Tag Archives: swatches

NARS | Thasos & Night Out

When I saw the newly reformulated nail polishes from NARS, it was a no-brainer that Thasos – a pastel mint, and Night Out – a vivid blue, would be coming home with me. To begin with, Thasos holds a special place for me personally, as it is named for the island in Greece in the area my family hails from (yes, once again my Greek pride is showing) and as to Night Out, well … just look at it! I am on a mission to collect every single cobalt shade I come across, or so it seems.

Thasos (CAN $23.00) | A light aqua/mint with greenish undertones in the base, in a crème formula. Self-levelling in application and ending in a glossy finish, there are a few things to take note; to begin with, make sure to shake the bottle well first, to re-combine any pigment separation that might have occurred. Secondly, Thasos can almost be a 1-coater if you load up the brush, but you run the risk of it pooling along the nail edges and/or cuticles that way. I found that the best application is with thinner coats (the first layer will appear patchy, but looks perfectly smooth by the 2nd coat). Surprisingly opaque for such a pale shade, as well as relatively quick-drying, I was less than impressed with the brush – something I’ve mentioned in my previous review on NARS’ re-formulated range, which made application a bit of a challenge as the brush hairs seem to be of inferior quality compared to other brands. Nevertheless, I love the shade and am willing to overlook that – but NARS better take note. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

With regards to my heritage, enjoy the following images of Thasos, Greece’s emerald island

Night Out (CAN $23.00) | In a word: SPECTACULAR. An intense cobalt blue shade in a jelly formula that falls slightly thick, which was nevertheless easy to apply. Self-levelling, and plush-looking, as well as über-glossy at the finish, there are no running/pooling issues with Night Out, and as with most of the re-formulated NARS polishes I’ve tried thus far, this is fairly quick-drying as well. BONUS: non-staining upon removal. Coats applied: 2, plus top coat

Once again, my only issue here is with the brush – but this time due to a few wonky, stray hairs that I had to trim. Sigh.

Since I am a fan of aquatically hued shades, I would have fallen hard for these two no matter what. The minty tone of Thasos is unique in that it will work equally well against both cool & warm skin tones – just don’t rush the application. Night Out is undoubtedly an eye-catcher, but what makes it really stand out, is the stellar formula. Now if only NARS would do something about the brush …

*Purchased products

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Organica Palette Yeux, Fade to Grey Fall 2014

September 9, 2014

The undisputed star of the Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2014 Fade to Grey Collection, is without a doubt the Organica Palette Yeux, Limited Edition (CAN $70.00). There’s a unique contradiction going on with this palette; to begin with, I don’t usually consider 2 shades a ‘palette’, usually reserving that title for 4 or more hues, and then there’s the selection of colours themselves – grey & golden, not a common pairing by any stretch of the imagination (see my review on one other piece from this collection). But somehow, this duo just totally works. Can we also take a moment to admire the intricately embossed pattern on the surface as well?

Meant to provide a ‘subtle and elusive beauty’, Linda Cantello (Internatonal Makeup Artist Giorgio Armani) has this to say:

“I think the best and most flattering makeup, is the makeup you can’t see. It’s more striking when it has that slight ‘live-in’ look. Eyes with muted colour, an Armani look with stronger eyebrows, grey eyes and a soft mouth. It’s all easy to apply and anyone can wear it”

Sounds simple enough, no?

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fade to Grey Fall 2014 | Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Fall 2014 using products from the Fade to Grey Collection

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fade to Grey Fall 2014 | Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition)

Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition) (CAN $70.00) | This palette comes housed in the brand’s by-now recognizable black lacquered ovoid shape and has 2 compartments: the top layer is all about the shadows while the bottom section holds 2 small dual-headed sponge-tipped applicators (which I’m not a fan of personally and don’t understand why companies continue to include them – waste of space & most likely jacks up the price as a result. But I digress…) and closes with a magnetic clasp. Embossed with a crocodile-like pattern, there’s a silvery overspray on the surface of the palette (which gets basically removed from the first swipe of your brush), but interestingly enough, that light shimmery/pearlescent/prismatic effect seems to go right through all the layers of this product just the same. Quite pigmented in spite of the visibly light tone, you need to apply these shades with a light hand to start with, while intensity and depth can be easily built up. According to the company:

“The innovative formula of the Organica Palette Yeux is derived from its ‘micro pearl’ technology – cold cast in a base with a texture between a gel and powder, and imprinted with a pattern before being pressed. Micronized pearl and pigment particles remain intact down to the bottom of the pan”

There’s a rich buttery softness that you can immediately see and sense when you dip your brush into either shade, with barely any powdery kickback to speak of. Application is also effortless, as these colours almost seem to melt off the brush and flow across the skin – a sort of gliding effect, really. As mentioned before, both shades are quite pigmented and require a light touch to start with such as a large fluffy eyeshadow brush for a light wash of colour, and a denser headed brush can then be used for more definition. The darker half is described as a “shimmery black” but it would be more accurate to say that it is pewter grey with definite purple/mauve undertones. The other side is correctly describe as a “golden nude“, but it also holds rose-gold tints in the base for added depth. The finish is a cross between pearl, satin and ultra-fine shimmer – very unique and luxurious, but never over-the-top. Blending is ridiculously easy and I actually love how seamlessly the two appear when combined (TIP: you can also layer one shade over the other to create entirely new colours). Staying power – on primed lids (as my lids are oily, I never apply eyeshadow without), is impressive, looking as fresh at the 10 hour mark as when first applied, without any fallout or fading.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Fade to Grey Fall 2014 | Organica Palette Yeux (Limited Edition)

Well known for his attention to detail, Mr. Armani carries that into his beauty range as well, as this exquisite palette clearly proves. There is an understated appeal to these shades and yet something about these two particular colours lend themselves to a variety of looks – in fact, I’ve only just begun experimenting with wearing it different ways, and the more I use it, the more I’ve come to appreciate all that the Organica Palette Yeux has to offer. Interestingly enough, the price of this palette here in Canada is significantly lower than the US ($70.00 vs $88.00), which almost [ALMOST] makes up for the price gouging us Canadians experience with this brand’s nail polishes. All in all, this is a beautiful piece to invest in, as the colours are not only wearable, but unique as well.

Available now but be aware that it is limited edition. Find more information via:

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

Giorgio Armani Beauty | #214 Woodstone Nail Lacquer (Limited Edition)

September 8, 2014

The Fall 2014 Fade to Grey Collection from Giorgio Armani Beauty, is filled with softly elegant autumnal shades but what makes the products really stand out, is their textures. Of the four limited edition nail lacquer shades, I was sent #214 Woodstone (CAN $32.00) to try and I confess that it was instant love for me … plus I really love the name.

What seems at first to be a rather ordinary brown shimmery polish, is in fact so much more complex than that – it took even me by surprise. The bottle colour shows #214 Woodstone to be cross between bronze/taupe/brown filled with an ultra fine prismatic shimmer and that’s exactly how it appears on the nail (it actually looks like rich chocolate as well) – with the difference that the final finish is closer to a buttery suede, although the shimmer is still present and accounted for. The formula is highly pigmented (this can basically be a 1-coater, especially on shorter nails) and bears an excellent flow, applying in a self-levelling way which eliminates any visible brush strokes. Giorgio Armani Beauty lacquers are made to be worn without the need for either a base or top coat, although I wouldn’t recommend ever skipping your base coat. The brush is yet another unique aspect of this range: densely bristled but not excessively so, with the rounded tip helping nail polish spread smoothly and evenly along the nail bed. BONUS: non-staining upon removal. All swatches are with 2 coats, top coat only where indicated.

Unlike other matte/satin finish lacquers that seem to dry at the speed of light and make it a challenge to achieve a smooth, brush stroke-free finish, #214 Woodstone takes a couple of minutes to fully develop, which means you don’t need to rush your application. A steady hand is key in achieving the smoothest finish (again, to avoid the possibility of visible brush strokes, something many matte shades can be prone to) but the finally result is so totally worth the your patience.

I personally absolutely LOVE this type of finish as I find it edgy and unique, almost 3D-like due to its fine texture, but for those still not on board with matte/satin nails (but seriously, matte has been seen on all the runways for the past few seasons now and is still going strong — something to consider), you always have the option of adding top coat – 1 coat is enough to achieve a glossy finish (unlike some other textured polishes that literally eat up top coat, forcing you to add layer upon layer). Still, my opinion is that top coat takes something away from the overall effect, but it also manages to bring out all the shimmery bits.

My initial impression on seeing #214 Woodstone, was how much it resembled another favourite, CHANEL’s #247 Haute Chocolat (discontinued), and they are indeed very similar, with the CHANEL being just a few degrees deeper/browner but with both bearing the same unique shimmer. For those who collect CHANEL lacquers and missed out on that beauty, here’s your chance to scoop up something very close in tone & colour.

NOTE: in the last 2 comparison swatch photos, #214 Woodstone is shown with top coat, CHANEL’s #247 Haute Chocolat without top coat

Giorgio Armani Beauty | Fade to Grey Fall 2014

Giorgio Armani Beauty | #214 Woodstone

Giorgio Armani Beauty | #214 Woodstone (in sunlight)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | #214 Woodstone (in sunlight, alternate view)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | #214 Woodstone (with top coat)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | #214 Woodstone (with top coat & in sunlight)

Giorgio Armani Beauty | #214 Woodstone vs CHANEL #247 Haute Chocolat (discontinued) on ring finger only

I absolutely love this colour, and even without swatching the other three lacquers of this collection, this would still have been the only shade I would have wanted. Everything about #214 Woodstone — from the name, the colour, to the finish — says ‘Autumn’ to me and almost makes the coming colder weather bearable. My only issue is with the cost; I don’t get how this brand’s lacquers can be $20.00 in the US and yet jump to $32.00 here in Canada, which basically prices them far out of reach of the average consumer. That’s something I hope the company addresses soon (other items from the range are actually significantly less expensive here – go figure), because the quality of these polishes is truly outstanding and well worth collecting.

Available now, be aware that the lacquers are limited edition. Find more information via:

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

Urban Decay | Perversion Mascara

September 5, 2014

The newly released mascara from Urban Decay, Perversion, has “Bigger. Blacker. Badder” as a tagline, and I can tell you right here and now how correct that is. From the brand that started the cruelty-free cosmetics trend and continues to titillate its loyal fan base with not only provocative names, but outstanding and cult-fave products (hands up if you own any one of their Naked palettes), comes a mascara that will make others cry uncle – it really is that badass.

Urban Decay | Perversion Mascara

Perversion Mascara (CAN $26.00) | Mascara is my Kryptonite & the only beauty product I would want to be with if stranded on a deserted island, but finding one that meets all my strict criteria can be a challenge. Perversion comes in a pewter outer casing with violet lettering and bears a densely bristled thick brush and promises to provide length, volume and a rich deep coating of colour to your lashes. One thing I immediately noticed, is how easily the wand/brush slides out of the tube – a good sign, as I hate those super tight seals which can result in excess product collecting there and gunking up the opening. There’s no nasty scent to this formula, perfect for those with sensitivities, and application is relatively straightforward. As this is a wetter type of mascara, I recommend doing the upper lashes first – wait a couple of minutes – then go in for the bottom lashes. Some people may find that this type of larger brush head can be a bit cumbersome to manoeuver, but holding it at a slight angle to your lashes can solve that.

From the very first swipe across my lashes, I could see that major length, volume, & a lustrous black colour were reached, and while I actually could have stopped there, I went ahead with a second coat (my usual). The impact is immediate: this is what they refer to, when they say “sooty lashes”. I can honestly say that Perversion has got to be one of the blackest (if not THE blackest) mascaras I have come across to date – and I’ve tried billions (give or take a few). Wear time is excellent as well, staying true until removed 12 hours later, with zero smudging, flaking, smearing, or fading. Using a dual-phase remover (my personal fave has been the one from Neutrogena for many years now & I totally swear by it) works best, otherwise you may find yourself scrubbing to get it all off – something you should never, ever do. Ever.

The following swatches show Perversion at both 1 coat and 2 coats respectively, without any lash combing. A mascara this intense will clump at some point – in this case at the 2-coat level, but then again, I don’t know of any mascara that won’t clump to any degree.

Urban Decay | Perversion Mascara

Urban Decay | pre-Perversion Mascara

Urban Decay | Perversion Mascara, 1 coat

Urban Decay | Perversion Mascara, 2 coats

Urban Decay | Perversion Mascara

As a self-proclaimed ‘Mascara Mistress’, Perversion pushes all my buttons (see what I did there? Perversion/buttons … a little beauty S&M) and for those who love a lush lash look (triple ‘L’ factor or beauty alliteration this time. I’m on a roll), then this product can definitely provide all that. There’s really not much more to say, other than the proof is definitely there and that I absolutely love it.

Available through Sephora, find more information via:

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

CHANEL | Le Vernis Secret, Atmosphère & Orage – Collection États Poétiques Fall 2014

September 4, 2014

CHANEL has released three new nail lacquers with their Fall 2014 États Poétiques Collection, #625 Secret – a nude crème, #629 Atmosphère – a pearly duo chrome, and #631 Orage – a dusty navy. I absolutely love Fall launches (the cosmetics, not the fact that the weather’s cooling) and look forward to wearing deeper and more jewel-like tones, but I also appreciate how these 3 new CHANEL shades will work beautifully throughout the entire year – versatile, as well as gorgeous.

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret, #629 Atmosphère, #631 Orage

#625 Secret (CAN $27.00) | A nude crème hue with a combination of pale pink & light beige/mauve undertones (will suit both cool and warm skin tones), in a formula that bears jelly-like properties: self-levelling, plush finish and ultra glossy. Managing to be both crisp/clean looking as well as diffused, this is a modern yet totally feminine shade with no hints of chalkiness whatsoever. On shorter nails, 2 coats will give good coverage, while longer nails may need a 3rd layer for complete opacity. Biggest surprise? How much I absolutely LOVE the way this shade looks on me – not to mention how easy it is to apply. Coats: 3 (thin), plus top coat

With 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top, it gives a unique iridescence to #625 Secret – at times grey-tinged, at others golden, but always with a pink shimmery glow in the middle. So hard to capture in photos, but a truly gorgeous combination.

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret (in sunlight)

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #625 Secret with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top (in sunlight)

#629 Atmosphère (CAN $27.00) | A semi-sheer pearly grey base hue with violet/pink, gold and more random green prismatic colour shifts – although the pink/violet colour flashes the most dominant. A steady hand is needed here to avoid any visible brush strokes, which does tend to level out somewhat on its own just the same. For a subtle look, this shade can be worn alone (1 coat gives decent coverage, 2 coats intensifies the duo chrome effect and adds to the opacity) and depending on your preferences, anywhere from 2-3 coats should do but layering #629 Atmosphère over any other shade is best for bringing out its multi-dimensional beauty. Coats: 2, plus top coat

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #629 Atmosphère

#631 Orage (CAN $27.00) | A dusty navy blue with strong charcoal grey undertones with CHANEL’s ‘secret’ shimmer (mainly visible in sunlight), in a jelly-esque formula: self levelling, cushiony look, and super glossy at the finish. The first coat lays down slightly sheer, but becomes totally opaque by the 2nd layer and even though the shimmer is ultra-fine and all but invisible in deeper light, it still serves to add an overall lustrous depth of tone. BONUS: non staining upon removal. Coats: 2, plus top coat

One coat of #629 Atmosphère layered over #631 Orage, does all kinds of crazy wonderful things, with too many colour shifts to count: pink, green, gold, amber, grey, as well as unique gradient effects seen under certain lighting.

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #631 Orage (in sunlight)

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #631 Orage with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top

CHANEL États Poétiques Collection | Le Vernis #631 Orage with 1 coat of #629 Atmosphère layered on top (in sunlight)

While all three shades are new releases from CHANEL, nothing I’ve come across lists them as limited edition so I’ll assume they’re to become permanent (if anyone has other information on that, let me know). Of the three, I absolutely adore #625 Secret – mainly for how beautifully this nude works against my skin tone, but for the formula as well, and #631 Orage because I find near-black shades like this very sexy. There’s no denying #629 Atmosphère is pretty to look at, but I find that it didn’t impress me as much and therefore not a must-have … unless you’re a CHANEL collector like me (damn this addiction).

Available now, I purchased mine through The Bay (Canada)