Tag Archives: swatches

Burberry Kisses | Nude Beige, Rose Pink, Oxblood, Military Red

March 20, 2015

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

Luxury beauty brand Burberry has just launched a new lipstick range, Burberry Kisses (CAN $36.00), 28 shades of ultra-moisturizing yet buildable sheer to full coverage lipsticks, from nudes to brights – and the best part? They are all available via the Hudson’s Bay website, making them finally accessible to all Canadians. About time, am I right?

Burberry is a brand that’s been on my radar ever since it launched, and now that I’ve had a chance to play with the four iconic shades I was sent, I can truthfully say that yet another new beauty addiction has been created. But first, a few words to set the tone, starting with the packaging where no detail has been overlooked – from the tweed-like embossed exterior boxes, to the elegantly modern square cases with their nickel finish (along with an understated rendering of the brand’s iconic check motif etched on the surface) and innovative soft metallic closures, which I actually like to call ‘smart metallic closures’ because you’ll always know your lipstick is securely closed, seeing as how there’s only one direction it snicks shut – you actually can’t properly shut them, otherwise. No more stray lipsticks caps at the bottom of your purse/makeup bag … brilliant, no? Then there’s the stunning detail of each lipstick, carved with Burberry’s signature plaid along its entire length, but which in no way affects the application of the product and all are infused with Burberry’s signature blend of tea, lavender and rosehip for up to six hours of continuous hydration.

Application on all four is superb, without the usual slip you get with other lipsticks of this genre (the ultra-hydrating type). The ‘buildable sheer’ description is spot-on, as one swipe of each shade will give a light wash of colour, while subsequent layers deepen the tone & opacity, and all without creating a thick or tacky sensation upon the lips. Buttery soft in texture, they all express a beautiful glide and manage to keep my lips feeling moisturized throughout the wearing, and long after that. Longevity will really depend on the shade selected (with the palest lasting less than the darker hues) as well as activity (eating/drinking), although the brighter/darker shades have the added bonus of leaving a nice & even stain effect on the lips, even after the majority of colour has faded.

Burberry Kisses | Nude Beige, Rose Pink, Oxblood, Military Red

Nude Beige N°01 is a mid sheer fairly neutral beige hue with just the slightest hint of pink undertone in the base, although not enough to have it lean either too cool nor warm. On my lips which are fairly pigmented to begin with, this is the perfect nude shade and one which does not wash out the rest of my face. Bonus: the perfect swipe-and-go, no-mirror-needed shade (how’s that for easy?).

Nude Beige N°01 swatch, in sunlight

Nude Beige N°01 swatch, alternate lighting

Rose Pink N°33 is a petal pink hue that can appears warm leaning in bright light, but then morphs into something a touch cooler in deeper lighting. As someone who rarely wears pale pink, I am obsessed with how this shade seems to add a brightness to my face, without coming across as either trendy or juvenile. Finally, a pale pink that’s versatile enough to be both modern and elegant.

Rose Pink N°33 swatch, in sunlight

Rose Pink N°33 swatch, alternate lighting

Oxblood N°97 is a deep berry/burgundy hue and applies surprisingly sheerer than the almost scary-dark colour you see in the tube. From the four, this was the only one to give me some trouble, as it didn’t seem to want to apply as evenly as the rest – but I solved that issue by blotting the first layer off completely, then starting over. That creates a base for the second coat to adhere to and gives a more even finish.

Oxblood N°97 swatch, in sunlight

Oxblood N°97 swatch, alternate lighting

Oxblood N°97 swatch, blotted

Military Red N°109 is a drop-dead stunning & utterly sexy red, with a good combination of both cool and warm undertones in the base that makes it universally wearable for all complexions along the spectrum. Highly saturated, the coverage here is amazing, and I love that I experience no feathering or bleeding into surrounding lip lines – bonus points scored for that.

Military Red N°109 swatch, in sunlight

Military Red N°109 swatch, alternate lighting

Military Red N°109 swatch, blotted

All four of these Burberry Kisses (how cute is that name?) get my seal of approval, and I look forward to adding several more to my collection. A perfect combination of colour, shine, and hydration, these meet all criteria that lipstick fans expect, and are the perfect antidote to the plethora of matte lip products that have been flooding the market lately – and so much more wearable too. As a final crowning touch, there’s the added bonus of the magnetic closure to play with – yes, I can be childish like that.

Available now exclusively through thebay.com (Canada), burberry.com and select Burberry stores.

Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo

March 17, 2015

Press sample provided for my unbiased consideration

Recently launched at counters nationwide, Guerlain has added Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo (CAN $60.00/available in 4 shades) to their cult-fave Terracotta range of products. Created to provide you with ‘a healthy glow, as thought you have just returned from a weekend in the sun‘, this superfine face powder teams up with a sliver of blusher along one side so that when the two are swirled together, it imparts an instant shot of radiance … something that’s always welcome, in my book.

Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo

Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo (ingredients)

Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo

Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo 00 Light – Blondes | An ultra finely-milled and tinted pressed face powder in combination with a touch of blush, that is meant to be swirled together to provide the skin with a flush of colour — or that coveted ‘bonne mine’ effect. The pearlized and champagne coloured clamshell-shaped compact has a super thin profile, making it perfect for travel and to slip easily into one’s makeup bag, while the full-size mirror on the inner lid is great for on-the-go touch ups. This powder is strongly scented with Guerlain’s signature violet fragrance, which does lessen and dissipate with the wearing – but still worth noting for those with sensitivities.

The Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo should be thought of as more of a finishing product, although that doesn’t necessarily exclude it from being worn in several other ways as well – it all depends on your preferences and any complexion issues you wish to address. The shade I was kindly provided to try, 00 Light – Blondes, is the lightest of the 4 hues available and is quite close to my present skin tone, but will definitely be much too pale once my skin is lightly tanned. Nevertheless, I have found several ways to wear this product – from a light dusting on my bare & moisturized face (great for a quick complexion perk, as well as to create the illusion of a more even skin tone), over a BB or CC cream for a touch more coverage + hint of sun-kissed colour, or over foundation and buffed into the skin for a totally flawless finish.

The accompanying sliver of blush compliments the face powder colour and will not overpower the overall tone, but serves to add depth and dimension instead. Still, you can easily avoid the blush section, as the tanned portion is large enough to be applied on its own with a variety of brushes (although the opposite isn’t true & you’d need a rather thin brush to apply only the blush part – which basically defeats the entire purpose of this product anyway). Even though the Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo isn’t touted as being a mattifying product, an extra bonus is how well it managed to keep my skin’s natural oils to a minimum. With regards to longevity, I am able to get easily 8-9 hours of wear, a little less when applied on bare skin. The best part for me, however, is that this powder never seems cloying along my skin and the silky texture is so incredibly lightweight that I don’t even feel it being applied, but the finished result always amazes me – you know, where you can’t put your finger on it, but your skin just looks so good.

Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo

Guerlain | Terracotta Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo swatches

I am a huge fan of Guerlain’s face powders, in particular the Terracotta range of products, and I maintain that this brand has basically perfected the art of the finely-milled powder. And while I’m not fond of floral fragrances, I actually look forward to this unique scent which I’ve come to associate with the Guerlain name. The absolute genius of the Joli Teint Natural Healthy Glow Powder Duo, is that depending on the shade selected, you basically have 1 product that can work as either: a face/finishing powder, bronzer, or blush even – and all in a texture that is the very definition of lightweight. Then there’s that chic little compact … yes, I’m a total sucker for details like that #sorrynotsorry

Available now at Guerlain counters across Canada. Find more information via guerlain.com

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 424 Edith, 450 Ina, 456 Erik

March 10, 2015

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

CHANEL has reformulated and relaunched their range of Rouge Coco lipsticks, and has added several new shades to the lineup, all named after people/friends/lovers who were a source of inspiration to Gabrielle Chanel. I was recently sent 424 Edith, 450 Ina and 456 Erik (CAN $42.00) to try and after having fallen immediately in love with Arthur (a hot red hue which also happens to be the shade I’m constantly reaching for these days), I was excited to test these latest additions and see how they matched up. I must say, that all three surprised me with their application … but I happen to like {good} beauty surprises.

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 424 Edith, 450 Ina & 456 Erik

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 424 Edith, 450 Ina & 456 Erik swatches

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 424 Edith

424 Edith | What appears to be a warm and understated nude-pink in the tube, turns out to actually be a soft pink once applied. The formula on Edith is semi sheer with quite a bit of slip, but one which still gives good coverage without any bald patches left behind. Glossy and with no overt shimmer, there is a strong moisturizing feel that is not only immediately felt upon application, but even after the colour wears off. Staying power (not factoring in eating and/or drinking) is about 4 hours, with a hint of a rose stain left behind upon the lips. With its good balance of both warm and cool undertones, this is a shade that should suit a variety of skin tones – but will certainly appear darker or lighter, all dependant on the natural pigmentation of your lips (on me, this looks more light pink).

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 424 Edith

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 424 Edith swatch

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 450 Ina

450 Ina | Even though it’s clear that this is a hot pink shade, I was still unprepared for how colour saturated Ina appears once applied. Bearing the best opacity and coverage of the three, this shade has a bluish undertone with some violet flashes seen under certain lights, lending it a more fuchsia-like hue and a cool-leaning vibe. Super glossy and with visible shimmer (which feels ultra smooth upon the lips), I am able to easily get 5 hours worth of wear (again, not factoring in eating/drinking) with a nice rosy flush left upon the lips once the majority of colour has worn off, combined with a well-hydrated feel.

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 450 Ina

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 450 Ina swatch

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 456 Erik

456 Erik | A classic case of “don’t judge a book by its cover”, Erik – a deep raisin hue with slight plummy undertones and visible, but non-gritty shimmer – obviously appears super vampy/dark in the tube but as it turns out, this is actually the sheerest of the three – as well as needing a bit more effort for an even application. Personally, I’m not disappointed with the sheerness of the formula, as this turns Erik into a totally wearable (and surprisingly work-friendly) deep lip shade, with the added bonus of a sultry stain left behind once the colour has worn away. Alternatively, you can blot this shade down until you have just a hint of colour on the lips (as shown in the swatch below) for a ‘bitten effect’ – although some shimmery bits get left behind as well. Determining the staying power is a little difficult because even though the colour is on the sheer side, Erik still leaves the most visible stain behind, but I’m able to get about 4-5 hours of solid wear.

TIP: in order to achieve the most even application with this shade, you can either fully line and fill in your lips with a matching liner shade first – although that will result in a stronger look to this colour, or blot between applications to ensure lips are dry and the colour is able to adhere better overall, eliminating any patchiness.

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 456 Erik

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 456 Erik swatch

CHANEL Rouge Coco | 456 Erik swatch, blotted

Unlike their predecessors, these newly reformulated Rouge Coco lipsticks have a luxurious and moisturizing feel upon the lips, and that hydrated sensation stays with you long after the colour has worn off. From the four shades I currently have, it’s obvious that pigment saturation (and application) differs significantly one from the other, and my suggestion is that you test these out at the counter first before buying – as looks can be deceiving. While Edith is the type of shade that sits well within my comfort zone, my favourite turned out to be Ina to my complete surprise, especially considering that I’m not particularly fond of bright pink – but there’s something so sophisticated about this version … an intensity that keeps it from looking trendy or juvenile. Erik (still not used to seeing a man’s name on a lipstick), is was another surprise, but one I’ve totally embraced – despite its quirks. Or perhaps because of them?

The Rouge Coco range of lipsticks are available now at all CHANEL counters nation-wide. Find more information at chanel.com

Misslyn | #36 Champagne Velvet Diamond & #180 Red Carpet

March 5, 2015

Press samples provided for my unbiased consideration

Recently launched in Canada this past December and currently owned by cosmetic giant ARTDECO, Misslyn has long been a favourite brand throughout Europe for many years now. With a range of colour cosmetics and an even larger selection of nail polish in the core lineup, I was recently sent 2 shades to try out (CAN $9.99 each): #36 Champagne Velvet Diamond (textured finish) and #180 Red Carpet (high gloss lacquer).

#36 Champagne Velvet Diamond | A rose-gold tinted base filled with fine silver and pale pink glitter as well as larger silver hex glitter pieces, bearing a textured natural finish (similar to that of OPI Liquid Sand lacquers). The formula has an excellent density and stays exactly where applied without migrating into surrounding skin. With its almost contradictory rough/smooth grit, you have the option of adding a thickish topcoat to change the look and gloss it up. Removal is what you’d expect for this type of polish and any difficulty can be avoided by using a peel-off base coat underneath. Bonus: a very work-friendly way to wear glitter. Coats applied: 2

#180 Red Carpet | A highly colour-saturated cherry red hue that leans slightly cool due to the blueish undertones in the base. The hybrid crème/jelly formula is amazing in every way: smooth flow, excellent density & coverage/opacity, self-levelling, and coming to a super glossy finish. Something about the good mix of brightness and depth of tone to this shade, will make it suitable to a wide variety of skin tones. Relatively non-staining upon removal, but do not skip base coat first just the same. Coats applied: 2

Misslyn | #36 Champagne Velvet Diamond & #180 Red Carpet

Misslyn | #36 Champagne Velvet Diamond

Misslyn | #36 Champagne Velvet Diamond & #180 Red Carpet

Misslyn | #180 Red Carpet

New nail polish/beauty launches are always exciting as it helps to keep things fresh and the competition sharp. Removing from the equation the fact that these are not shades I might have picked out for myself (even though I actually like textured finishes like #36 Champagne Velvet Diamond, but don’t wear them often – and while I already have about a billion reds in my collection, the quality of #180 Red Carpet makes it a standout), I was left happily impressed just the same and curious to see the rest of the Misslyn lineup for myself (a good sign!).

Available exclusively through Shopper’s Drug Mart/Pharmaprix locations across Canada. Find more information on the brand by visiting misslyn.de

Guerlain | Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! 01 Noir

March 4, 2015

Founded in 1828, Guerlain is one of the oldest and most respected brands in the beauty industry – a brand that also consistently produces up-to-the-minute cosmetics utilizing the latest technological & scientific breakthroughs, without ever losing sight of its venerable history or compromising on its world-renown quality. The latest such product to join the lineup, is the upcoming Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! Volume Creating, Curl Sculpting Mascara (CAN $34.00/launching April 1st) and the mascara fiend in me couldn’t be happier, as this is the one beauty product I can become quite obsessive about.

Guerlain | Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! Mascara 01 Noir

Guerlain | Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! Mascara 01 Noir (ingredients list)

Guerlain | Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! Mascara 01 Noir

Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! Mascara 01 Noir | Housed in an easy t0 hold & manipulate black lacquered case with a golden band along the length, embossed with the brand’s name on one side, this is a deep black mascara that is meant to provide major volume as well as serious curl hold to the lashes. Unlike other mascaras that have a rubbery/chemical scent, Maxi Lash So Volume! has a lovely rose fragrance – although that becomes unnoticeable upon application, but still worth noting for those with sensitivities. The relatively slim-profile brush bears tiny nylon spikes instead of traditional bristles, and is meant to grip lashes securely while enabling you to get as close to the roots as possible for product placement.

My criteria for what makes a great mascara are that it must:

provide volume
add length
not flake, smudge, smear, or leave ‘crescent moon shadows’ under the eyes
be removed fairly easily at the end of the day without excessive tugging on my lashes

As I usually buy black mascara, I also want it to be the darkest, most deepest black hue possible (forget Fifty Shades of Grey; there’s about a billion shades of black). Curl-enhancing has never been on my priority list, as my lashes have a fairly decent curl on their own and since I always use a lash curler prior to mascara application anyway, that last point is moot (at least for me). In the past, how my mascara was scented was never an issue, but having a pleasant fragrance is a welcome bonus nonetheless.

I have been testing Maxi Lash So Volume! for a few weeks now, and am happy to report that it has easily met all my requirements. I tend to prefer bristles to nylon/rubber brush heads, but the downside to bristles is that they have the potential for smears, especially if the head is oversized. The little ‘barbs’ of this mascara brush have excellent gripping properties – or what I like to call “the burr effect”; I remember taking my Golden Retriever, Jagger, for walks through the woods, only to return home and find he had all these burrs stuck to his fur – which would then take me HOURS to remove, swearing all the while. Happily, you only get the positive aspects of this effect with Maxi Lash So Volume!, i.e.: the last-coating part … and none of the swearing. As far as colour goes, this is an exceptionally lush and intense black hue, while the formula is on the wet side, meaning it has a tendency to clump slightly (nothing that a lash-combing can’t solve), but again, I don’t have an issue with clumps – as long as they’re not blobs – since they can also give the illusion of extra fullness to lashes. Staying power is excellent, without any of the above-stated flakes, smears, or smudges, without any crunchy feel to the lashes either. While not water-proof, you will need a dual-phase makeup remover to effectively take all traces off.

{bare lashes}

Guerlain | Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! Mascara 01 Noir (1 coat)

Guerlain | Cils d’Enfer – Maxi Lash So Volume! Mascara 01 Noir (2 coats)

Mascara is the one product I refuse to comprise on; either it meets my requirements, or it’s gone. Guerlain’s Maxi Lash So Volume! has passed all my criteria with flying colours and has now earned itself a permanent spot in my beauty arsenal – and even with the steep price tag (which is actually comparable to other luxury brand mascaras), I find it’s well worth the investment, especially if you want the best for your lashes. Highly, highly recommend.

Available as of April 1st at all Guerlain counters across Canada. Find more information on the brand via guerlain.com

Kindly provided by Guerlain for my unbiased consideration