Guerlain | 400 Coque d’Or & 901 L’Oiseau de Feu Gold Top Coat

January 29, 2015

Guerlain’s Christmas 2014 Collection included two new limited edition nail products, 400 Coque d’Or Colour Lacquer and 901 L’Oiseau de Feu Gold Top Coat (CAN $27.00 each). Gold may be a ubiquitous and almost mandatory colour for the holidays, but it also translates well into other seasons. Then again, you don’t really need a reason to bring a little bling to your nails, am I right?

Guerlain | 400 Coque d’Or & 901 L’Oiseau de Feu Gold Top Coat

Guerlain | 400 Coque d’Or & 901 L’Oiseau de Feu Gold Top Coat (outer caps removed)

Guerlain | L’Oiseau de Feu Gold Top Coat brush

400 Coque d’Or | Metallic polishes can be quite fussy to work with, but Coque d’Or is nothing short of spectacular. This is a cool-leaning pale gold shimmery hue (although there does seem to be enough to a darker golden tint in the base to make it wearable against warmer skin tones as well) in a formula that displays a perfect flow & density i.e.: stays exactly where placed without migrating. Self-levelling, ultra glossy, and utterly brilliant in every light, Coque d’Or almost seems to gain in shine as it dries/sets, with hardly any noticeable brush strokes. Absolute golden luxury. Coats applied: 2, no top coat

I need to take a second and talk about the brush (shown in closeup detail above): tapered, slightly rounded and with excellent density, it splays so perfectly along the nail that you really only need to apply the lightest pressure when placed on the nail – the brush seems to almost do all the work on its own.

Guerlain | 400 Coque d’Or

901 L’Oiseau de Feu Gold Top Coat | Made of irregularly shaped shards of golden flakes suspended in a [thick-ish] clear base, which helps in keeping the glitter pieces from sinking, while preventing too many from building up on the brush. Here’s where things get a little tricky, however; the shards are on the large side – which in itself is not an issue – but some may need to be nudged into place along the nail, while others have a tendency to not want to cooperate by staying flat (and may need a rather thick top coat to keep them down). Meant to be layered over another polish, I was surprised to find that I actually like the tone-on-tone effect when worn over Coque d’Or, and even though L’Oiseau de Feu may be somewhat finicky to work with, I can’t deny how insanely brilliant the gold shards are – highly reflective.

The swatches show 1 coat of L’Oiseau de Feu over 2 coats of Coque d’Or. What I love? How the shards provide a studded effect to the look, giving a rough and harder edge to the daintier gold which in turn makes this a more modern way to wear a metallic. What I don’t love? How some of the shards refuse to lay flat and catch on hair, clothing, etc. and as a result, can be easily ripped off – and take some of the underlying polish with them. Sigh.

Guerlain | 901 L’Oiseau de Feu Gold Top Coat (over 400 Coque d’Or)

Both of these lacquers were my first foray with Guerlain (surprising, right? I can’t figure out why I don’t own more) and while I absolutely adore Coque d’Or as one of the most amazing gold foil/metallic polishes I’ve ever worn, L’Oiseau de Feu definitely fell short in the performance department. Yes, the shards give a unique look and are seriously some of the most brilliant I’ve seen with regards to these types of top coats, but just know going in that you’ll need to put in a bit more of an effort. The final look of the two together is killer, however (dammit).

Still available at Guerlain counters (in Canada – The Bay, Sephora) although the Spring 2015 Collection has already started trickling onto counters. Find more info on the brand at www.guerlain.com

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Eye Tint in Cold Copper, Emeraude & Obsidian

January 26, 2015

Giorgio Armani Beauty, the pioneer in light-as-air makeup, has recently released Eye Tint – 12 eyeshadow liquid eyeshadow shades (permanent, CAN $39.00 each), in a texture that ‘combines the purity of powder, the staying power of an ink, and the feel of a cream in an original water/pigment suspension formula that evenly disperses the product for a ‘no make-up feel‘.

The 12 Eye Tint shades draw their inspiration from the Armani textile universe, and reflect this passion in the layering effect and finishes that can be created with them, ranging from iridescent, satiny, metallic or even matte. The transparent casing/tube displays the colour for clear & easy reference, while the cap has been given a new silver tone complete with the ‘GA’ logo. The foam applicator is flattened and angled to help dispense the product quickly and effortlessly, while the tip is slightly bevelled to aid in more precision application.

The three shades I was sent to test all display an impossibly complex shimmer that adds a gorgeous dimension to each colour; applied densely, the shimmer seems somewhat toned down and almost absorbed into the hue, while blending and sheering them out makes every facet stand out. There’s a unique cool-to-the-skin feel upon first application (which quickly dissipates) while the overall sensation is one of absolutely weightless colour. The fluidity of Eye Tint is something you need to experience; it literally glides along the skin, melding seamlessly in. With regards to blending these shades out, you only have a few scant minutes to work on them; once they set, however, they are there for the duration and nothing short of prayer (or a dual-phase makeup remover) will be able to make these colours budge. Staying power is phenomenal (the claim is 16 hour wear, although I refuse to wear makeup that long); I have oily lids and need to prime (regardless of a product’s claim to be long-wearing/lasting) and these Eye Tints are the first liquid/cream based eyeshadows I can wear without applying primer first and where I experience zero creasing, fading, or flaking.

It should be noted, that a little goes a long way with these Eye Tints; always start with a tiny bit and layer if needed, as these are all intensely pigmented and colour saturated.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Eye Tints in Emeraude 4, Obsidian 1, Cold Copper 9

Cold Copper 9 | More of a taupe than copper, there are plenty of both cool and warm undertones in the base to render this a universally flattering shade for all skin tones. Sheered out for a light wash of colour, turns this into the perfect daytime shade as well as as an easy ‘swipe-and-go’ kind of colour. With layering, Cold Copper takes on a much cooler vibe, as well as giving off some serious brilliance.

Emeraude 4 | A blackened teal that has strong emerald glints in the base. Relatively cool toned, Emeraude can be made to work on warmer complexions equally well, especially by sheering it out to bring forth all the complex shimmery bits. Applied layered, the impact is intense and quite dramatic (and absolutely, heart-stoppingly gorgeous).

Obsidian 1 | The mix of pink and blue iridescent shimmers in the base, keep Obsidian from looking flat or like an ordinary black shade. The easiest smokey eye you can create with an eyeshadow product, one swipe smudged out provides the perfect base to layer on, while a subsequent application helps to intensify strategic areas. A truly rich obsidian-looking hue.

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Eye Tint swatches (natural light)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Eye Tint swatches (natural light, blended out)

There is a new revolution in beauty, and it involves textures that were impossible to even dream about just a few short years ago. Giorgio Armani Beauty basically started it all with the Maestro Fusion foundation and has been building (and improving) on that innovation ever since, creating gossamer-light products that provide pigment without any heavy feel – the new Eye Tints are exactly that, as well as on the verge of changing the way you look at liquid/cream eyeshadows. What these Eye Tints can help you achieve almost borders on the magical but they are not without their learning curve, as they do require a light and quick hand in application. But believe me: once you get the hang of them, there’s no going back.

Available now at Holt Renfrew and select Hudson Bay and Sephora stores (Canada). Find more information via the website.

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

MAKE UP FOR EVER | INK & GRAPHIC LINERS

January 22, 2015

Open up any beauty/fashion magazine and you can’t help but notice that eyeliner – specifically: bold, black liner – is making quite the statement this season. Not that ‘barely-there’ or smokey eye looks are going anywhere soon, but trends evolve and while smudge may have had its day, it’s now time for precision to shine. MAKE UP FOR EVER introduces two new players into the field: Ink Liner (matte finish) and Graphic Liner (vinyl finish), blacker than midnight shades, in portable and easy to use pen formats. Time to get your flick on.

Ink Liner Matte Liquid Eyeliner (CAN $27.00) | A deep black liquid liner that goes on with glossy shine, then dries down to a matte finish. The flexible, calligraphic pen tip has been designed to be ergonomically-friendly – almost like like a guide – helping you to apply a precision-perfect line with just the lightest pressure. Very quick drying, once it sets it’s there for the duration – with no flaking or smudging to be seen. Bonus: transfer-proof

Ingredients: Aqua (water), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide), Alcohol Denat., Glycerin, CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide), Pullulan, Disodium Coco-Glucoside Citrate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hectorite, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Ink Liner Matte Liquid Eyeliner

Graphic Liner Vinyl Pen Eyeliner (CAN $29.00) | A carbon black liner in a felt-tip pen format that both applies AND dries glossy. The versatile tip has been designed to be easy to use for novices and experts alike, with an ultra-fine point to create thinner, more precision work and a wider base to help you draw thicker yet still even lines. Quick drying (don’t let the shiny finish fool you) and long-lasting, this will stay put until removed, without any visible fading, flaking, smudging, or creasing. And let’s face it; if you can use a pen, you are more than capable of using this.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Butylene Glycol, CI 77266 (Black 2) [nano], Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, Peg-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Coco-Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Laureth-12 Sulfate, Sodium Benzoate, Ammonium Hydroxide

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Graphic Liner Vinyl Pen Eyeliner

MAKE UP FOR EVER | Ink Liner & Graphic Liner swatches

For years, I avoided using liquid liners (as well as the gel & pen varieties), as I found them a little unforgiving, harsh even, and somewhat daunting; one bump or shake, and you were looking at a hot mess. But a black pencil eyeliner – no matter how budge proof the claim – will never give you that same deep sootiness, or provide that artistic precision you may wish to create that these new MAKE UP FOR EVER liners can. I’m also loving the unique finish of each liner, and let’s face it; is there anything that says drama better than a lush red lip paired with an intense black winged liner?

Available now through Sephora and MAKE UP FOR EVER Boutiques.

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

OPI | Fifty Shades of Grey Collection

January 20, 2015

OPI has just recently launched their limited edition Fifty Shades of Grey Collection (CAN $11.50/each) in collaboration with the movie of the same name that comes out in theatres this Valentine’s Day. While the book that inspired the movie (that also spawned a billion other Fifty Shades-related marketable items) left me unmoved (check out my original ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ post here for a much better read in this genre), I happen to have a major weakness for the colour grey, so for that reason alone I would have fallen for this collection anyway.

And while not exactly all 50 shades (thank God, or I’d probably still be swatching), the five greys shown here are all luscious & gorgeous representatives of this somewhat ephemeral colour, all grounded by that one sensual red note for even more visceral appeal.

OPI | Fifty Shades of Grey Collection

Cement the Deal | With its blueish undertones in the base hue, Cement the Deal can appear either concrete grey or more of a softer dove grey hue. The formula is simply superb: a hybrid crème/jelly that applies in a self-levelling way, finishes ultra-glossy, and displays an excellent opacity. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Embrace the Gray | With a formula that is basically identical to the one above, the main difference here is that Embrace the Gray falls a few degrees darker in tone, making this more of a sealskin grey. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Dark Side of the Mood | At first glance, this appears as just another blackish hue, but it is well named, for it has a slightly moody nature. Dark Side of the Mood is a deeply smoked charcoal colour with tiny, sparse silver flecks throughout that make occasional appearances. The formula is jelly-like in texture and semi sheer at the first coat, but becomes completely opaque with the second layer. There’s a subtle moiré pattern you can see at some angles – total LOVE. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

My Silk Tie | An utterly brilliant white-based silver foil/metallic hue. Not as quick drying as other metallic shades (which works in the formula’s favour), you do need a steady hand in application to minimize any visible brush strokes – although they do seem to level out on their own to some degree. My Silk Tie comes to a fully opaque gleaming finish at 2 coats

TIP: for the smoothest finish, start with base coat followed by your first coat of polish, then apply a layer of matte top coat, finishing with your second coat of polish. For a foil/metallic texture like this, top coat is optional, as it only adds protection and no extra shine factor (in fact, it may even dull the natural brilliance).

Shine for Me | Complex doesn’t even begin to cover this; Shine for Me is a semi-sheer pearlized base hue with navy coloured fine and ultra-fine hexagonal glitter bits. The formula is another surprise, with an excellent density that means it will stay exactly where placed (no pooling into cuticles or running along the sides of nails) and while 2 coats are more than sufficient to reach full opacity on shorter nails, longer lengths might need a third layer (or simply left at 2 coats for a different take altogether). Relatively smooth to the touch with a top coat, an extra plus is that no major effort is needed for removal either (at least, not compared to other glitter polishes). Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

OPI Fifty Shades of Grey Collection | Shine for Me (detail)

Romantically Involved | Let me begin by saying that OPI sure knows how to do red. With its balance of both blue and brown undertones in the base of this crème/jelly hybrid formula, Romantically Involved appears rather cool-leaning with the first coat, but then takes on a much warmer tone with the application of a second layer. Lush, seductive, and somewhat carnal (which is what OPI was definitely going for, I’m guessing), the best part is that this shade is 100% non-staining upon removal. And absolutely, ridiculously glossy. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Shine for Me & My Silk Tie nail art | A simple, yet effective nail art look (especially if you’re nail art-challenged like me): Start by applying 2 coats of My Silk Tie and letting that dry completely. Take Shine for Me and wipe of most of the excess off the brush, and starting at the cuticle end of the nails, apply in a downward motion, feathering & fading it out as you go (leave the nail edges free of any glitter). Repeat with slightly more at the top for added depth. Finish with top coat to seal everything in and smooth out any delineation marks.

Wouldn’t this look make for a spectacular ‘Ice Queen’ mani?

The book, Fifty Shades of Grey, may have had me reeling in laughter (true story: I ultimately committed the most blasphemous thing a book-lover can do; I actually ∗gasp∗ threw away all 3 books of this series), but OPI’s Fifty Shades of Grey Collection has me ooh-ing and ahh-ing in appreciation … redemption. An entire collection of grey lacquers may have turned out, well, rather boring – but the little twists & turns of this grouping is a winning combination, in my opinion. Go ahead: surrender to this collection. You know you want to.

Available for a limited time through fine salons and spas nation wide. Visit www.opi.com for more brand information

press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

Lancôme | Or Vendôme, Parisian Lights Collection 2014

January 19, 2015

Inspired by the chill Wintry beauty of Parisian nights & lights at the end of the year, the Lancôme Parisian Lights Collection for Holiday 2014, includes this truly fabulous Or Vendôme (DR09) palette that holds five eminently wearable shades that can be combined to create enough looks to tide you well past the party circuit.

Nude colours are still holding court with beauty lovers the world over, and this Or Vendôme palette is one that has been flying under most people’s radar, being overshadowed by so many other brands. But don’t let the fact that it’s part of a ‘gold collection’ fool you; this is a palette that will transcend the seasons and quickly become a makeup wardrobe staple. I mean, just look at it.

Or Vendôme, Limited Edition (CAN $55.00) | Housed in a sleek rectangular compact, this limited edition version comes with a textured gold cover that gives this palette a vintage-y & somewhat glamorous vibe. The inner mirror displays an eyeshadow placement chart (useful only if you’re not sure where to layer the shades; otherwise, feel free to mix & match) and there are 2 small applicators included (I’m not a fan of these types of included applicators as I prefer to use my own brushes – plus, I feel that the space allotted for the applicators could have been put to better use here, by enlarging each shade in the centre section instead. But maybe that’s just me). Where the Or Vendôme palette really comes into its own, however, is with the actual shades … that are nothing less than absolutely gorgeous.

The surface of each eyeshadow bears a textured look – almost like that of raw silk – which becomes quickly smoothed out with use. The shades are finely milled and emit very little powdery kickback when brushes are swirled through them, and all can be applied with either a dry brush for a light wash of colour (that is still buildable), or with a dampened brush for more impact, drama, and intensity. The colour breakdown, with 1 & 2 being the two largest shades in the compact, respectively:

warm taupe with rose-gold undertone, satin finish
soft gold with a peachy undertone and slightly more visible gold flecks, satin finish
sooty charcoal with slight pink & blue reflects (very understated), satin finish
milk chocolate brown, satin finish
pale gold (warm-leaning), the most shimmery finish of the five

As seen in the swatches below, applying these shades damp also serves to bring out all their complex qualities, with each individual shimmer becoming more apparent, but still well within a very wearable context. The beauty of the Or Vendôme palette, is that while the theme may be gold, I feel it falls closer to the neutral/nude range, and as such these are selections you’ll want to turn to over and over again – although that doesn’t take away from the fact that these shades can also be amped up for a more sophisticated evening look, if desired.

Lancôme | Or Vendôme Smoky Eyes Palette, limited edition

Lancôme | Or Vendôme Smoky Eyes Palette, limited edition (swatched dry)

Lancôme | Or Vendôme Smoky Eyes Palette, limited edition (swatched damp)

For some reason, I don’t own many Lancôme palettes in my beauty arsenal, but after having played with the Or Vendôme palette these past few weeks, that’s all about to change. The versatility of this palette – both in terms of colour/payoff and dual nature (as in the shades being able to be worn wet or dry), makes this a worthy investment, especially if you’re a fan of neutral shades like I am, while the superb quality overall, just sweetens the deal. The only downside, is the fact that it’s a limited edition item – which is a damn shame, as something like this needs to be part of the permanent lineup. Listen up, Lancôme.

Still available now, while supplies last at counters. Visit www.lancome.ca for more brand info.