NARS | 3.1 Phillip Lim for NARS Nail Polish (LE)

From his first very first show which debuted in 2005, designer Phillip Lim has been redefining everyday fashion into quirky, modern and still very wearable clothing styles. For his collaboration with NARS, 3.1 Phillip Lim created 9 limited edition nail polish shades inspired by “colours that exist in the shadows, rich jewel tones and contrasting nudes that evoke the modern mood of the season“. Today I have 2 of those shades to show you – Anarchy, a creamy off-white and Wrong Turn, a shimmering gunmetal.

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring/Summer 2015

Anarchy, 3.1 Phillip Lim for NARS (CAN $23.00) | Described as ‘angora’, Anarchy is more of a antiqued ivory crème hue, with beige undertones which add a rich warmth. At times appearing more bone, at others parchment, this is one of the most unique off-whites that I’ve ever seen – and certainly a first in my collection. There’s decent coverage by the first coat, even though it may apply a touch patchy (typical for a shade in this colour family), but becomes perfectly opaque by the second layer. Self-levelling, relatively quick to dry and with a high gloss shine at the finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Wrong Turn, 3.1 Phillip Lim for NARS (CAN $23.00) | Described as ‘graphite’, Wrong Turn in fact defies a conventional description; what appears as a metallic gunmetal in the bottle, morphs into several different colours once applied – at times more charcoal, at others displaying a sharkskin hue, and then becoming visibly teal – especially in darker lighting. Bearing an intense and highly pigmented formula, you can literally get away with 1 coat for full coverage while application is smooth, brush stroke-free, and coming to a brilliant finish. There’s a sleek and edgy look to Wrong Turn, and I love how the centres of the nails seem to glow against the darker edges – like a naturally occurring ombré. TIP: non-staining, provided you don’t skip base coat first. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

I’m absolutely loving both Anarchy and Wrong Turn, and for several reasons; to begin with, each shade is unique colour-wise in my rather vast collection of polishes and the formula on both is outstanding. I was happy to not experience any issues with the brush as well – something I’ve mentioned in my previous reviews of the new NARS polishes. So the only issue? Now I want to explore the rest of the collection. #BeautyFirstWorldProblems.

*Disclosure: Press samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot

September 16, 2014

The Once… Collection from Illamasqua, is a study in faded beauty, but in the best way possible: Alex Box, Creative Director for the brand, was inspired by the “gentle and exquisite point when a flower starts to fade and becomes impossibly beautiful in its complex decline” – the theme of which is so perfectly and sublimely captured in the photos for the campaign. Calls to mind the opulence and textural beauty of pre-revolutionary France, courtesans, brocade, and mysterious dark chateau hallways. A beautiful example of the essence of this collection can be found with the new Vintage Metallix shadows (available in 3 shades, US $25.50) with their unique cream-gel formula, which are at once rich yet ephemeral – like trying to capture the feel of a memory … but so much better, because you can wear them.

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix, Once Collection

Illamasqua | Once Collection

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot, Once Collection

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot, Once Collection, ingredients (click to enlarge)

Illamasqua | Vintage Metallix in Embellish & Bibelot, Once Collection

Embellish Vintage Metallix (US $25.50) | Described as a “rich cocoa”, Embellish is so much more than that; the warm chocolatey base is also filled with the most impossibly fine bronze/gold shimmer that seems to almost hover above the colour when applied with a light hand, but as though it comes from within when worn more intensely. The texture is unlike any crème shadows I’ve come across; gossamer-light and totally weightless in feel and which takes a couple of minutes to set completely, giving you enough time to blend, smudge, or feather out. There’s also a faint Play-doh like scent (that I love & brings me right back to my childhood), which I can’t detect once the shade is applied – good to know for those with sensitivities. Lasting power is UNREAL; even without primer (something I never skip as I have oily lids), I was able to get a solid 12 hours of wear, without any creasing, smudging, flaking, or fading. These shadows can be easily applied with a finger, but I prefer using a synthetic brush for more precision and and easier spread (plus I hate getting makeup under my nails), and then going in with a natural bristle brush for blending.

NOTE: Worn layered under a matching shade will not only give even longer wear time, but provide more depth of tone. Applied on top of a matching hue will help amp up the metallic factor, but don’t expect mirror-like shine; these shades are all about “faded gilt layers“.

Illamasqua | Embellish Vintage Metallix, Once Collection

Bibelot Vintage Metallix (US $25.50) | Described as a “rustic golden teal” (with olive, khaki and forest green added to that as well), Bibelot holds that complex brooding vibe that I absolutely adore, with the same gold shimmer as Embellish as well as ease of application. An amazing alternative to traditional greys & blacks for creating a unique smokey eye, there’s a decadence and overall lushness to this hue, while the texture once again holds court in its awesomeness – even by touch, you can immediately tell that something wonderful is going on, as the colour seems to literally glide along the skin, and yet closes to a powder finish. Even the shine factor can be adjusted to suit one’s tastes; applied densely yields a more metallic shine, while sheering the colour out will give the most intense shimmer. A beautiful paradox, no?

NOTE: One way to tone down the shimmer, if desired, is to apply the shade – wait a few minutes for it to completely set – and then go in with a clean brush and buff. This will eliminate most of the shimmery bits, but will keep the colour intact.

Illamasqua | Bibelot Vintage Metallix, Once Collection

I am beyond obsessed with everything about these new Vintage Metallix shades, and from my understanding, they are to become permanent. With hybrid cream/gel finishes becoming more and more prevalent amongst all brands these days, it’s becoming hard to reinvent the wheel – but somehow Illamasqua has managed to do just that with both Embellish and Bibelot, creating shades that have complex yet totally wearable colour, as well as impressive longevity and overall feel. Then there’s the entire concept behind Once … I am captivated by the doomed romanticism …

Available now, find more information via:

*Disclosure: Press samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2

September 16, 2014

Urban Decay knows a thing or two (or three) about getting Naked; first there was the original (and by now cult-fave) Naked palette which went on to spawn 2 more in the series, then came the pocket version: Naked Basics – a travel friendly/purse-sized palette with 6 wearable nude shades, and now the latest in the lineup to hit the shelves, is Naked Basics 2 – six new neutral shades to ooh & aah over. And collect. Perhaps even, to covet.

How perfectly does this photo of Marilyn Monroe (below) capture the essence of the Naked Basics 2 palette? Smouldering, sensual, playful, elegant and except for the chiffon scarf, basically naked.

One of my style icons: Marilyn Monroe circa 1953 for Playboy Magazine (source)

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2

Naked Basics 2 (CAN $35.00) | A portable palette comprised of 6 neutral shades ranging from pale to deep. The outer casing has the same rubberized finish and raised lettering as the original Naked Basics, and both are exactly the same size as well, with a good-sized mirror on the inside lid. Below, a breakdown of the hues:

SKIMP – sheer peachy nude with a satin finish (perfect for under the brow bone & highlighting/inner eye corner)
STARK – matte flesh tone
FRISK – pale taupe with mauve undertones, matte finish
COVER – milk chocolate, matte finish
PRIMAL – mink taupe, matte finish
UNDONE – charcoal grey, satin finish

For a fan of neutral shades such as myself, you can never have enough nudes in your makeup wardrobe. What Naked Basics 2 really represents, is a streamlined version of colours every woman should have – and then the entire concept goes one step further, by shrinking it all down to portable proportions (and eliminating annoying extras, such as those dinky little brushes you get with other palettes).

Compared to the original Naked Basics palette, Naked Basics 2 leans a touch cooler and I’m happy to say that there are no repeats in the shade selections either. The lightest shade, SKIMP, is almost unnoticeable against my skin tone right now except for a light sheen when the light catches it, but should be more visible when my Winter pallor sets in (which it inevitably will). The four middle matte shades are all creamy and blend well, even if they fall a touch light on my skin tone, but also happen to be the perfect neutrals for those with fairer complexions. The last shade, UNDONE, was a surprise, applying much sheerer and with a light satiny sheen to it than what appears in the pan, but I actually like that it gives a nice smoked out edge to a look, is super easy to blend out, and will never come off as too harsh or stark. On my primed lids, staying power was pretty good, with the lightest hue predictably being the first to fade, but overall lasting about 8-9 hours.

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2

The main differences that I note between the two palettes, is that Naked Basics is a touch more warmer leaning than Naked Basics 2, although both palettes have colours that can be made to work on a variety of skin tones. There appears to be slightly more pigmentation of the shades in the original palette as well, but I also noticed that they tended to have more powdery kickback when swirling my brushes through them – a factor that’s not as apparent with Naked Basics 2.

All in all, there are enough shade differences between the two palettes to justify owning both *happy dance*

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2 (top) & Naked Basics (bottom)

Urban Decay | Naked Basics 2 (top row swatches), Naked Basics (bottom row swatches)

There is much to recommend the Naked Basics 2 palette; the shades are all totally wearable, the size is just right for tossing in your makeup bag, and the price is relatively decent considering you get 6 good-sized eyeshadow shades (not huge, but not teeny either). For anyone with a skin tone darker than mine, you may find these will be too muddy and in that case, the original Naked Basics palette should be a much better option. For those with rather fair complexions that have a hard time finding the right neutrals, look no further. For those days when I want an understated makeup look (an undressed nude? Oxymoronic, perhaps?), then this palette fits the bill like a charm, with the matte shades keeping everything cohesive (nothing like glitter or shimmer to ruin a good naked look). Happily, this is not a limited edition item – props to Urban Decay for that.

Available now through Sephora and Urban Decay’s website. Find more information via:

*Disclosure: Press sample provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (Heavenly Quotes)

September 15, 2014

Inspired by the words written by English poet Christina Georgina Rossetti (sister of Dante Gabriel Rossetti – poet, painter, illustrator and founder of the Pre-Raphaelite brotherhood), Hurt No Living Thing is the latest addition to the a-england collection of Heavenly Quotes (click on the a-england category tab at right for swatches of all shades), a mysterious colour-shifting topper shade that can be worn along, or layered over any other hue to create a truly unique finish.

Hurt No Living Thing
Hurt no living thing:
Ladybird, nor butterfly,
Nor moth with dusty wing,
Nor cricket chirping cheerily,
Nor grasshopper so light of leap,
Nor dancing gnat, nor beetle fat,
Nor harmless worms that creep.
– Christina Georgina Rossetti (1830 – 1894)

Hurt No Living Thing (CAN $12.95) | A semi-sheer and somewhat murky dove grey base hue with mauve/pink finely ground shimmer, in a formula that is absolute perfection – self levelling, with an excellent flow, and ultra glossy at the finish. Its gossamer-like nature means it can definitely be worn alone – perfect for those who appreciate a subtle look, but the transformative properties of Hurt No Living Thing are all magnified when it gets layered over any other colour – giving anything it touches a fey & ethereal appearance, shrouded and even a little mysterious. Top Coat only on final swatches

Worn alone: at 1 coat, the pink shimmer is obvious, but goes deeper into the background with each subsequent coat (2 & 3 respectively) – leaving the grey hue dominant with the pink shimmer at the core. Full opacity, even at 3 coats, is not reached when worn this way.

Layered: with just 1 coat of Hurt No Living Thing applied over 2 coats of Sleeping Palace (previously reviewed here), a deep eggplant purple holographic hue, the newly created tone is incredibly difficult to capture in words – it’s as though a veil was thrown over the entire look, and something completely unique has emerged. Almost surreal, actually. (Note that for these swatches shown further below, Hurt No Living Thing was applied to all nails except the index finger).

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (1 coat)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (2 coats)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (3 coats)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (1 coat, in sunlight)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (2 coats, in sunlight)

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing (3 coats, in sunlight)

a-england | Sleeping Palace, Hurt No Living Thing

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing, Sleeping Palace

a-england | Hurt No Living Thing over Sleeping Palace (on all nails except index finger)

a-england | Heavenly Quotes

There’s nothing I love more, than a nail lacquer shade that makes me stop and stare in wonder; Hurt No Living Thing not only manages to do that, but continues to surprise me with every colour I layer it over. True to the quality that a-england polishes have become known for, this shade is a beautiful addition to the inspiring Heavenly Quotes series and a must-have for any a-england ~~addict~~ fan. The possibilities are endless, and the colour combinations you can create with Hurt No Living Thing are only limited by your imagination … then there’s the name; there is something so poignant and beautiful about the simple little message on this shade. Gives the phrase ‘make the world a better place’ a whole new (and drop-dead gorgeous) meaning.

Find more information on a-england lacquers via:

*Disclosure: Press samples provided by the company/PR for my unbiased consideration

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

September 15, 2014

Along with the recently launched Rouge Dior Baume (reviewed here), Dior has released 3 new Couture Colour Contour Lip Pencils (CAN $30.00 each) that aim to provide long-lasting colour, as well as help maintain and intensify any lipstick shade or gloss that’s layered on top. Each pencil comes with its own sharpener – a convenient addition, as I prefer to NOT use one sharpener for all my pencils; this way it keeps the shavings, such as that of a darker hue, from staining lighter colours (and vice versa). The other end of the pencil holds a built in brush – again, very handy in blending the liner into your lipstick/gloss shade, as well as helping you avoid needing to carry a separate lip brush.

I found the Couture Colour pencils to be a little hard initially, in particular #468 Spring, but after warming them up between my fingers for a few seconds and lightly wearing down the point on a paper towel, the colour applied easier. Do not expect these pencils to glide across the skin the way others with a more emollient formula do; the best way to use these on a larger area -such as when applying to the entire lip – is by employing a swiping motion, leaving the tip for more precision work (i.e.: cupid’s bow and outlining the lips). Neither drying nor moisturizing, their longevity is beyond impressive: in the swatches below, you can see how even after being wiped off with a makeup remover-soaked pad, the colour is still very visible and relatively intact.

The beauty of these Couture Colour Contour Lip Pencils, is how they can work in either a supporting role (such as, lining lips to keep lipstick/lip gloss/lip balm from feathering or bleeding into surrounding lines), or by taking centre stage and being applied to the entire lip, then lightly dabbed with a clear balm or gloss for a bit of moisture & sheen. When worn in tandem with their matching Rouge Dior Baume shades, some wonderful things happen: not only is the balm’s colour amped up, but the staying power is then increased by several hours as well. Definitely win-win.

Natalie Portman for Dior, wearing Rouge Dior Baume #558 Lili

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette, ingredients (click to enlarge)

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette (sharpener included with each pencil)

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette (attached lip brushes)

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring, #558 Lili & #688 Diorette

#468 Spring Couture Colour Lip Liner (CAN $30.00) | A salmon pink hue with coral undertones, warm leaning. Slightly harder in initial application than the other two shades, but becomes easier to apply with continued use. TIP: Apply #468 Spring all over the lips and then layer a sheer nude lipstick shade on top for a unique multi-dimensional effect.

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #468 Spring with Rouge Dior Baume #468 Spring

#558 Lili Couture Colour Lip Liner (CAN $30.00) | A dusky red hue (slightly more intense than its matching Rouge Dior Baume shade), with a relatively easy application. TIP: try applying a clear balm to lips first then lightly blotting it off, then follow by adding a light layer of #558 Lili all over for a juicy, bitten-lips effect that will also be incredibly long-lasting.

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #558 Lili

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #558 Lili with Rouge Dior Baume #558 Lili

#688 Diorette Couture Colour Lip Liner (CAN $30.00) | A gorgeous fuchsia hue that had the smoothest application of the three. Tip: #688 Diorette works amazingly well solo: applied to the entire lip with a bit of clear balm on top, turning it into a no-fuss pop of colour. Spectacular when used in conjunction with its matching Rouge Dior Baume (see swatches below).

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette with Rouge Dior Baume #688 Diorette

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner with matching Rouge Dior Baume swatches

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner swatches

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner swatches after being wiped off

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette applied all over the lips

Dior | Contour Couture Colour Lip Liner #688 Diorette layered under Rouge Dior Baume #688 Diorette

Never the type to use lip pencils all that much, I have come around to their incredible usefulness over the past few years. Other than the ubiquitous lip lining factor, I love how these Dior Couture Colour Contour Lip Liner Pencils have provided me with new ways in using them – methods I never really thought of before for some bizarre reason. The most impressive part here, is definitely their staying power – the least impressive, the price. While on the steep side when compared to more mass-market brands (but definitely in line with other luxury brands), I doubt the quality will come close to what these offer and which to me, makes them well worth the investment.

Available now exclusively through The Bay (Canada), at all other Dior counters in October. Find more information via: