CHANEL | Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder

The Holiday 2014 Collection Plumes Précieuses de CHANEL includes eight limited edition pieces, and while it’s hard to say which item is the most standout, the Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder is undeniably the centrepiece here. If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, then you already know what a fan of this brand I happen to be (some might even go so far as to say I’m obsessed, but never to my face) and I happen to have a weakness for CHANEL highlighters in particular. Impractical as they may appear, there is something about a well-crafted highlighter that adds that perfect finishing touch to your makeup – provided it’s done right.

CHANEL Holiday 2014 | Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder

Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder, Limited Edition (CAN $76.00) | No one does detail as exquisitely as CHANEL; The Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder comes with a banded velour sleeve that has an integrated pouch for the accompanying natural-bristled angled brush (which is quite soft and surprisingly useful). The surface of the powder bears a uniquely interpreted version of the brand’s signature camelia, in the form of 6 leaves in an intricately raised relief pattern, that’s almost too beautiful to destroy by running a brush over it.

The colour of Camélia de Plumes is a mystery; what appears as a silver/pewter shade to the naked eye, is in fact so much more than that. This powder is not only finely milled but exceptionally so, as well as filled with the smallest reflects of pink, gold and green that add warmth and a nice overall depth of tone. Applied and lightly buffed in, it almost seems to meld with the skin and provides a stunning glow – almost ethereal – definitely not the type of product that just sits at the surface level of the skin. Lasting power (applied over foundation), went well for at least 10 hours before any fading.

*Beauty Bonus: I was able to pick this up at The Bay (Canada) $10.00 less by exchanging some of my Bay points – something my Canadian readers might be able to take advantage of as well!

CHANEL Holiday 2014 | Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder

CHANEL Holiday 2014 | Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder swatches

CHANEL Holiday 2014 | Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder, blurred to show sparkle

I pulled out four previously released CHANEL highlighters to compare Camélia de Plumes to from my collection, but I already knew that I didn’t have any duplicates. How they compare:

Lumière Sculptée de CHANEL (reviewed here) – Released in 2011, this is the whitest in tone and bears almost no discernible shimmer
Mouche de Beauté (reviewed here) – Released in 2013, the quality of this powder bears the same quality of shimmer, although this is much warmer leaning due to its coppery hue
Dentelle Précieuse (reviewed here) – Released in 2014, this powder has the most finely-milled shimmer I’ve seen, and makes the best highlighter for daytime wear (and I so regret not getting a backup)
Poudre Signée de CHANEL (reviewed here) – Released Spring 2013, this powder is not as finely milled as the others and has a much more distinctive gold sparkle

For me, the Camélia de Plumes Highlighting Powder is major love – there is something so special about the glow it gives to the skin, that it’s almost as though you’re seen through a filter. Don’t let that dirtied silver colour fool you; one quick swatch at the counter will show its versatility, as it appears to suit both cool and warm complexions with equal ease. Definitely priced at the higher end of the scale, the beauty is that you wear so little of this at a time (or at least, I sure hope you do – unless you happen to enjoy glowing like a disco ball) that it almost seems to cushion the splurge. If you’re looking for that one perfect highlighter for the holidays (and definitely beyond that as well), then I can’t recommend Camélia de Plumes enough – well worth investing in.

Available in Canada now (but limited for the holidays) through The Bay and Holt Renfrew.

Yves Saint Laurent Beauté x Google Glass

December 3, 2014

Ever have your makeup done at a beauty counter, go home to try and recreate the same look, then come up with a big fail? In fact, how can anyone possibly mimic such detail, when our eyes are basically closed the entire time the makeup artist does their work, and then we only get to see the finished look, but not the steps leading up to it?

Well, starting January 2015, select Yves Saint Laurent Beauté counters are going to be entering a new hi-tech phase with the help of Google Glass — a couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure of giving this technology a spin. Let’s just say that the future of beauty is here. In simple terms, it comes down to the makeup artist wearing the Google Glass gizmo while a look is created on you, while all movements – along with audio instruction – is recorded and presented to you (either via email or on a USB) once complete, which also includes a detailed listing of the products used. What you’re basically getting is the makeup artst’s perspective of how the look was achieved (techniques, placement, etc.), along with a breakdown of the products used, to facilitate re-creating the same look on your own. And this time, you actually get to SEE the process as it unfolds. Pretty neat, huh?

I attended my session with just foundation on – and having my ‘bare’ face recorded for all to see, is unsettling to say the least – but never let it be said I didn’t take one for the team. Featuring products from the upcoming Spring 2015 Collection (available January 2015, reviews coming), there were 3 looks to choose from, and I opted for a more edgy smokey look, featuring the pink shade of the Ombre de Jour Palette (review coming soon). After my makeup artist, Sophie, completed one eye, she then stopped the recording to work on the other eye and add some finishing touches (blush, face powder).

With the tutorial/experience over, I was then able to test drive the glasses for myself, and even though it takes some getting used to, it’s absolutely amazing to see how you can work on a client AND edit a video at the same time, simply by swiping your finger along the arm of the glasses, or even via voice command. Too cool, I tell you.

On another note, looking at Google Glass made me immediately think of that Star Trek: Next Generation episode (“The Game”), where the crew members become enslaved to this bizarre game they play while wearing similar-looking glasses. And yes, I am a Trekker (not Trekkie – there’s a difference) *sci-fi/beauty geek*

For those who live in either Toronto or Montréal, here’s your chance to try the YSL Google Glass experience – space is very limited, so book fast!

Toronto: Hudson’s Bay Queen St. W, December 11th & 12th (call 416-861-4048 to book)
Toronto: Hudson’s Bay Yorkdale, December 13th & 14th (call 416-789-7501 to book)
Montréal: Hudson’s Bay Ste.Catherine St., downtown, December 18th & 19th (call 514-281-4901 x 2683 to book)

Thank you to Sarah & everyone at YSL Beauté/L’Oréal for this experience

Google Glass

Star Trek: Next Generation – The Game episode

YSL x Google Glass | the three looks to choose from

YSL x Google Glass | Pink Smokey look

YSL x Google Glass | Sophie, my makeup artist

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM8z7exK3u8&feature=youtu.be

YSL x Google Glass | My video. Not thrilled with the lighting and the way it gives my eyes these massive bags that makes me look like I haven’t slept in about 2 weeks, but whatevs. Try to keep the laughter to a low roar, please.

YSL x Google Glass | envy-inducing counter makeup station

YSL x Google Glass | Getting started …

YSL x Google Glass | … and we’re done!

YSL x Google Glass | makes me look smarter, am I right?

YSL x Google Glass | With the always gorgeous, Sarah

YSL x Google Glass | Spring 2015 Collection preview

YSL x Google Glass | Spring 2015 Collection palettes (sequins!)

YSL x Google Glass | Spring 2015 Collection palettes

YSL x Google Glass | Spring 2015 Collection lacquers

YSL x Google Glass | Volupté Tint-In-Oil (new for 2015, review coming)

I think this is one of the most unique beauty experiences I have come across to date, and even though I’m well versed in makeup artistry, I still found it useful to see how a pro wields her brushes and goes about creating a look. For anyone who has ever struggled with eye makeup placement, then you need to try this out. From what I was given to understand, the YSL Google Glass experience is basically in a trial phase right now and depending on how it is received, we can expect to see more makeup pros wearing funky glasses across YSL counters nationwide.

Essie | Cashmere Matte 2015 Collection

December 1, 2014

A few weeks ago, a rather large box was delivered to me that contained a black vinyl quilted product case from Caboodles. But what was this? Opening it up, I was greeted with 6 new Essie shades – the Cashmere Matte 2015 Collection, accompanied by a gorgeous and insanely cozy-looking grey cashmere travel-sized blanket, matching satin-lined eye shade, as well as a grey cashmere pouch to store it all in & which turns the entire ensemble into a pillow (pretty neat, huh?). I almost didn’t know what to drool over first: the cashmere goodies, or the fab new shades?

I chose the shades, naturally. What stands the Cashmere Matte 2015 Collection apart, is the finish: satiny matte – never flat – and bearing a buttery-soft suede touch at the finish. Three of the shades hold a bluish micro-iridescence that you can clearly see (definitely not the type that sinks into the colour), one has the tiniest shimmery flecks that hold their own whether applied as is or glossed up with top coat, and the other 2 have the most unique pearlized gleam.

In order to make the final look as smooth as possible, I find it best to work with a ridge filling base coat first (I used Essie’s Fill The Gap Treatment) – this way, it creates a super-smooth surface for the polish and helps the matte finish look level. Any top coating was done using Essie’s Good To Go.

As a huge fan of matte anything (forget nail art; a matte finish is my gold standard when I want to jazz up my nails), the beauty of this collection is that you can avoid the extra step of applying a separate matte top coat, as this finish is built in. Couldn’t be easier.

Black vinyl quilted Caboodles case & oodles of grey cashmere

Like finding a pearl in an oyster: new Essies!

Essie | Cashmere Matte 2015 Collection

Wrap Me Up | I’ve said often enough that I love my darkling brooding shades, but for the past few years, anything white has been my Kryptonite. Taking this colour to a whole new level, Wrap Me Up is a soft white with pink/mauve/grey undertones (or what I see, depending on the angle) in a formula that leans a bit on the thick side and needs a touch of patience to get it right – but just.so.worth.it. I am absolutely obsessed with this shade. Coats applied: 3, as thin as you can get them for the most even finish.

All Eyes on Nudes | Creamy nude (coffee latte) with rose undertones to warm things up, in a thinner formula than Wrap Me Up – making it much easier to apply, but which may still require more than 2 coats for full opacity (especially on longer nails). The resulting finish is actually eerily close to my skin tone, turning All Eyes On Nudes into a Where’s Waldo? kind of colour on me, but I find that refreshing, actually – a very different look for me. Coats applied: 3, thin

Cozy In Cashmere | *I’m a little confused as to this shade’s true name; my bottle says ‘Comfy In Cashmere‘ but the press release calls it ‘Cozy in Cashmere‘, and since I like the word cozy, I’m going with that. Ok…how to describe this colour? Hands down the most unique mauve/taupe hue and filled with a blue micro-iridescence, which flashes a soft but definitely visible blue at all angles. The formula couldn’t be easier to work with either: self-levelling, excellent opacity and perfect flow. Coats applied: 2

Just Stitched | I’m generally not a fan of pink nail shades, but this is just too pretty to not like. A pale petal pink (and therefore more cool-leaning) hue, filled with blueish micro-iridescence that may not be as obvious as that seen in Cozy In Cashmere, but still present just the same – it just seems more of an overall pearlized finish here. Whatever – it’s really, really pretty. And easy to work with, in fact probably the easiest application of the six. And did I mention how pretty it is? Coats applied: 3, super thin

Coat Couture | A true show-stopper. Go ahead and take a moment to stare — I’ll wait. Coat Couture is a smokey purple with a strong blue micro-iridescent flash, in a formula that is in a word: superb. I seriously do not have enough superlatives for this shade, just a whole lotta love. Bonus: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2

Something about Coat Couture begged me to add top coat, just to see what would happen. The results speak for themselves. And now I’m torn over which way I like it better.

Essie | Coat Couture (top coat added)

Spun in Luxe | Good GOD! Can there be a more intensely beautiful navy? This is a blackened navy filled with the tiniest brighter blue micro-shimmer bits that flash up at you from all angles, and as though they’re swimming just at the surface level. For real. Application is ridiculously easy – smoothly falling and in a free-flowing formula, levelling off perfectly at the finish. Bonus: non-staining upon removal (you heard me). Coats applied: 2

And glossed up – you know I absolutely had to. The night sky, am I right?

Essie | Spun in Luxe (top coat added)

It’s not often that an entire collection jumps up & grabs me like this, but Essie’s Cashmere Matte 2015 Collection does all that … and more. Inspired by the luxe yet totally wearable appearance of the softest cashmere, each shade makes an impact without needing to yell (I detest noisy polishes), and since you have the option of adding a top coat, it’s like you’re getting double the lacquers (sort of). For those who avoid wearing mattes because of their 1-dimensionality, you don’t need to worry here, as the finish is not a true matte, but more semi or satin matte, plus you get that micro-iridescence thrown in for even more visual appeal and BOOM. It’s on.

Kindly provided by Essie for my unbiased consideration

shu uemura | Vol. 1 Brave Beauty Eye Palettes – Pink, Orange & Green

November 26, 2014

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

While new collections seem to be rolling out at a hypersonic pace right now, I want to take a step back and show you the utter gorgeousness of these three eye palettes from the shu uemura Vol. 1 Brave Beauty Collection (CAN $90.00 each). Debuted just a few weeks ago from beauty visionary Shu Uemura – a man who pioneered the concept of makeup as a tool for personal expression – was the introduction of the first in what is to become an annual collection by shuATELIER: the Vision of Beauty Collection. Every year, an inspiring new theme will be presented in two formats: a beauty collection (such as the palettes shown here), and an artist edition that is to be a special collectible piece of art.

Vol. 1 Brave Beauty, is about women not only exploring, but also indulging in who they are within, paying tribute to our varied natures: from strong, fearless, and rebellious, to an empowering femininity or even fierce rocker-chic side. The three limited edition palettes of Pink, Orange, and Green, each hold 6 shades in an array of textures, ranging from soft pearl neutrals to arresting matte hues. Each compact comes with a bold, almost organic-looking design on the lid, and can be further personalized by removing the individual shades and/or mixing them about, if desired. Price-wise, each palette might initially seem a little steep, but when you factor in that each individual shadow refill retails for CAN $19.00, then you are in effect actually saving $30.00 on what a 6-pan palette would ordinarily cost. And if that’s not enticement enough, a quick swatch of the incredible quality of these shades will more than convince you.

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Eye Palettes

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Eye Palettes (click to enlarge for ingredients list)

Brave Beauty Pink Eye Palette (CAN $90.00) | This palette has a surprisingly wearable collection of pink shades, a colour most people tend to avoid with regards to eye makeup (for obvious reasons: fear of looking like one either has A) an infection or B) has been crying). Colour-wise, the 3 deepest hues make for the most spectacular and unique smokey eye look, while the 3 lighter hues work well for an easy daytime look that also serves to highlight the eye area and generally add a touch of brightness to the face. A colour breakdown:

deep cerise (matte)
cranberry (satin shimmer)
dusky rose (frosted shimmer)
icy pink (complex shimmer; reminds me of a brighter version of MAC’s Vex)
thistle (pearlized gleam)
plum/raisin (pink duo chrome iridescence)

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Pink Eye Palette

Brave Beauty Orange Eye Palette (CAN $90.0) | Like the colours of Autumn perfectly captured in an eye palette, the six shades here are a good mix of totally wearable and oddly unique (the Cheetos orange hue at the end – I dare you to take your eyes away from that one) at the same time. Orange is not a colour I have indulged in overmuch – whether for eyes or lips – primarily because the wrong shade can clash violently with my skin tone (light/medium with yellow undertones) … but that was before I began playing with this palette. It should also be stated that apart from the matte orange shade, the other 5 each display the most incredibly complex shimmer. A colour breakdown:

true orange (matte)
deep cinnamon (satin shimmer)
champagne beige (duo chrome shimmer)
oyster (pearlized luster)
pink/copper (fiery glow)
burgundy/sienna (satin shimmer with pink reflects)

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Orange Eye Palette

Brave Beauty Green Eye Palette (CAN $90.00) | This palette: Oh. My. Lord. When we talk about a standout shade, that intense matte green on the end is what we refer to – almost surreal in its vibrancy. Once again, the convoluted and intricate shimmer combinations rule the other colours of this palette, as well as making them all the perfect counterpoint to the lone matte hue. The colour green has never been as originally represented, as what is seen here. A colour breakdown:

viridian (matte)
bronze/antique gold (duo chrome shimmer)
greyed oyster (pearlized luster)
icy seafoam (frosted gleam)
chartreuse (satin shimmer)
pine green (glowing shimmer)

shu uemura | Brave Beauty Green Eye Palette

The short version: all three palettes are simply divine. Shu Uemura eye shadows come in such a varied assortment, that it can sometimes be overwhelming to try and create a 6-pan version, but each of these palettes have taken the guesswork (and headache) out of needing to do so. I wish to briefly mention the quality and textures found here: superb, would be putting it mildly. Outstanding, comes closer to the mark, with absolutely no powdery kickback on any, and neither do I experience any fallout during application. Staying power is amazing as well (especially with primer – mandatory if you suffer from oily lids as I do), but the matte shades literally wear like iron, regardless of whether you apply primer first or not. I’m happy to break away from my comfort-zone neutrals with any of these palettes, and despite the more vivid hues, have actually found them all quite wearable. The slim size of each compact, makes them quite portable and perfect for travelling with, while the the full-sized mirror on the inner lid helps with on-the-go touch ups. If you’ve yet to indulge in the exquisite world of Shu Uemura beauty, then I highly recommend you give any (or all) of these palettes a look.

Limited Edition, but should still be available at all shu uemura counters/online

NARS | Laced With Edge Holiday 2014 Hardwired Lipsticks

November 23, 2014

Press samples sent for my unbiased consideration

Released as part of the NARS Laced with Edge Holiday 2014 Collection (see previous reviews here, here and here), the three limited edition shades of these Hardwired Lipsticks come in a new formula that ‘fuses cutting-edge pigments with rich texture, delivering brilliant glossy shine with full coverage’, and bear the same beautifully detailed outer packaging as the rest of this collection. Then there’s the interesting selection of shades presented, demonstrating once again that François Nars is at the top of the creativity game.

NARS Laced with Edge Holiday 2014 | Adriatic, Femme Fleur & Deadly Catch

NARS Laced with Edge Holiday 2014 | Adriatic, Femme Fleur & Deadly Catch swatches

Adriatic Hardwired Lipstick, limited edition (CAN $32.00) | Described as a ‘Glistening Soft Cream’, Adriatic is a pale pink-tinted beige that requires your lips to be in tip-top shape before application. I had a challenging time making this shade work for me – especially when applied straight from the tube, mainly because my lips are naturally pigmented and have visible lines, all of which had a two-pronged effect here: the colour just did not want to cover to the edges, and seemed to gather in my lip lines, making them even more pronounced. Still, I persevered and found that about 15 minutes or so after application, the colour seemed to ‘soften’ and merged slightly better upon my lips. An even better look was achieved when I applied Soleil d’Orient Lip Gloss on top, which warmed the colour up and smoothed the surface, so my lip lines were much less visible. Overall, though, Adriatic is more of an editorial-type shade and will definitely suit those with a fairer complexion than mine.

NARS | Adriatic Hardwired Lipstick, limited edition

NARS | Adriatic Hardwired Lipstick & Soleil d’Orient Lip Gloss (both limited edition)

Femme Fleur Hardwired Lipstick, limited edition (CAN $32.00) | Described as a ‘Shimmering brick red with gold pearl’, Femme Fleur is one of those mid-range shades that you might be inclined to overlook, especially when placed between the other two shades of this collection. More of a cinnamon-red hue with a hybrid pink/gold pearl for shine, this is a truly universally flattering shade and will suit everyone; on the fairest complexions, Femme Fleur may take on a deeper brick-red tone, and can work as an excellent nude shade for those with darker complexions. On my light/medium skin tone, this falls somewhere between the two, providing warmth, colour, as well as excellent coverage from the first swipe. The gold pearl is not the overt type, but does help add to the gleam factor. A light layer of Corsica Lip Gloss on top, not only adds a higher shine, but deepens Femme Fleur‘s tone while helping the golden sheen stand out a bit more.

NARS | Femme Fleur Hardwired Lipstick, limited edition

NARS | Femme Fleur Hardwired Lipstick & Corsica Lip Gloss (both limited edition)

Deadly Catch Hardwired Lipgloss, limited edition (CAN $32.00) | The description of ‘Crimson’ is spot-on; Deadly Catch is one of those reds that packs a major impact, but still manages to appear elegant, sensual, and sophisticated at the same time. There’s a lush velvety look to this shade that I did not expect, and what’s more, could not stop staring at throughout the wearing. Longevity is impressive – going easily past the 8 hour mark – and even when the majority of colour wears off, I am still left with a deep rose stain along my lips. There can be some migration into surrounding lip lines, something easily solved by using either a matching liner before application, or a clear waxy pencil such as No Bleeding Lips (a Holy Grail product for me, reviewed here) as a first step. Just when I though this shade couldn’t get any sexier, a layer of Burning Love Lip Gloss raised the temperature by several degrees more – stunning!

NARS | Deadly Catch Hardwired Lipstick, limited edition

NARS | Deadly Catch Hardwired Lipstick & Burning Love Lip Gloss (both limited edition)

This trio of lipsticks held several surprises for me; for starters, my personal preferences for nude shades naturally drew me to Adriatic first, but it turned out to be too pale for me to carry off with any degree of success. Femme Fleur, I had initially dismissed as a ‘granny’ type of shade, but I’ve since retracted that thought, especially when I notice how well it seems to go with so many of my everyday looks. Deadly Catch is an intense red, while I have a ridiculously large collection of red lipsticks (that I hardly every wear, but can’t stop collecting just the same), this shade still stands out – there’s just something really special about it. And while far from the ‘brilliant, glossy shine’ as claimed, I do love the intense satiny finish of these lipsticks.

The NARS Hardwired Lipsticks are available now, for a limited time, through Holt Renfrew, Hudson’s Bay, Murale, Nordstrom, and Select Sephora stores. Find more information by visiting narscosmetics.com