silicone sleeves, made only for this contest: these sleeves are not available anywhere else! Read on to the end of this post for all details.

My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes | With its luxurious extra-finely milled powder, this is a medium tan shade that provides a rich sunny hue to the face (and/or neck, décolleté). The formula has been designed to be easily buildable for a more intense tone and can even be used for contouring, in a pinch. Even those with fair complexions can use 03 Natural Brunettes for a sun kissed glow, providing it’s applied using either a large fluffy brush, or better yet, a large fan brush & swept along the skin with a light hand. There is a noticeable fragrance of tiare flower coupled with notes of gardenia & vanilla to this powder (basically, all things that remind me of Summer) and while I personally LOVE it, those with sensitivities should take note and test at the counter first – but I must say that the scent does dissipate fairly quickly upon application.

Guerlain seems to infuse their bronzers with some some kind of magical fairy dust; not only is the powder itself so ultra fine as to fuse with your skin tone and become one (as opposed to other products that just sit at the surface level), but the shimmer in the formula serves to add a special illumination to the skin, making you look so vibrant and ‘lit-from-within’ radiant. Lasting power is excellent and will vary with the amount applied, although I find it just continues to look better with the wearing and stays true until removed – without any oxidation, caking, or fading. As I’ve mentioned before in several other bronzer posts, this product will “develop” upon the skin – therefore, I suggest always starting with a light hand by sweeping 03 Natural – Brunettes along the high planes of the face where the sun would naturally hit (tops of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, forehead, tip of the chin) – although you’re also free to play with colour placement, then waiting a few minutes before adding more, as the colour will intensify to some degree. You really do NOT want to overdo your bronzer and it’s so much easier to add more, if needed, than to take any away.

*Note that the powder compact is part of Guerlain’s permanent range – only the silicone sleeve is limited edition as part of the Summer 2015 Collection.

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes (macro)

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes, logo detail

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes, silicone case removed to display compact

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes swatches (in sunlight)

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes swatches (alternate light)

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes (bottom) & 02 Natural – Blondes (top)

While both bronzing powders have the exact same formula, the difference lies in the undertones of the colour, with 02 Natural – Blondes bearing a slightly ruddier tint than the more yellow-leaning tone of 03 Natural -Brunettes (seriously, Guerlain…what’s with the hair colour designations?). I actually love using both in tandem, with 03 Natural – Brunettes applied all over as a base, then going in with 02 Natural – Blondes along the apples of the cheeks and upper cheekbones (and the teeniest bit along the bridge of the nose) to give that completed sunkissed look – you know, like you’ve just come back from the beach. If only.

Guerlain | My Terracotta 03 Natural – Brunettes & 02 Natural – Blondes swatches

Below, my special edition raspberry-coloured silicone sleeve, exclusively created and not available in stores

Guerlain | Limited Edition raspberry silicone sleeve (shown open)

Guerlain | Limited Edition raspberry silicone sleeve (shown folded over)

SPECIAL EDITION GUERLAIN SILICONE SLEEVE & TERRACOTTA BRONZER ~~GIVEAWAY – OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!~~

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

To officially usher in the start of Summer, I have partnered up with Guerlain to give away three (3) Special Edition Silicone sleeves (raspberry coloured, as shown above) to three (3) separate winners (colours will be chose by me, at random). The rules are simple:

follow me (ommorphia) on Instagram and regram the contest post (MANDATORY)
follow Guerlain Canada on Instagram (MANDATORY)
extra entries can be gained by following on my other social media channels, as well as leaving a comment on this post (see below)

Guerlain has simplified the process of knowing which bronzer is best for you by providing the following survey (it’s quite fun too!)

Welcome to your Guerlain Terracotta Consultation

The contest will run for one (1) week starting from June 23, 2015 12:00 am (Eastern Standard Time) and will close on June 30, 2015 12:00 am (EST). There will be three (3) winners chosen who will then be announced via an Instagram post once the contest closes. The chosen winners will then have 24 hours to respond via email (ommorphia@gmail.com), failing which a new winner(s) will then be selected. DON’T FORGET THE TWO MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: to be following my Instagram account (ommorphia) & subsequently regramming the post, as well as following Guerlain Canada via Instagram.

Contest is open internationally to everyone of legal age (must be 18+ to enter), and duplicate entries will be automatically disqualified. No prize substitutions allowed.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Terracotta Bronzers are part of the Guerlain permanent range – the Aqua and Coral silicone sleeves are all limited edition and available through The Bay and thebay.com as well as Sephora & sephora.ca (links provided for your convenience)

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/post contains affiliate links

CHANEL Les Beiges | Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02

June 16, 2015

In 1913, Mlle. Chanel opened her first store in Deauville, France where she revolutionized the fashion world by using a fluid fabric (jersey) to liberate women from the constricting styles of the time – in 2013, LES BEIGES were created in the spirit of that freedom, espousing the concept of a natural, glowing, healthy-looking, and unfussy makeup look:

‘With LES BEIGES, natural is now a style’

Joining the LES BEIGES lineup of face powders and drawing inspiration from the designer’s love of sailor’s stripes, the two limited edition versions for 2015 are Marinière N°01 (not shown) bearing rose & honey hues, and Marinière N°02 with its tan bands of colour in deeper and more bronzier tones. Enriched with white rose and cotton flower plant cells for skin soothing and protective actions, as well as shea butter and a Vitamin E derivative for optimum hydration and comfort throughout the wearing, both powders are also fortified with an SPF 15 as well. There is a soft and lovely rose/floral scent to this powder which seems to dissipate soon after application, but still worth noting for those with sensitivities.

*Please note that the presentation box shown was designed for press/media only and that the powder is not sold this way.

CHANEL | Les Beiges Collection 2015

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15

Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (CAN $72.00) | Housed in the brand’s iconic lacquered square compact with the double C logo on top – bearing a full-size mirror on the inner lid as well as an included demi-lune natural bristle brush – the LES BEIGES range of products are made unique by their light beige outer casings. The two bands of colour (camel/beige and deeper tan) of Marinière N°02 are wide enough that each shade can be picked up individually – but only if used with either a narrow brush or with the top of the demi-lune brush; in my opinion, the beauty of this product comes through when both shades are combined (I use a large fluffy brush for overall initial application, followed by a denser brush in areas I wish to emphasize – such as where the sun would naturally hit: upper cheeks, forehead, bridge of the nose and slightly along the top of the chin).

There appears to be the lightest hint of reddish undertones in the base of Marinière N°02, which helps to promote a healthy flushed appearance to the skin (so much better than yellow undertones, which can make skin look sallow) and the shimmer is ground so fine, that is serves to impart a radiant illumination that only gets better as the powder fuses with your skin’s natural oils and warmth. In fact, I’ll even go as far as saying that this product looks better after a few hours of wear. The pigmentation is excellent and when the two shades are swirled together, the colour you get is multi-tonal and so natural appearing, although you could probably dial it up by concentrating more on the darker portions, if need be. Those with fair skin will find this to be an excellent bronzer – but I suggest using a fluffy brush for a more diffused dispersal of colour, while darker complexions can go in with a denser-headed brush (such as a kabuki brush) to add luminosity and evenness to their skin (just don’t expect major colour).

As with all bronzers that have a ‘developing phase’, start with a light hand and wait a few minutes before adding more, so that you don’t risk overdoing it. Staying power is excellent, and I’m able to get an entire day’s worth of wearing without any fading or settling into fine lines.

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (macro)

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 (ingredients)

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch

CHANEL | Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour Marinière N°02 SPF 15 swatch (alternate light)

Even more impressive than the regular LES BEIGES range of face powders, Marinière N°02 offers up not just light coverage, but a sun-kissed warmth and that ‘lit-from-within’ radiance to the skin, thanks to CHANEL’s unique formula and ultra finely-milled shimmer. Bronzers come in so many varied forms and while I enjoy having choices, I frequently find myself layering them (usually a matte with one that bears more shimmer) to achieve a natural effect – both qualities that can be found in just this one compact. The only downside, is that this is a limited edition product which is a shame, as CHANEL has certainly hit it out of the ballpark with Marinière N°02 and should definitely look into making it permanent (as well as offering up a few more shade options, while they’re at it). Verdict: absolute LOVE and totally backup-worthy.

Available now but for a limited time through The Bay and thebay.com (direct link included for your convenience), and all other CHANEL counters across Canada. Find more information via chanel.com