Chanel Azure #657 Nail Polish: L’Ete Papillon de Chanel Collection (review and swatches)

Posted on April 25, 2013 by

Chanel has released three nail polish shades in their new Summer Collection, L’Ete Papillon de Chanel. Azure instantly captivated my attention in promo images and I ultimately stalked its online release. Chanel must have a hand at magic in creating their polishes, Azure is exquisite and transformative.

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Azure is the shade compared to the sky on a clear summer’s day…

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Azure is a complex shade with many dimensions. It is a metallic duo-chrome shade that transitions from a royal blue to an aqua green. In sunlight and bright artificial light, Azure’s micro-shimmering particles sparkle with great intensity. No matter what the light Azure is incredibly vibrant and will demand a lot of attention.

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Azure cover’s in one coat, although I would recommend two for extra vibrancy. The formula is a dream to apply and perhaps for its metallic properties, it lasts a bit longer than traditional Chanel Polishes.

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Chanel Azure is a must for your collection and a true standout this summer!

This Limited Edition shade is $27 (chanel.com)

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Earth Day and an All Natural Face

Posted on April 22, 2013 by

Happy Earth Day Beauties.

In lieu of this day I have created a makeup look using an assortment of all natural, clean and eco-friendly beauty products. Natural beauty brands have come a long way in past couple of years creating formulations on par with high-end brands. I love to experiment with natural cosmetics since experiencing incredible results by incorporating mostly natural and organic ingredients into my skin care routine. While I do use some natural beauty products my personal routine is certainly not a clean one.

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In this look:

  • RMS “Un” cover-up #22 – (as foundation)
  • Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Golden Bronzer (used as bronzer and contour)
  • RMS Cream Eye Shadow in Magnetic (on lids)
  • W3LL People Universalist Multi-use Color Pot in #2 (applied to cheekbones, brow bones and inner corner of eyes)
  • Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara in Black Magic
  • Vapour Organic Beauty Aura Multi-use in Impulse #209 (on lips and cheeks)
  • Kahina Giving Beauty Toning Mist (to set makeup and to add a dewy finish)

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What are some of your natural beauty faves?

Posted in Makeup/Nails, Skincare | 24 Comments

A Flawless and Radiant Complexion with YSL Teint Radiance Foundation

Posted on April 20, 2013 by

YSL Teint Radiance Foundation is a light diffusing foundation that provides your complexion with a flawless radiance. This ”glow-enhancing” formula contains hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, along with an SPF of 20.

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A long time favorite, the YSL Teint Radiance Foundation gives a luminous, natural glow to the skin. The silky texture blends flawlessly into skin leaving an undetectable satin finish just as a great foundation should. Teint Radiance wears comfortably with a virtuously weightless feel. So, while your skin looks radiant, it isn’t due to an excess amount of oils in the formula. This one wears incredibly well and won’t have you powdering down on the hour as other luminous formulas might. I would consider it as an option for any skin type.

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I apply the Teint Radiance using the Real Techniques Stippling brush and powder it down using the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder. I am featuring shade #7 (golden beige) which is a darker shade I wear with a subtle tan.

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 (wearing #7 and Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in Medium on my face only)

YSL Teint Radiance $48

at yslbeautyus.com

 

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MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner – A staple for a waterproof, budge-proof liquid liner!

Posted on April 17, 2013 by

The Aqua Line from MAKE UP FOR EVER is my go-to for water, tear, and smudge-proof color that lasts all day. When MAKE UP FOR EVER says ‘waterproof’ they deliver, thank you. The Aqua Liner has been a staple for many years. I love my cat-eye’s and flicks and as someone who suffers from seasonal allergies, I need my liner to last. Frankly, I just don’t want any smudging and the Aqua Liner delivers.

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The Aqua Liner is the tops, not only for its waterproof formula, but for its easy-to-use applicator as well. The long handle gives you great control by allowing your hands to slide close to the applicator. The applicator, and its skinny tip helps to create perfect line. I lay the applicator on its side for a wider line and use the tip to thin out the edges. The Aqua Liner is a great option for beginners and professionals alike.

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The Aqua Liner in Mat Black has been the staple in my collection. MAKE UP FOR EVER kindly sent me #7 Diamond Black Purple for review. Number 7 is a black shade loaded with shimmering flecks of purple. The black is opaque and creates beautiful definition while the glittery particle make eyes sparkle. The ‘Diamond’ shades are a perfect way to add subtle color to your makeup routine.

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(wearing the Aqua Liner in #7)

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Liner $23

available for purchase at sephora.com exclusively

Have you tried the Aqua Liner? What’s your liquid liner staple?

 *Disclosure – This posts contains product(s) provided by PR company for my consideration of review. I am never compensated for my review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Posted in Favorite Products, Makeup/Nails | Tagged , , , , , , | 19 Comments

YOUNGBLOOD Anti-Shine Mattifier

Posted on April 15, 2013 by

Just in time for the warmer months, Youngblood has released a new oil control solution in their Anti-Shine Mattifier. This innovative and breakthrough formula works to remove excess surface oil and shine for a long-lasting mattifying effect. Rich in Nigella Oil, Pumpkin Oil and Tocepheral (which helps to protect the skin against sun damage), the Mattifier conditions, treats and protects the skin. Perfect for all skin types, especially those with oily skin, Youngblood’s Anti-Shine Mattifier will become a handbag essential for you this summer.

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The Mattifier is applied using either the sponge contained at the bottom of the compact or by simply using your fingertips. The texture is similar to a balm in its consistency and in the way it applies. I prefer to apply the product with a dabbing motion when using the sponge as to not wipe away any of my existing makeup. The balm is invisible on the skin and leaves a satin finish. The Anti-Shine Mattifier has a faint clean-scent which ultimately smells of natural skin care.

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I generally have dry skin, although I can certainly reap the benefits of using a product like this in the summer months to remove excess shine. While it removes excess oils it doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry, but instead it feels nourished. Youngblood’s Mattifier is an extremely attractive option to powder and a great product year-round. I’ll be toting this product around with me this summer.

Youngblood Anti-Shine Mattifier $36

available at YBskin.com

*Disclosure – This post contains product(s) sent by PR for consideration of review. All opinions expressed are honest and true to my personal experience.
Posted in Makeup/Nails | Tagged , , , , | 10 Comments

A shade for the fiery tempress – Diablotine Addict Extreme Lipstick

Posted on April 10, 2013 by

Dior’s Addict Gloss Collection is made to be mixed and matched for hundreds of possibilities. “Four shimmering shades of Dior Addict lipstick and four, pure, more sophisticated shades of Dior Addict Extreme allows you to have fun and create your own custom-made look.” Today I have the coordinating shade Diablotine on my lips and tips.

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Diablotine “displays the sensual red of a fiery temptress or, of a Trafalgar dress, straight out of a Dior show.” This sheer muted-red is easy to wear, I wont need to wait for an event to wear this ‘everyday’ red-shade. The Dior Addict Extreme lipstick packs gorgeous pigment and wears comfortably, providing my lips with an extra dose of moisture. Layering this lipstick provides more pigment along with some extra sheen. It’s not the best for longevity but the low maintenance, slick formula makes it easy to reapply.

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I have swatched Diablotine in the photo above, first with one coat and then layered.  I adore this shade paired under the shimmering Dior Addict Gloss on Etoilee 013, which adds incredible dimension. Diablotine Addict Extreme Lipstick pairs perfectly with Diablotine Nail Polish.

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Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick $31 (nordstrom.com)

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Dior Vernis ‘Sparkling Shine’ Collection Diablotine 643

Posted on April 9, 2013 by

Dior released four nail polish shades for Spring in their ‘Sparkling Shine’ Collection. I was absolutely smitten with these shimmering shades as soon as I spotted them. I have already shared with you my review of Délice. Teri from BellaChique.com has a lovely review of Spring Ball and the manicurator.com has some incredible swatches of Princess. Today I am sharing with you my absolute favorite of the bunch, Diablotine #643.

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Diablotine is a red-coral with pink and gold shimmer. The formula is exquisite as per usual and the flat/tapered brush makes application incredibly easy. The polish easily covers in one coat. Two coats lasted me five days without chipping.

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The shimmer in Diablotine is beautiful and in the sunlight it’s utterly captivating. My photos have not quite captured just how lovely this shade is. It appears more flat in my photos than when viewed it in person.

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I also picked up Dior Addict Extreme Lipstick in Diablotine which I will share with you this week.

Dior Vernis $24 (nordstrom)

Have you picked up any of the polishes from the ‘Sparkling Shine’ Collection?

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