
- Beauty Journalist & proud Montrealer with a passion for beauty in all its fabulous diversity. "Beauty begins the moment you choose to be yourself" - Coco Chanel
To suscribe, please enter your email:
Archives
Categories
Categories
beauty Beauty Tools Blush Bronzers Brushes Chanel CHANEL Beauty CHANEL Makeup Chanel nail polish Cosmetics Dior Essie Eye Liner Eye Shadow eyeshadow eyeshadow palette Face Powders Foundation fragrance Guerlain Highlighter Highlight Powders limited edition limited edition beauty limited edition makeup Lip balm Lip Gloss Lip products lipstick luxury beauty luxury makeup MAC Makeup makeup Makeup Artist Makeup Brushes Mascara nail polish Nail Polish Comparisons NARS New OPI palette Perfume Skincare- @ommorphia on Instagram
-
Tag Archives: cosmetics
CHANEL SS/17 · Codes Subtils, Noir Pétrole, Libre & Noir Moderne
Last post was all about cheeks; today’s focuses on eyes and lips with a few more selections from the CHANEL Coco Codes Collection for Spring/Summer 2017 (it’s crazy to even contemplate Spring — or even Summer right now, but that’s the beauty industry for you). What makes everything here so unique, in my honest opinion, is the utter wearability of each and every hue and even though I don’t mind stirring things up from time to time with pops of unexpected colour, there’s something comforting about going with standby favourite shades. Especially when they’re all such amazing performers … along with sporting those alluring double C’s.
Previously reviewed from this collection:
“My favourite time to wear Rouge Coco Shine Noir Moderne is in the Spring. I like the idea of a shade of black. I also wanted elements of comfort in the collection – beauty is not just about artifice” ∼ Lucia Pica
Les 4 Ombres 278 Codes Subtils, limited edition (CAN $68.00) | One of two eyeshadow quads released with this collection (the other being 275 Codes Élégants), this one somewhat softer-leaning with shades that can be used to create a subtle look for day, or amped up for evening by applying them with a dampened brush.
- top left – shimmering rose/peach
- top right – platinum bronze/taupe
- bottom right – warm intense pewter (with a strong olive undercurrent)
- bottom left – bronzed mid-brown
Ever since CHANEL reformulated their 4 Ombres formula, I have been really impressed with the level of pigmentation and how smoothly the shades apply. This palette is no exception; seen in the swatches below, all have been applied dry and it’s clear that the saturation level is excellent, although using a fluffier brush (and going in with a lighter hand), you can also diffuse each shade for a softer effect. Each has shimmer of varying complexity that lends depth of tone and a subtle radiance, and all display very little powdery kickback when swirling brushes across their surface. Staying power (over primer) is outstanding, with the colours staying true until removed.
Stylo Yeux Waterproof 931 Noir Pétrole, limited edition (CAN $35.00) | One of my favourite eyeliner formulas is CHANEL’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof, and while there have been a few misses for me colour-wise, I still fall back on these time and time again. With a smooth application (which means no tugging along the sensitive skin of the eyes) and strong colour saturation per swipe, I get easily 6+ hours of wear — even when applied along the waterline — before needing to touch up.
What makes this shade unique, however, is its intense mossy green base colour which is also a great alternative to wearing straight ip black, made even more special via the bronze glints in its depths. Total ♥!
Rouge Allure Velvet 62 Libre (CAN $43.00) | Adding two new shades to the Rouge Allure Velvet roster (61 La Secrète not shown), the finish on this lipstick formula is exactly as the name implies: velvety. Very hydrating in feel throughout the wearing, this rosewood-tinged beige hue is ultra wearable by a broad range of skin tones and provides a touch more colour than a straight up nude would. Makes a perfect swipe-and-go shade too.
Rouge Coco Shine 128 Noir Moderne (CAN $43.00) | Another standout of the collection, this is a wearable version of cult-fave shade Rouge Noir. The sheerness and slip of the formula take the scare factor out of what looks to be an über-vampy hue and turn it into wearable sexy. I’m having a major moment with Noir Moderne and I’m already planning a backup. Seriously.
At the risk of repeating myself, there’s really no other better way to put it than to say that all the pieces I’ve seen of this collection thus far, are all so worth your time to look into when everything launches. Gabrielle Chanel, whose love of these classic codes (red, black, gold, white & beige) was definitely stated, was all about making women feel liberated and empowered; Lucia Pica continues the tradition by delving into the archives and reworking these shades with modern formulas and textures — all while keeping their integrity intact. So well done … #slowclap
Available early January 2017 at all CHANEL counters
PR samples/As always, all opinions are my own
CHANEL SS/17 · Coco Code Blush Harmony & Élégance Blush
How’s this for an interesting contradiction; while a snow storm rages outside my window, I’m bringing you pieces from the CHANEL’s Spring/Summer 2017 Coco Codes Collection. Then again, this may just be the perfect antidote to the blizzard, no?
Coco Chanel was inspired by 5 shades: red, black, gold, white, and beige and for Spring 2017, Lucia Pica, Global Creative Makeup and Color Designer for the brand has found a way to reinvent these classic hues with several new twists, yet still manages to maintain their harmonic purity.
“Elegance is being equally beautiful inside and outside” ∼ Gabrielle Chanel
“Red, black, gold, white, beige: these are the ‘secret codes’ of CHANEL beauty” ∼ Lucia Pica
Coco Code Blush Harmony, limited edition (CAN $70.00) | The undisputed star of the collection as well as being the namesake piece, these are four blush hues — two matte and two satin — in one compact with raised lettering embossed across the surface, that are “wearable and more radiant reworkings of the original codes”. Create a customized shade by swirling all the colours together; the level of intensity will depend on which shade you pick up more of. Alternatively, you can use the top right shade as a warm-leaning contour product, or use it to tone down the red hue. Both the peach-leaning beige (top left) and the honey gold (bottom right) can serve as softly elegant highlighters, or combined with either the tan or red to add radiance. Honestly, there’s no limit (well, maybe there’s some limit) to how many combinations can be created.
There is some powdery kickback seen in the pan when a brush is swirled across the surface, but which doesn’t translate as any fall down, while the texture lays absolutely smoothly along the skin. CHANEL has mastered the art of creating a powdered blush that applies perfectly seamlessly and blends like a dream, and lasting power (over foundation) stays true for the duration.
370 Élégance Joues Contraste (CAN $53.00) | As a huge fan of the Joues Contraste formula and considering the fact that I’ve actually been on the hunt for a blush this exact shade, I believe there may have been some squealing involved when this beauty came in. A gorgeous mix of peach, nude, and dusty pale rose, there’s also some ultrafine gold shimmer thrown in — but not the obvious kind, mind you — to create a unique subtle rose-gold hue. Considering its pale nature, this shade is actually quite pigmented and even though this too displays the same powdery kickback as Coco Code, it nevertheless applies seamlessly along the skin. Absolutely STUNNING and a colour that will be universally wearable on so many skin tones.
I couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to kick off CHANEL’s Spring/Summer 2017 Coco Code Collection than with this lovely cheek duo. Apart from the obvious aesthetics, each piece is also eminently worth of adding to one’s ‘blush wardrobe’ (I’m going to make this a thing) and both can easily transcend the seasons by virtue of their wearability — no crazy colours found here, thank you very much. Yes, the price point veers towards the steep side, but that’s not exactly unexpected for a luxury brand; thankfully the excellent quality makes up for that.
Available early January 2017 at all CHANEL counters
PR samples/As always, all opinions are my own
Charlotte Tilbury · Legendary Lashes Mascara, Legendary Brows, & Hot Lips in Kim K.W. and Very Victoria
When I think of Charlotte Tilbury and her eponymous beauty range, I expect nothing less than full-on glam and in that regard, she never, ever disappoints. Today’s I’m exploring how to beautify my lashes & brows with her Legendary Lashes Mascara and Legendary Brows Gel, and I’ve said often enough that neutrals are my comfort zone, so here’s to Kim K.W & Very Victoria Hot Lips – both nudes with sass that fit right smack into my wheelhouse.
Charlotte Tilbury may be known as the queen of glamorous makeup and happens to work with some of the biggest celebrities today, but I applaud her for also wanting to do some good with her products and bring awareness to worthwhile causes. For example, during the first two months of release (July & August), $2.00 of the sale price of each Hot Lips shade was donated to Women for Women International, a charity that empowers women to rebuild their confidence after enduring major difficulties – nothing more awesome than beauty with a cause.
Kim K.W K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick (CAN $38.00) | A cool toned and white-based pale nude pink shade that I can definitely see Kim Kardashian West wearing. Made in the brand’s original K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Fallen From The Lipstick Tree™ formula, the texture is creamy and smooth upon application, leaving a buttery soft feel behind along with a light glossy sheen. There’s some initial patchiness and settling into lip lines, but that appears to level out to a more even tone with the wearing. Staying power is around 4-5 hours without eating and/or drinking, which is about what I expected from a shade this light.
With the light golden undertones in my complexion, pulling off that pale nude pout is tricky at best. That said, something about the coolness of Kim K.W does happen to work with my skin tone but it’s still just a fraction too light for me, although I can totally see it as being the perfect shade for creating that Bardot-sex-kitten look (paired with heavy black liner, maybe?).
Very Victoria Matte Revolution lipstick (CAN $38.00)| Inspired by Victoria Beckham, this is a soft nude shade with a mauve-taupe undertone in the base. Made in the brand’s matte formula (although a far cry from the traditional flat type of matte; think more satin/velvet), the texture is actually ridiculous easy to work with and glides effortlessly along the lips, leaving a nourishing feel behind.
On another note, I do believe I have now found my perfect nude lippie. The fact that it also comes tinged with a hint of Victoria’s über-cool chicness, only sweetens the deal further.
Black Vinyl Legendary Lashes Mascara (CAN $38.00) | With flirty eyes printed on the tube and the signature rose-gold casing, this mascara was created to give you major va-va-voom lashes. Inspired by red carpet beauties, the formula contains:
- Marine Glycogen – a hair tonic known for stimulating the hair follicle and increasing keratin production
- Tamanu Oil – with known regenerative properties to protect, nourish and strengthen lashes
- A blend of waxes – to give lash hairs flexibility, length and texture in a weightless feel
- Carbon Black Pigment – for maximum colour
- Multi-Bristle brush – varying sizes ensure the brush will grab & coat each hair
The first time I tried it out, I wasn’t sure if the volume factor was anything special plus I did notice smudging within an hour of application. The second & third times I tried it out was a whole other story: you see, once a little bit of oxygen gets into the tube (which is inevitable since you need to open it to remove the brush), the formula starts to thicken a bit — which is exactly how I like it, and I haven’t seen any smudges since either. Staying power is great and looks on point until removal, the latter which is easily done by using a dual-phase product for the job.
Legendary Brows in Linda (CAN $30.00) | A coloured gel available in 3 tinted and 1 clear shade to help fill in, shape, and sculpt your brows. Housed in the brand’s signature rose-gold metal casing, the Micro-Fine Miracle Precision brush is actually teeny-tiny and one of the most defined I’ve seen for the job. Several years in the making, the formula includes:
- volumizing Magic Elasticizing Wax
- nourishing Vitamin E
- strengthening Castor Oil
- natural pigments to lift and tint
Back when I was a teen and ridiculously thin brows were a trend, I plucked mine as well not realizing that at one point, the hairs would stop growing back. Needing to add back what I [stupidly] took away, my preferred tool is primarily a brow pencil. I now include a light coating of Legendary Brows to add some volume and depth, which in turn provides natural-looking hold.
It’s a simple equation: if you’re in a hurry (or just not the fussy type with your makeup), and are looking for a polished yet ‘natural’ look, then all you really need is mascara, some brow gel to add definition and a swipe of a neutral lip shade, and BOOM — done. Both the Legendary Lashes & Legendary Brows have been getting quite a workout from me, as they’re not only effectively easy to use, but provide results as well. As to the lipsticks, I have fallen madly for Very Victoria (Kim K.W isn’t quite there yet, but I’m working on it).
Available through select retailers and online
Press samples/As always, all opinions are my own
MAKE UP FOR EVER · Lip Fever – Explosive Orange Lip Collection & Excessive Lash Mascara
A range originally created by a makeup artist Dany Sanz for the industry, MAKE UP FOR EVER has gone on to carve a name for itself as producing some of the most innovative and pigment-rich products available today. Following along in the success of their last Pink Fever Lip Collection (previously reviewed), the latest in the series is the Explosive Orange Lip Collection, which is built around an orange theme (duh, lol) and offers choices from this vibrant shade that everyone can easily wear; if a neutral-lover like myself can fall for these hues, then anyone can. Also new from the brand is Excessive Lash Mascara and being somewhat obsessed with lashes, I’m so happy to say the name definitely fits the bill.
For all previous reviews on this brand, click this MAKE UP FOR EVER tag
Sensual Coral Artist Lip Balm (CAN $25.00) | A stick-format lip balm with an ultra-soft texture and semi-sheer colour payoff. Providing a light touch of colour as well as a hydrating feel to lips, the convenient twist-up style of this pencil makes it not only portable but a perfect swipe-and-go type of product.
Flammable Tangerine Artist Lip Blush (CAN $25.00) | A matte lip shade in a deep orange hue in a twist-up jumbo pencil format. The texture upon application is super smooth which makes for an effortless glide along the lips, while the long-lasting formula will be there for the duration, leaving a stain behind when the majority of colour finally fades.
Juiced Up Pumpkin Artist Acrylip (CAN $29.00) | I don’t even know where to begin with this; incredible colour saturation from the first swipe, this is more like a liquid lip shade but in mega-concentrated form. The flocked applicator makes it easy to reach all areas of the lips, while the colour deposited goes on über-smoothly and leaves a vinyl-like gloss behind. Super long wearing.
MAKE UP FOR EVER · Lip Fever – Explosive Orange Collection swatches
Excessive Lash Arresting Volume Mascara (CAN $31.00) | A deep-black volumizing mascara with a small brush designed by makeup artists to specifically reach and coat every lash. The buildable formula goes on easily and stays clump and smudge-free throughout the wearing, while the brush not only defines each lash but helps in adding a nice lift as well.
Orange is definitely the LAST shade I would ever reach for so when this lippie collection arrived, to say there was much eye-rolling on my part wouldn’t exactly be a lie. So imagine my utter surprise at finding out that I actually really liked the way each of these lippies looks [on me] – especially the crazy vivid Artist Acrylip … who would have thought?As to mascaras, I’m the first to admit that my standards are high and this is the first mascara from this brand that I’m truly loving, giving me the full & lush fringe I prefer, lasts intact throughout the wearing, and removes easy-peasy at the end of the day. The only warning here is that while the mascara is permanent, do be advised that the lip products are all limited edition. I know, I know.
Available at Sephora
PR samples/As always, all opinions are my own
buy Lipitor online
buy Bactroban online
buy Valtrex no prescription
Stila · Star Light, Star Bright Highlighting Palette
While I love adding a touch of radiance to my makeup all year long, something about the holidays makes wearing a highlighter almost mandatory, no? Thankfully, the Star Light, Star Bright Highlighting Palette from Stila is one that even the most shimmer-phobic will embrace with open arms. Cue the angelic chorus …
Star Light, Star Bright Highlighting Palette, limited edition (CAN $51.00) | The texture of these highlighting shades is pretty extraordinary, bearing a [fun] bouncy feel when you touch them with a fingertip. Using either fingers or a brush for application, each shade is infused with ultrafine light-reflecting particles and provides either major wattage by building the colour up, or dialled down to a more diffused glow when blended out. Regardless of application choice, the common denominator is the fact that the feel upon the skin is completely weightless. Staying power (over foundation) depends on how much is applied, but expect to get a good 8 hours wear.
- Transcendence – opalescent pink
- Kitten – shimmering nude pink (cult-fave shade)
- Bronze – sun kissed radiance
There’s several reasons why you’ll want to check this palette out; for starters, there’s the choice of colours conveniently housed in one compact. Then there’s the excellent price point to sweeten the deal. But the real reason you’ll want to indulge is for the unique texture and how beautifully all three look upon the skin, regardless of complexion. If there’s one downside, it’s the fact that the Star Light, Star Bright palette is limited edition — something THIS awesome should be permanent. Stila, sure hope you’re reading this.
PS: also makes THE perfect gift for any highlighter fans on your Christmas list #subtlehint
Available at Sephora
PR sample/As always, all opinions are my own
buy Soma online
buy Levothroid no prescription
buy Abilify online


































































