Tag Archives: swatches

L’Oréal Paris | Collection Privée Exclusive Nudes Nail Polish 2014

October 10, 2014

Following the success of last year’s L’Oréal Paris Collection Privée (reviewed here and here) created for TIFF (Toronto International Film Festival), the latest Collection Privée is once again based around selected nude shades, created in tandem with the celebrities who inspired each nail polish/lipstick duo. These limited edition hues run the gamut from neutral to mid-tone, and are aimed at suiting a wide range of skin tones, all at prices that won’t break the bank.

L’Oréal Paris | Collection Privée Exclusive Nudes Nail Polish

#600 doutzen’s nude (CAN $6.99) | A dusty pink-nude shade with mauve undertones (will happily suit both warm and cool skin tones), in an easy to apply formula that falls smoothly, gives good coverage even by the first coat, and comes to a glossy finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

#610 eva’s nude (CAN $6.99) | A semi-sheer beige-nude hue with ultra fine pink/copper/bronze and sparser green irregularly shaped shimmer flecks. Interestingly enough, the shimmer doesn’t translate that visibly in deeper light (although you do catch flashes of it in bright and/or direct sunlight), but definitely adds a nice overall depth of tone. Self-levelling and glossy at the finish. Coats applied: 3 (thin), plus top coat

#620 julianne’s nude (CAN $6.99) | A vintage rose hue with warm tan undertones in its base, in a hybrid crème/jelly formula. The flow may be on the thin side, but provides good coverage nonetheless – applying evenly and leaving behind a super glossy finish. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

#630 liya’s nude (CAN $6.99) | A dusky mauve hue with a slightly murky purple undertone, in a formula that may at first appear somewhat sheer, but gives good coverage even by the first coat. Completely self-levelling in application and with a high gloss shine at the finish – so loving this shade! Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

L’Oréal Paris | Collection Privée Exclusive Nudes Nail Polish

This grouping may be small as far as collections go, but there’s a nice range of nude tones covered just the same. My favourites are easily #630 Liya’s Nude followed by #610 Eva’s Nude as those are shades I naturally gravitate towards and suit my skin tone the best. I’m not feeling #620 Julianne’s Nude, although I suspect it will look amazing on those with super fair skin (just looks a bit old-lady on me). As with last year’s release, the only issue here is the limited edition part. If the way this collection is flying off the shelves is any indicator, then I’m hoping L’Oréal takes note and gives them permanent status. Just saying.

Available now, find more information via www.lorealparis.ca

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

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

October 9, 2014

Launched in conjunction with the Diorskin Star Foundation (reviewed here), the new Diorskin Star Concealer works along a similar ‘skin-brightening’ concept, aimed at not only providing an instant eye-opening effect, but working in tandem to banish dark circles, puffiness and uneven tone. Available in five ‘fusional’ shades (which can also be mixed for an even more customized effect), I was sent #001 Ivory and #002 Beige to test. When you consider that I so rarely use concealer, the fact that I now reach for either one of these two products on a regular basis, speaks volumes.

The casing is a clear acrylic tube which displays the colour accurately, as well as helping to monitor usage levels – always a plus – with Dior’s signature navy blue-colour on the cap & stamped with the brand’s initials. The sponge-tipped applicator is soft to the touch and picks up a decent amount of product per application; one pass is enough to cover both eyes, with product left over for touch-ups (around the nostrils, chin, or any other areas of redness that may need concealing). The scent is a delicate floral – very pleasant, and which does not last past initial application. The texture is somewhere between a fluid and a cream, with application effortless and bearing an ultralight sensation upon the skin. I found both Star Concealers extremely easily to blend seamlessly in and moreover, they stayed in place without creasing, migrating into any fine lines, pilling, caking, or fading away – for the duration of their wearing. Staying power is a little hard to judge as it’s such a small amount that’s actually applied, but in general this is a product that will definitely last that much longer when layered over foundation than on bare skin (anywhere from 7-10 hours), and provided you don’t rub at any areas where it’s been applied.

With regards to any ‘brightening effect’, I can’t say I notice anything significant in that department, which in my book is a good thing as I prefer my skin tone to look even all around, and not lighter in any one area. I’m not even all that sure how the claims of ‘sculpt and contour’ apply with regards to a concealer’s purpose (as per the press release), although I’m guessing it’s an editorial way of saying that the Star Concealer works to detract from flaws – all good, at the end of the day.

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige, ingredients list

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory (CAN $36.00) | The lightest shade available, there’s a perfect mix of pink & palest peach undertones in #001 Ivory‘s base to make this shade ideal for very light complexions – all the way to the light medium range (such as mine). My preferred method is to lightly dab 2-3 spots on the under eye area and around the nose (if needed), then lightly pat that in using my middle finger, further blending it all in with the help of a large dense & fluffy brush (my go-to concealer blending brush at the moment, is actually Giorgio Armani Beauty’s Large Eye Contour brush) – gently buffing it all into the skin, which in turn provides a seamless and overall flawless finish (almost air-brushed looking).

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory

Diorskin Star Concealer 002 Beige (CAN $36.00) | The second lightest shade of the five, #002 Beige is a few degrees deeper and slightly more peach-leaning than #001 Ivory. This hue can easily work on light complexions that sporting a bit of Summer colour, as well as being an ideal match for skin tones ranging up to medium. I detect no yellow tint in either one of these two shades, which will not make that delicate area look sallow in any way. This was the shade I used extensively all Summer and even though this is a hint too dark for my skin at present, I now use #002 Beige to conceal any breakouts (which I still get at MY age. Sheesh), as I find its fluid-like nature does an amazing job of covering them up without being obvious. My preferred method for using this shade in this capacity, is by adding a bit from the applicator to my palm & then going in with a synthetic haired flat paddle-style brush, applying the product to the desired area and then finishing off by either patting it gently with my middle finger, or dabbing at it lightly with a slightly damp blender sponge. Works like a charm on all but the nastiest of breakouts.

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 002 Beige

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige

Dior | Diorskin Star Concealer 001 Ivory & 002 Beige, blended

I’m fortunate in that I’ve never had to contend with under eye circles and thus never really felt the need to apply concealer in that area – my foundation blended right up to the eyes always did the trick. As I’ve gotten older, fine lines started appearing in the delicate skin around my eyes, and to add insult to injury, I even experience puffiness at times. What joy. Many other concealers that I’ve tried, usually had the opposite effect of what they were meant to do (as in emphasize, rather than hide), so it was with major scepticism that I approached the new Diorskin Star Concealer – until I saw it in action. My beauties, this stuff not only works, but does so invisibly. After all, I put in a lot of effort to ensure my “canvas” (face”) looks flawless – it’s nice to know that I can now rely on perfect cooperation from my concealer too. Highly recommend, in case you’re wondering.

Available through Dior counters nationwide, find more information on the entire range by visiting www.dior.com

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

Jet Set with Revlon | London Look & A Giveaway!

October 9, 2014

Inspired by 5 of the most exciting cities in the world, I’m getting ready to Jet Set into Fall with Revlon, destination: London! While I won’t be physically going there (yet!) I will be showing you how to achieve that chic yet edgy ‘London Lady’ look, using this box full of Colorstay™ products shown in these photos. In addition, one lucky reader will also have the opportunity to win this entire box of goodies, simply by following me on Instagram and “liking” my London Look here.

NOTE: CONTEST OPEN TO CANADIANS ONLY (or if you have a Canadian address)

Get my Look:

SKIN: After prepping my skin with moisturizer, I applied foundation and a light touch of concealer. To balance out this intense smokey eye, I chose a neutral hued blush and ran that along the hollows of my cheeks & slightly up towards the temples

EYES: Using and eye shadow brush, I applied Charcoal Shadowlinks along the upper lid, from the inner corner of the eye to the outer crease, finishing at an angled line (slightly cat-eyed). This shade was also lightly run – using the same brush- along the lower lash line. Using a smudger brush, I then applied Onyx Shadowlinks along the outer edge of the upper eye, to extend the line slightly and form a “>” shape, then using a fluffy eye shadow brush, I lightly blended the two shades together where they met. Black Out Liquid Liner was then applied along my upper lash line and outer edges of my lower lash line to create definition and add depth; while still slightly wet, I pressed Onyx Shadowlinks on top for a touch of sparkle. The look was finished with several coats of BOLD Lacquer Mascara.

LIPS: I applied a generous layer of London Posh Colorstay Moisture Stain, a peachy-pink nude with smooth sparkle (also reviewed here)

NAILS: I began by applying 2 coats of Gel Envy™ Longwear Nail Enamel in High Stakes – a rich & colour saturated teal crème hue – on all nails, leaving one free to use as an accent nail (I chose the ring finger). On my accent nail, I then applied 3 (thin) coats of All Or Nothing – a mid sheer and pink tinted nude shade. For the last step, I finished with Diamond Top Coat™ – a high-impact glossy top coat, to seal everything in.

Full contest details at the end of this post

Jet Set with Revlon | London Look

Jet Set with Revlon | BOLD Lacquer Mascara in #001 Blackest Black & Colorstay Skinny™ Liquid Liner in Black Out

Jet Set with Revlon | BOLD Lacquer Mascara in #001 Blackest Black

Jet Set with Revlon | Colorstay Skinny™ Liquid Liner in Black Out

Jet Set with Revlon | Colorstay Shadowlinks™ Eye Shadows in Onyx (Pearl) & Gunmetal (Satin)

Jet Set with Revlon | Colorstay Moisture Stain™ in #050 London Posh (also reviewed here)

Jet Set with Revlon | Colorstay Moisture Stain™ in #050 London Posh

Jet Set with Revlon | Colorstay Gel Envy™ Longwear Nail Enamel in High Stakes, All Or Nothing & Diamond Top Coat™

Jet Set with Revlon | Colorstay Gel Envy™ Longwear Nail Enamel in High Stakes with accent in All Or Nothing (& Diamond Top Coat™)

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THIS CONTEST IS ONLY OPEN TO CANADIANS – MUST BE 18 OR OLDER TO ENTER

Prize pack includes:

One (1) Colorstay Moisture Stain

One (1) Colorstay Skinny Liquid Liner

One (1) BOLD Lacquer Mascara

Two (2) Colorstay Shadowlinks Eye Shadows

Two (2) Colorstay Gel Envy Longwear Nail Enamel shades

One (1) Colorstay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat

A Revlon Passport featuring all the looks created for this program

A postcard from Revlon that you can send to a friend (with your look details, perhaps?!)

CONTEST CLOSES: OCTOBER 17, 2014

REMEMBER: Follow me on Instagram and “like” my Jet Set with Revlon: London Look photo. That’s it – Good Luck!

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

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade, Un Soir À L’Opéra, Christmas 2014 Collection

October 8, 2014

Part of Guerlain’s Un Soir À l’Opéra Christmas 2014 Collection (see previous reviews here & here), Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade will coat your lips in an ultra-glamourous rich ruby brilliance. Drawing on the deep red of velvet theatre curtains as inspiration, this is a shade that is steeped in glamour, elegance, and sophistication – with a healthy dose of sexy thrown in for good measure.

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade (ingredients list)

Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade, Limited Edition (CAN $33.00) | A deep crimson hue with blue undertones in the base. Thanks to the clear acrylic octagon-shaped tube, you not only see the shade you’re getting, but can monitor usage levels. The slightly up-tilted sponge applicator holds a small reservoir in its base, retrieving the right amount of gloss from the tube with every application. Lightly scented with a vanilla “floriental” (top notes: lemon, orange and bergamot accord, heart notes: rose and iris, dry-down: vanilla and tonk a bean), it approaches the senses delicately – I only notice it upon opening the tube and again upon initial application. Intensely colour saturated and highly pigmented, #920 Rouge Parade feels incredibly lightweight upon application; in fact, if not for the colour, I don’t feel like I’m putting anything on. The gloss factor is outstanding, although it does tone down through any eating or drinking. Longevity is excellent as well; I am able to get minimum 8 hours wear and minimal migrating into any fine lip lines (rather surprising for such a vivid hue).

The mega-watt shine of #920 Rouge Parade, is immediately apparent upon application, and within minutes, this silky product seems to melt right in; as my lips are rather deeply lined, the effect is as though the gloss fills in said lines and makes my lips seem that much fuller as a result. Throughout the wearing, I experience no stickiness or oily film, and definitely none of that pulling-away-from-the-inner-lips syndrome (hate that – where you have this blank space on the inner portion of the lips that no amount of gloss seems to want to cover). I absolutely LOVE how hydrating this gloss is and even long after all traces of colour are gone, I’m left with a lightly stained “bitten-lips” look, and a bonus super moisturized feeling as well.

Guerlain | Gloss D’Enfer #920 Rouge Parade

Nothing says holiday makeup like the ubiquitous red lip and what makes #920 Rouge Parade stand out, is the fact that you get: intense colour, a brilliant shine, and a smaller commitment than applying lipstick might involve, although the highly pigmented nature of this shade means you can’t just whip it out and apply mirror-free either. Absolutely stunning on its own or even layered over a similar hue for more depth, this is most definitely priced on the steep side for a gloss (although not as high as some other luxury brands), but it’s #920 Rouge Parade‘s impressive qualities – in terms of colour, application, and hydrating properties – that make it worth a look, especially for fans of that perfectly sultry red lip.

Available at all Guerlain counters as of November 1, visit www.guerlain.com for more information on the entire product range

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

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige & #080 Ebony

October 7, 2014

Inspired by the instant illuminating and perfecting effects of a studio makeover, the new Dior Star Studio Makeup Foundation has finally hit counters nationwide, and after thorough testing of the 3 shades I received this past August, I can honestly say that I am truly impressed with this product. In a nutshell, the Star Foundation promises to provide the skin with a “brightening effect for a perfect, modern complexion and beautiful skin that is ultimately radiant, luminous and even … combining the maximum radiance and the effectiveness of skin care in a single formula“.

Available in 14 photogenic shades that contain the ideal dose of warm-toned pigments, the Star Foundation fluid feels incredibly light and weightless upon the skin and is designed to stay constant throughout the wearing, without any fading or oxidizing (where the colour literally changes and becomes somewhat yellowish). Created with ‘Light Pulsion Complex Lighting Technology‘, there is a two-pronged effect that takes place; a new generation of ‘hollow silica beads loaded with mineral pigments‘ capture and reflect light – without shine (similar to camera filters), to brighten the look of the skin and provide an immediate radiance. An intense corrective halo recreates the beautifully flawless complexions seen on professional sets. The trio of plant-based ‘light-trap‘ ingredients of this formula, act on key skin markers to erase dark areas, spots and minor redness, fulfilling Star Foundation‘s secondary skin care role. With daily use, the skin is made to look clearer and more luminous.

The Star Foundation comes in a glass bottle that has an almost mercury-glass look to it under certain lights (it’s really quite lovely), while the perfect amount of product is easily and effectively dispensed from its pump nozzle – no waste or excess to worry about.

My thoughts: The first thing I notice upon application, is … nothing. As in, no heavy, waxy, or mask-like feel upon the skin. The Star Foundation‘s fluid is so lightweight, that blending it in is actually quite effortless, and once applied and properly buffed into the skin, it appears seamless and provides a softly luminous tone – this is what’s meant when they say “beaming with health”. My skin looks even and slightly brighter, but not glowingly so – it’s a very subtle effect and one that you can’t really put your finger on, but that makes you really like what you see. The coverage is light-medium, although that’s customizable as well; using a damp sponge (Dior has released a Beauty Blender-ish black egg-shaped version to go with this foundation, which I do not have – but am planning on picking up) yields the most natural look to the skin, as the product can be easily sheered out with this method. Using a paddle shaped foundation brush provides a light yet still buildable finish, while a densely-headed bevelled foundation brush gives the fullest coverage, as well as a truly buffed-in appearance to the skin. It basically comes down to desired level of coverage, and preferred method of application – with great results no matter which you opt for (for the record, my preferred way of applying this is by starting with a paddle brush – all over the face & jaw/neck, then going over that with a barely dampened sponge to push it seamlessly into the skin). As stated earlier, this foundation feels so light (I literally forget that I’m wearing anything at all), with excellent staying power on my combination/oily skin – lasting easily about 10 hours before I need to tone down what little shine appears in my T-zone area, although the foundation itself continues to look good (no fading that I noticed) until I remove all my makeup.

Note: the foundation brushes I have been using extensively – both with the Star Foundation, as well as with other brands – have been the ones from Dior Backstage Brushes, specifically the Professional Fluid Finish Light & Full Coverage brushes (review coming soon).

Natalie Portman for Diorskin Star Foundation (photo credit: Dior)

Model wearing the new Diorskin Star Foundation from the Cruise 2015 show

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony

Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen (CAN $50.00) | My hands-down favourite and the shade I’ve been reaching for since first receiving these foundations, #021 Linen is a neutral hue that leans neither too yellow nor pink, and thus absolutely perfect for my light-medium skin tone. Now that Summer is behind us, I can wear this shade alone (without needing bronzer to warm it up), as it melds perfectly with my complexion. LOVE ♥

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen

Diorskin Star Foundation #030 Medium Beige (CAN $50.00) | A light-medium beige with pink undertones in the base, #030 Medium Beige is more suited to those without any yellow in their skin tone. On me, I am able to *just* get away with this shade (more when my face has a bit of natural tan), although it can also be made to match better with a light dusting of bronzer on top.

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #030 Medium Beige

Diorskin Star Foundation #080 Ebony (CAN $50.00) | A rich chocolate hue with a slight reddish undertone (think mahogany) to add warmth. Obviously, #080 Ebony is way too dark for me but I love using this as a ‘transformer’; mixed with any other lighter foundation hue, I wind up with a totally customized shade, perfect for when my skin is in between seasons. Another wonderful use for this particular hue, is as a contouring product – the texture melts into the skin, for a truly believable result (but don’t forget to blend, blend, blend).

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #080 Ebony

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (ingredients list)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (inner arm swatches)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (slightly blended)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen, #030 Medium Beige, #080 Ebony (blended out)

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with a drop of #080 Ebony

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, slightly combined

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, combined

Dior | Diorskin Star Foundation #021 Linen with #080 Ebony, blended out

With innovations in the world of beauty popping up almost daily, finding the right foundation still seems to elude most of us. It doesn’t need to be said that different skin types each have their own needs, but bear in mind that the changing seasons also affect how our foundation will function upon the skin. Usually once the weather starts to turn colder, I’ll switch to a product that’s more emollient and hydrating but after having used Star Foundation throughout the sweltering heat of August and now in the cooler temps of October as well – 2 very distinctive seasons, and having seen equally great results, I am positively thrilled and cannot recommend this enough. Perfect for all skin types, who wouldn’t want to look studio fabulous?

Available now through All Dior counters – for more information visit www.dior.com