Dior | Diorskin Nude Air Healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder

April 29, 2015

Dior has just launched an innovation in the field of face powders: Diorskin Nude Air Healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder (CAN $60.00 available in 4 shades), a face powder that is designed to work as an ‘invisible’ setting product for your makeup, with a lightweight and fresh feeling upon the skin. Some of the key features, according to the brand:

an undetectable to the eye ultra-light texture to help unify, mattify and enhance the complexion
made with transparent pigments & translucent mineral powders to add precise tone
leaves a velvet finish upon the skin
enriched with vitamins, minerals and Sweet Orange Extract to help boost tone & freshness
non-occlusive and ‘breathable’ like an ‘intelligent fabric’
helps create a shield against pollution by limiting the absorption of harmful particles

In the past, I’ve never felt the need to wear face powder as it always seemed a bit chalky in appearance upon my skin, not to mention somewhat ageing – so it was with a healthy degree of skepticism that I approached my testing for this Dior version (I was kindly sent shade 020 Light Beige to test). Thankfully, the Diorskin Nude Air Healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder (a bit of a mouthful to say, no?) is not only absolutely wearable, but visually delivers on its claims as well.

The round plastic jar bears a silver lid bearing Dior’s signature Cannage pattern and comes with an included plush velvet puff to enable a silky-smooth application. The contents are under a protective sieve to prevent an overload of product/powder being released – a convenient feature, while the powder itself is relatively unscented (I personally can’t seem to pick up any fragrance, per se). The texture is exceptionally finely-milled and once buffed into the skin, becomes completely undetectable without leaving a flat finish behind; rather, there’s a very subtle sheen that almost seems to give ‘vitality’ to the skin. As the powder wears and starts fusing with the warmth of the skin and natural oils, it seems to then develop a more luminous tone, but never shiny. Best part? Absolutely no oxidation in evidence (when the product takes on an orange-y cast).

The shades range from 010 for the fairest types – to 040 for deeper complexions, and while you’d think that these 4 options wouldn’t be nearly enough to cover the gamut of skin tones, the nature of this featherweight powder should be easily wearable by a broad skin tone range just the same (with the exception of the darkest complexions, where I suspect it may appear slightly ashy – but still worth checking out at a Dior counter just to be sure). According to the included insert, start by upending the firmly closed container and lightly tapping it once along the bottom to release a measured dose of powder into the upper section. The velvet puff works extremely well at buffing the powder into the skin, although I found it much easier to first use a brush (a large headed & semi-rigid Kabuki brush, such as the one offered by Dior) to first pick up the powder for quick distribution along the skin then followed by a thorough buffing using the puff – which feels so incredibly soft along the skin while seeming to ‘fill’ in fine lines – is the most effective application method. As to staying power, the sheer nature of this product makes it difficult to determine exactly how long it actually wears, but I will say that my skin (which is combination/oily) looks flawless, even, and luminous throughout the day, with very little touch-ups needed.

Dior | Diorskin Nude Air Loose Powder 020 Light Beige swatched heavy & blended

Dior | Diorskin Nude Air Loose Powder 020 Light Beige swatch, fully blended out

What I really love about this Diorskin Nude Skin healthy Glow Invisible Loose Powder, is that my skin never feels like it’s ‘suffocating’ throughout the wearing. A light dusting over foundation (never forget to buff, buff, buff!) not only sets your makeup, but provides a seamless and flawless finish. Another great and even easier way to wear this powder, is over moisturized skin (always allow approx. 15 minutes for moisturizer to settle into the skin first before powder application) – this method provides a natural and sheer finish, while still managing to even out skin tone. For a powder-phobe like myself, I am beyond impressed with how totally ‘non-powdery’ this product appears, and urge you to give it a look – it’s so totally worth it.

Available through The Bay, and select Dior counters across Canada, visit dior.com for more information on the brand.

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration/Post contains affiliate links

Real Techniques | Starter Set (Eye) & Silicone Liner Brush

April 23, 2015

The range of Real Techniques® makeup brushes are all about affordability and a well-made product, and if you are just starting to build a beauty brush collection, I can’t recommend these tools enough. Ever since being introduced to this brand’s face brushes (previously reviewed here and here), I find myself reaching for them all the time, so it stood to reason that the Starter Set (Eyes) and Silicone Liner Brush would be equally impressive; I am happy to say that these eye brushes have definitely come through and with equally excellent results.

Designed with the help of beauty YouTube gurus Sam & Nic Chapman, the following is a quick breakdown:

Taklon bristles are ultra-plush and smoother than the hair you’ll find in other brushes. Since taklon is synthetic, it’s 100% cruelty-free. The soft fibers help create a flawless, high-definition finish in any type of light – from sunlight to harsh indoor lighting
The color-coded system corresponds to the key steps of makeup application so you can create a flawless base, enhanced eyes,, and the perfect finish like a pro
Each brush head is hand-cut to the perfect shape, allowing for precise application from dense coverage to a soft, delicate finish
The collection is suitable for a wide range of products and every makeup need – from powders, creams, and liquids to mineral makeup, highlighter, and shimmer
Brush names on the handles make for easy reference

The Starter Set (CAN $19.99) comes with a panoramic travel case and is available at London Drugs, Uniprix, Rexall Pharma Plus, select Brunet, Familiprix, Lawtons Drugs, People’s Drug Mart and Pharmasave Value Drug Mart – more detailed information can also be found by visiting farleyco.ca

The Silicone Liner Brush (CAN $8.99) is sold separately and available at London Drugs, Uniprix, Rexall Pharma Plus, select Familiprix, Lawtons Drugs, and Pharmasave

Real Techniques® | Eye Starter Set with included travel case

Deluxe Crease Brush is a round and fairly densely headed brush that at first glance may seem a little too large for work in the crease area, but works amazing in that capacity – especially for buffing out any harsh lines – which it does beautifully with its plushly soft bristles that never feel scratchy along the skin. The larger size of this brush makes it impractical for precision work; that being said, it can also be used to deposit a broad sweep of colour along the mobile lid of the eye and can even work well for highlighter application in the smaller/trickier areas of the face (bridge of the nose, cupids bow).

Base Shadow Brush is a flat paddle-style eye brush with a relatively dense tip that bears a good balance of density/rigidity and softness to the bristles. Used along its broader side, this brush works well at applying product to the mobile lid while the tip and/or the side can be used for adding eyeshadow along the lower lash line which can then be easily diffused and buffed out for a seamless connection to other eye makeup.

Shading Brush is a small domed brush with densely packed yet exceptionally soft & smoothly formed bristles. Designed for precision work, this brush can be used a number of ways – from helping to define the crease, along the lower lash line, for adding accent spots of colour, and even to buff in liner to shadow. Also perfect for those with narrower eyes to help deposit and apply broader sweeps of colour along the lids. Extremely versatile, this is a brush that most people won’t realize how much they need until they start using it.

Brow Brush is an angled brush of dense yet soft bristles that are rigid enough for precise application yet soft enough to not scratch or pull along the skin. I find that the softness of this brush makes it a touch impractical for applying powder colour to the brows, but I do love using it for fusing powder and pencil products smoothly into my brows. My personal favourite way of using this brush is actually in creating a defined or ‘cut’ crease, as well as for lining purposes – in particular along the lower lash line (that’s where the softness of the bristles works perfectly to add product without any tugging of the skin in that sensitive area).

Accent Brush is a a tiny domed brush especially created for the most precise work around the eye. Absolutely ideal for adding shimmer/highlighter in the tear duct area, this brush can also be used for applying liner to the lower lash line, or for buffing any liner along the upper lash line – especially useful in fusing powder eyeshadow over liquid/gel liner.

Fine Liner Brush is a narrow brush that is meant to be used in liner application; the softness of the bristles is excellent in preventing any tugging along the sensitive and thinner skin around the eyes, but not as effective for precision work – unless used damp. Nevertheless, I prefer to use a more rigid brush for precise liner work, as I found the bristles here a touch too floppy and slightly splayed out for that purpose.

Silicone Liner Brush is absolutely unique in my brush collection, made so in fact by virtue of its material; the rigid yet flexible pointed shape of the silicone head makes this brush excellent for applying a precise line of product along either the upper or lower lash line, but it also has a tendency to stick slightly to the skin which can subsequently cause a bit of tugging (and resulting in patchy application). Best when used in tandem with cream or liquid based products – that’s when this brush then really comes into its own, as the silicone head really helps to facilitate application.

Overall, I give these brushes a thumbs up; considering the price point, these are not only an excellent addition to one’s already existing makeup brush collection, but worth picking up for their quality and usefulness as well. The Silicone Liner Brush is one I’m ambivalent about, as I don’t find myself reaching for it often, but I do like how unique it it amongst my eye brushes and like the ease with which it helps apply creamier eye products (but still odd to work with – maybe it’s just me). If there’s anything missing here, I would have to say it’s the lack of a larger fluffier brush for blending, something that would have fit in quite well with this set, and a point Real Techniques® might want to look into. Just a thought …

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc, Collection de Grasse

April 22, 2015

This May, L’Occitane en Provence launches their latest in the La Collection de Grasse series of fragrance products: Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc – a beautiful union between the heady & intense blue iris from Grasse, and the more evanescent white iris from the Mediterranean. Once overflowing with fields of fragrant flowers, the region of Grasse (France), has been feeling the growing pressure of real estate; the amount of cultivated land has dropped from 1,300 hectares in the 70’s to approximately 60 hectares today, but with the support of L’Occitane en Provence founder Olivier Baussan, this region is now experiencing a floral, cultural, & economic revival.

In a nutshell, every product from L’Occitane’s Collection de Grasse series, helps to maintain this time-honoured vocation, and brings flowers back where they belong – I can’t think of a better way to honour our planet for Earth Day.

Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Shower Gel (CAN $26.00/250 ml) is a transparent silky fluid gel that transforms into an ultra-rich lather when in contact with water and rubbed onto the skin, all in a lightweight plastic bottle with an easy flip-top dispenser for quick one-handed use. A lighter version of this collection’s fragrance, this gel serves as a great layering ‘scent’ foundation before application of the Eau de Toilette. As an added bonus, skin is left feeling soft, supple and nourished.

L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Shower Gel, ingredients list

L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de Toilette

Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de Toilette (CAN $75.00/75 ml) is a warm/cool floral scent, filled with interesting – yet simple – fragrance contradictions. The bottle, created by founder Olivier Baussan, bears a mirror effect via the iris bouquet traced in hot-stamped gold on one side, an image which passes through the two thicknesses of glass tinted by the blue shade of the fragrance within and thus provides this lovely optical illusion. Part of the Iris Floral Family, some of the raw materials are a floral water extract of blue Iris Pallida from Grasse and extract of white Iris Florentina from the Mediterranean which form a singular and velvety blend of intense blue iris and evanescent white iris whose notes are:

Top: blackcurrant & citrus
Heart: iris, ylang-ylang & peach
Base: iris, cedar & white musk

While the flowers are the same (both irises), there manages to be a contrasting encounter between them, beginning with the lighter white iris – the first to greet your senses, followed by hints of fruity blackcurrant and green citrus as the fragrance begins to open up. The sensuality of ylang-ylang combined with the freshness of peaches moves in at this point, only to morph into a white musky delicacy and the powdery accord of the headier blue iris, ultimately leaving a final whisp of dry cedar to remember it all by.

I’ve stated many times that I have a difficult relationship with floral scents; they don’t always want to play nice with my body’s chemistry, but every now and then a fragrance comes along that just seems to ‘fit. Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc is one such fragrance, a scent that seems to embody fields of flowers blossoming under the hot Mediterranean sun, but never one that will overpower the wearer – a bonus that makes me very happy, indeed.

L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Eau de Toilette, ingredients list

Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Hand Cream (CAN $12.00/30 ml) is a hand cream in the cult-fave L’Occitane formula, made with 20% shea butter and lightly scented with the twin iris fragrance of this collection. There is a fresh crispness to this scent for a pleasant olfactory sensation, but not so strong as to overcome the senses either. As a long time fan of this brand’s hand creams, this tube has definitely taken its place in my makeup bag, all while providing such a delectable aroma – perfect for those days when I race out of the house without any fragrance on.

L’Occitane | Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc Hand Cream, ingredients list

I may not be versed enough in perfume lore to discuss notes or what makes a fragrance stand out (for that, I refer to my Perfume Guru – Jane Daly), but I do happen to know what I like and more importantly, what works for me. Shunning florals has become second nature for me – although the contradiction is that I love being surrounded by flowers – but Iris Bleu & Iris Blanc is one scent in this family that not only can I wear, but truly enjoy. If you’re anything like me, then I urge you to give this collection a sniff next time you find yourself visiting a L’Occitane boutique – it will pleasantly surprise you … as also makes for a perfect Mother’s Day gift, since this is one bouquet that will last long after fresh flowers have faded away.

Available in May across all L’Occitane boutiques across canada.

Press samples kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

CHANEL | Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder

April 19, 2015

The CHANEL Collection Méditerranée for Summer 2015, draws inspiration from the French Riviera, that luxe seaside resort area of France that was so beloved of Coco Chanel. Drawing upon the intense colour palette of azure skies, vivid beach umbrellas, and glowing tanned bodies, one of the undisputed stars of the collection is the Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder Limited Edition: a heart-stopping beautiful bronzer in the form of the brand’s signature camellia blossom and a product you won’t want to put a brush to … it’s THAT stunning.

Vintage poster from the 20’s of the French Riviera

CHANEL | Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder, ingredients list

CHANEL | Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder, velour sleeve and included brush

Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder, Limited Edition (CAN $76.00) is a soft beige/tan bronzer bearing an ultra finely-milled shimmer to achieve that gorgeous sun kissed glow, in a perfect blend of both cool and warm tones that render it wearable by basically all skin tones along the spectrum (with the exception of the darkest complexions, for which this will be much too light to appear). Encased in a protective velour sleeve with an outside pocket to hold the included brush (well made quality-wise and great for on-the-go touchups, but I still prefer to use my own brushes – in particular CHANEL’s N°2 Powder/Contour brush that works beautifully with this product), the powder comes in the shape of the brand’s signature camellia blossom, with each petal clearly visible and bearing a cross-hatch pattern on the surface, delicately scented and virtually undetectable once applied.

As with all bronzers, bear in mind that it will develop; in other words, after initial application, step back and wait a few minutes before going in with more product, since the colour will deepen as it merges with the warmth and natural oils of your skin (this tip will save you from accidentally overdoing it).

The surface of the powder is slightly hard (similar to that of CHANEL’s baked products) but does not affect what the brush picks up whatsoever; in fact, there is hardly any kickback at all (at least, none that I could see) when you swirl your brush across the surface, making for less waste overall. The shade is a bit of a paradox and depending on the angle/light, can appear either cool (beige) or warm (tan), but once applied that’s when the magic happens; what emerges along the skin is like stuff dreams are made of (ok, that’s probably going a little far, but seriously … it’s like CHANEL has found a source of unicorn dust to infuse this product with. Yeah, that was a stretch too ∗shrugs∗). As stated earlier, the product begins to fuse with the warmth and natural oils of the skin, and takes on a sun kissed lustre, giving a ‘fresh from a beach walk’ appearance and overall super healthy glow (an effect due to that ultra fine shimmer, I suspect), becoming even better with the wearing. As to longevity and when applied over foundation or primer, I easily get 9-10 hours of wear, before noticing any fading.

CHANEL Lumière d’Été swatch, direct sunlight – applied heavy & blended out

CHANEL Lumière d’Été swatch, alternate light – applied heavy & blended out

If you’re a bronzer or CHANEL enthusiast, you NEED this. With the multitude of bronzers recently released for the Summer season from every imaginable brand there is, the Lumière d’Été Illuminating Powder still manages to stand out by virtue of its impeccable finish and tone. Combining a distinctly elegant visual aesthetic (seriously though … that camellia flower pattern is to die for) with unbelievable quality, is something that CHANEL has become known for, and I am totally planning on getting a backup – something you might want to think about as well, especially since it is a limited edition product. Just saying.

Available as of May 4 at all CHANEL counters across the country, find more information on the brand by visiting chanel.com

Press sample kindly provided for my unbiased consideration

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter (LE)

April 16, 2015

Maybe it’s because I’m a Summer-baby (born in July), or possibly because I always wanted to be a mermaid (my lack of strong swimming skills basically killed that idea), or most likely because I am still obsessed with – and constantly reach for – last year’s limited edition bronzers from Elizabeth Arden, but the minute I laid eyes (see my preview post here) on this Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter (created by the incredibly talented Rebecca Restreppo – Global Makeup Artist for Elizabeth Arden, and one of the most genuine women it has ever been my pleasure to meet)) with its seashell and pearl pattern, the anticipation began to build: it would be mine.

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter, ingredients list

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter with demi-lune brush

Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter in Warm Pearl 01 (CAN $48.00) is a gorgeous trio in a clamshell/pearl embossed pattern that consists of 2 bronzing shades (lighter tan on the left/largest portion – deeper tan on the right) and a softly shimmering pink highlighter hue, which also comes with an included silver metallic demi-lune brush, in a pearly white case with a large clear window on the cover (made in Italy – major points scored for that). The quality of the brush is surprisingly good, with a wide enough shape to apply broad sweeps of colour but with enough density to the bristles that it can also be used along its side for more precise application. That being said, I still prefer using my own brushes for the job just the same (I usually use several brushes for bronzer application, so maybe it’s a personal thing).

Key ingredients:

Vitamin E – protectant against environmental stressors which contribute to visible signs of aging
Argan Oil – rich in beneficial nutrients including fatty acids, to help keep skin feeling soft and moisturized
Illuminating Microlight Minerals – optical diffusers that work to scatter light and soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles

The quality of the two tan powders is buttery soft and non-powdery whatsoever – the same applies to the highlighter, for the record. The largest & lightest tan portion is camel-coloured and slightly peach/rose tinted, appearing to have more shimmer than the deeper bronzing hue, although that shimmer is so incredibly fine-milled that it serves to add radiance to the face – without being obvious about it. The darker bronzing section is more of a true tan colour, although subtlety is the operating word for the shades of this compact, meaning that it will be hard to overdo things (which is a very good point, where bronzers are concerned). The pink highlighter portion has the most obvious shimmer of the three, but once again it’s so finely milled that it adds luminosity and stays far away from the dreaded mirror-ball effect. It should be stated that while all three hues lean on the warm side, I can definitely see the lighter bronzing portion working beautifully on those with very fair skin, while the highlighter has enough pigmentation to even double as a light blush. For dark/very dark complexions, I suspect that the highlighter section will be the only usable shade of the trio – and will look simply awesome in that capacity.

When all three shades are combined, the effect is a perfect merging of light bronze and light pink reflection (note: the darker bronzing section can be built up for more depth) and fuses beautifully with the skin’s natural oils, giving off a healthy-looking, sun kissed glow. As with all bronzers, these shades “develop”; what that means, is that after initial application, wait a few minutes before adding more as the product will develop & evolve with your skin’s warmth and natural oils. This tip will save you from ever overdoing it, trust me.

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter, individual shade swatches

Elizabeth Arden | Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter, all three shades blended

I’ve probably said this a million times before, but Elizabeth Arden is a brand that has been flying under most people’s radar for quite some time now – but here’s the thing: the products are truly amazing. As a beauty blogger, I’m fortunate enough to get to try many different brands, while as a consumer I’m also quite selective about which brands finally make it to my vanity table – and all I can say, is that just like last year’s versions, the Sunkissed Pearls Bronzer and Highlighter delivers. I personally wish it were also available in a darker triad of shades, but since the entire scope of the collection is more about an ethereal aquatic theme, then this grouping makes sense. With regards to packaging, I’m a little torn; on the one hand, the plastic compact keeps things lightweight and it really is pretty with its pearly gleam, but feels more ‘drugstore’ than ‘department store’ which is so totally at odds with the exceptional quality of the actual product. At the end of the day, it should always be about the quality, but as I’m a sucker for more luxe-looking packaging (especially with a brand like this which totally deserves to be showcased better) I would say that if Elizabeth Arden needs to work on anything, it’s that. Certainly not a deal-breaker however and knowing what I do about their products, that doesn’t stop me from highly recommending this little beauty. Just remember that it is limited edition, so fair warning.

Available now through select Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix stores, London Drugs and Hudson’s Bay (direct link provided for your convenience). More information via elizabetharden.ca