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Nude

Tuesday, January 15th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: A Mei Review and Swatches

A Mei Amore! Growl!  Can I just say how impressed I am over this collection!  For starters, the details on the eye shadow palettes are incredible!  Beautiful stitching!  And, the packaging is to die for, of course!  The Biggest hit of this collection, that you will hear me raving on about, is the lipstick, Siss!  OMG!  If you love neutrals, you have to have this lipstick!  In my personal opinion, it is the best true "nude" lipstick out there!  But, I knew this lipstick was going to be a hit because it sold out in a matter of hours online.  

LIPSTICKS: Siss, A Muted golden beige (satin).  This is a completely nude lipstick.  When I hear the term "nude," the first thing that comes to mind is Christian Louboutin nude high heel shoes.  And, that is exaclty the color of this lipstick.  It is not sheer whatsoever, it is a matte to satin lipstick.  I have been on a hunt for a true nude beige lipstick for so long, and I am so excited about this!  This literally sold out in a matter of hours when MAC released it online.  Good news is MAC has it back online, and it's only a limited supply, So don't miss out!  Ruby Woo, A Vivid blush red (matte).  This is a very pretty and intense matte red lipstick.  I would almost have to describe it as a Christina Auguilera red.  I love bold red colors, so I was quite pleased with the color also.

LIPGLASS: She's a star, A Lustre-shined light neutral gold (Frost).  This is a must have with the Siss lipstick.  Since the lipstick is a matte to satin, the lipglass gives it a polished look, which is gorgeous.  Love Rules, A Fuchsia with white sparkle pearl.  This is more a a dark fushia pink color with alot of shimmer.  The MAC website swatch looks completely lilac purple, and it's not at all!  It gives Ruby Woo that kick and shine it needs if you don't like matte lipstick.  For those who didn't get a chance at the Malibu Barbie lipglass, from the almost instantly sold out, Barbie loves MAC collection, well Love Rules is VERY VERY similar.  The only difference is Love Rules is just a tad bit darker, but, just as shiny and beautiful as Malibu Barbie Lipglass.  I'm going to try to get a swatch up today comparing Love Rules and Malibu Barbie.

EYE SHADOWS: Bold Eyes. Three shades of Eye Shadow Venus (S), Freshwater (VP), and Carbon in a compact featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan embroidered onto a plaque insert.  Venus and Freshwater are MAC standard colors.  Freshwater was my favorite out of these colors.  Neutral Eyes, Three shades of Eye Shadow Vanilla (V), Mulch (V), and Brown Down (VX) in a black compact featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan embroidered onto a plaque insert.  All three are MAC standard colors.  Overall, the eye shadows packaging was more impressive than the colors.  But, if you don't have these colors, it's well worth it.  A 213 SE eye brush is included in both palettes.

Overall, I loved this collection.  Buy worthy is the lipsticks and lipglasses.  If you love nude, and I do mean "nude" Siss lipstick is for you.  It can also be spiced up by a pink or peachy lipglass that would look great.  I love this color so much,  that I'm going to order me another one before they are gone!  Update: The Siss lipstick sold out AGAIN, in just hours after MAC recieved some in stock! Ruby Woo lipstick has also sold out.  If you had a chance to get this, please let me know how you like it!

{Photo via: Steph's Closet}

Wednesday, January 9th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: A Mei Makeup Collection

A Taiwanese pop sensation, the yin-yang of her personality are celebrated in this iconic signature colour collection. Bold for her rocker side. Low-key and neutral for those soft pop moods. This is A Mei, in all her shades - up close and personal.

A Mei: 3 Neutral Eyes (LE). Three shades of Eye Shadow in a black compact featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan embroidered onto a plaque insert. Each colourwave in the collection has its own colour signature: Blue/Fuchsia for Bold, Red/Yellow for Neutral.  Limited Edition.  US $30.00.

A Mei: 3 Bold Eyes (LE).  Three shades of Eye Shadow in a black compact featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan embroidered onto a plaque insert. Each colourwave in the collection has its own colour signature: Blue/Fuchsia for Bold, Red/Yellow for Neutral.  Limited Edition.  US $30.00.

MAC For A Mei Lipstick.  MAC Lipstick featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei’s native Taiwan screened onto the case.  Two colors available: Siss, A Muted golden beige (satin), and Ruby Woo, A Vivid blush red (matte).  Ruby Woo is pictured.  I just checked the MAC site and Siss lipstick has already SOLD OUT!  Be sure you grab these quick!

MAC For a Mei Lipglass (LE).  Limited Edition Lipglass featuring the traditional needlework pattern of A Mei's native Taiwan screened onto the cap.  Two colors available: She's A Star, A Lustre-shined light neutral gold (Frost), and Love Rules,  A Fuchsia with white sparkle pearl (Frost).  US $14.00.  Love Rules is pictured.

MAC, you are killing me and my bank account, literally!  The, A Mei Collection, is now available online.  Not only did the A Mei Collection release today, So, did the N Color Collection!  My Wallet just can't take this abuse!  But, I just can't say NO!  Really, there should be a some kind of AAA classes for MAC, because I know there's alot of us out there!

This morning, at 5am to be precise, I was writing an article for my blog, and I saw the MAC Cosmetics email pop up.  It went down hill from that point on!  I knew MAC would be releasing these two collections about the same time.  I ordered the entire, A Mei Collection, as soon as I received my email.  The MAC Sales Associate told me last week that this was limited production collection which basically means, it will sell out super fast.  Siss, A Muted golden beige (satin) lipstick (not pictured), has already SOLD OUT online in a matter hours!  If your a MAC lover, you know never to wait until the last minute on these limited edition collections!   And, I am so glad I snatched these up! Their has been countless times I've debated on something and ended up missing out on it, because I waited to long.  And, I forbid to pay those outrageous prices on Ebay.

One thing I'm really excited to see is the eye shadow palettes (even though most are standard MAC colors), and the Siss lipstick that sold out in a matter of hours online.  "Blue and nudes are definitely the "IT' color for Spring/Summer 2008.  

Check out my review and photo swatches for MAC A Mei Collection.

FEATURED - Tuesday, February 5th 2008

MAC Cosmetics: Slimshine Now Available

Don't speak. Lips are in danger of all manner of delicious indiscretion. Seductive in colour, shine and staying power. Seven new Slimshine Lipstick shades and 13 bring-back shades invite colourful, ultra-glossy conversations. People will talk.

Description: A new Lipstick combining creamy emolliency with a unique sheer colour pay-off. Finishes include cream, sparkling pearl and metallic. Provides the shine and moisturizing comfort of a gloss but with a smooth, non-sticky finish. Distinctive on and off. Comes packaged in its own stylish extra-long lipstick case.  US $14.50.  MAC Slimshine is now available online!  This collection doesn't officially release until February 7th, at most MAC stores.

I'm not in a crazy rush to get these, because they are going to be permanent, so we can finally step back and take a breath!  I really like this lipstick, the only downfall, it goes really, really fast for the price.  Bare and Long Stem Rose are great nude colors I already have.  Rock Out and Missy are new colors I want to check out.  Urgent is a nice glossy red color, that isn't too dark, has more sheer-ness to it.  I didn't get a chance to pick this one up last year, so it's definitely on my list.  I'm such a sucker for reds! 

Check out the MAC Product Swatches.  Check out the review and swatches.

FEATURED - Friday, February 15th 2008

Chanel: 2008 Summer Collection Color Story

The destination of choice this season?  An extoic local, where very little comes between you and a beautiful bronze.  Chanel captures the feel of adventure - and the stunning sun effect - of the summer safari.  An exclusive colour collection, including sun-swept tan, golden bronze, pink bronze, and shades of khaki, delivers the must alluring getaway looks.

Chanel 2008 Summer Collection Color Story

FACE

Soleil Tan De Chanel.  Moisturizing Bronzing Powder.  Colors: Desert Corail, Terre Epice, Terre Ambre, Desert Bronze, Sable Dor*.  Price $48.00.

Bronze Uninersel De Chanel.  Sun Illuminator.  One color.  $45.00 USD.

EYES 

Ombre Essentielle.  Soft Touch Eyeshadow.  Colors: Tigre* (Bronze), Nomade* (Pink Rose), Khaki** (Khaki Green), Safari** (Stone Brown).  Price $27.50

Lumieres Facettes.  Iridescent Eye Effects.  Oasis*.  Colors included in quad: Khaki, Bronze, Coral and Pink Shimmer.  Price $55.00. 

Ombre Deu.  Fluid Irisdescent Eyeshadow.  Color: Atoll* (Gold Sand).  Price $30.00

Stylo Yeux Waterproof.  Long Lasting Eyeliner.  Vert Bronze* (Green Bronze), and Espresso** (Dark Brown).  Price $26.50.

 Inimitable Waterproof.  Mascara Multi-deminsionel.  Color: Emeraude* (Jade Green).  Price $27.50.

LIPS

Rouge Hydrabase.  Creme Lipstick.  Colors; Leopard* (Golden Coral), and Rose Flamingo* (Flamingo Pink).  Price $26.00

Rouge Allure.  Luminous Satin Lip Color.  Naive (Pink Nude), and Curious* (Nude Brown).  Price $30.00.

Aqualumiere.  Sheer Color Lipshine SPF 15.  Colors: Zanzibar* (Soft Peach), and Mauritius* (Bronzed Coral).  Price $26.00.

Levres Scintillantes.  Glossimer.  Colors: Gazelle** (Praline Pink), Pinup** (Frosted Golden Peach), and Seashell** (Soft Shimmering Pink).  Price $30.00.

NAILS

 Le Vernis.  Nail Colour.  Colors: Antilope* (Frosted Golden Brown), Flamingo Pink* (Bright Pink).  Price $19.00.

* Represents Limited Edition Colors

** Represents Repromotes

A new fragrance will be introduced in the Fall of 2008.  It is described as a softer version of Chanel No. 5.  It will only be available in one size, 5oz spray bottle, retailing $125.00.  Stay tuned for more on this.  

There is a couple of items I'm really looking forward to in this collection.  Lumieres Facettes (limited edition), the colours are beautiful bronzed in this eyeshadow quad along with a gorgeous pink color.  Inimitable Emeraude, a jade green mascara and last but not least, the limited edition nail colours.  I can't wait to see Flamingo, a bright pink and the golden bronze.  I expect one of those if not both to be sold out colours.  There is alot of greens in this collection.  Do I see a Jade Green nail polish for the fall of 2008?  Oh, I hope so!  What nail colour would you like to see Chanel come out with for fall?

UPDATE: The new collection should arrive at Chanel counters end of March beginning of April.

Check out the reviews and photo swatches on the Chanel 2008 Makeup Collection.

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 27th 2008

MAC Cosmetics Fafi: Review and Swatches Part Two

Eye Shadow Quads. I purchased both of these eye shadow quads.  I honestly, did not expect to like Quad 2, but, that ended up being my favorite.

Quad 1.  Vanilla, a white color witha a velvet finish, that is good for highlighting.  Hey Neutral, a shimmery tan color, that is very pretty nude color.  Pink Venus, bright pink frosted color, that has great color payoff and texture.  Howzat, a dark gray-ish black color, good for crease lines.  

Quad 2.  Bold as Gold, a gorgeous shade of shimmery yellow-gold.  I really loved this color, perfect amout of shimmer that isn't over powering.  Shockwave, more of a shimmery tangerine color, that isn't as bright as it looks.  You're Fresh, as it looks green in the quad, it's quite sheer.  More of a greenish-yellowish shimmer.  Prankster, it may look navy blue, but, comes out more dark blue-blackish.

If you tend to play it safe, I would go for the Quad 1. If you are daring enough, I would definitely recommend purchasing Quad 2.  The colors may look funky, but, appear more sheerer than they actually look.

Paint Pots.  I absolutely love MAC's paint pots.  I purchased Cash Flow, and Perky.  I am planning to pick up Rollickin soon.  My favorite by far is Perky.

Perky, a coral-peach shimmer color, that is truely gorgeous, and the color pay-off is great.  This is a must have base for Quad 2.  Cash Flow, a goldish-brownish color, that is great with browns and neutral colors.  Rollickin, a tealish shimmery color, that looks great espically paired up with Parrot eyeshadow.  Nice Vice, a purplish brownish color, that was way too dark and purplish for my skintone (NC25).  Layin Low, a creamy flat brown beige color.  Girl Friendly, a very flat pink color.

 

 

Powder Blushes.   The powder blushes were something I didn't even look at twice until I saw in person.  They may appear "very bright" in their Fafi cases, but, that is not the case whatsoever.  The blushes have very  "build-able color".  I initially only purchased Hipness but, later purchased Fashion Frenzy.  It's really hard to choose between the two, because they are both equally beautiful.  

Fashion Frenzy, a medium cool pink matte color that is very buildable.  Just be careful with the blush brush, you can easily get outta control  with the blushes, which might reflect the brightness of the color.  Fashion Frenzy looks great with Quad 1, Sexy n Fun lipstick paired up with Totally It lipglass.  Hipness, a warm peach matte color with a small hint of pink.  Hipness looks great with Quad 2, Strawbaby lipstick, paired up with Sugar Trance lipglass.

Iridescent Mineralized Powders.  These powders are just gorgeous, and by far the best out of the Fafi collection.  If you love to sparkle and shine, then these powders are for you.  Unfortanetly, I could not get a good picture to justify the beauties of these powders with them being so sheer.  I purchased Verve-vacious, more of a golden bronzed color. 

Verve-vacious, a goldish bronzed powder with several pigmented gold flecks.  This is gorgeous, and can be used as a bronzing powder for summer also.  Sassed-Up, a soft golden peach-pinkish color.  I believe this color will be more appealing for everyone and the most popular.  Sassed-up is another one I would like to purchase, only if my bank account wasn't depleted by Fafi!  Belightful, a cooler brownish powder with gold specks.  Verve-vacious and Belightful were very similar in colors.  I opt for Verve-vacious because it's more becoming, and it's a limited edition color.

Nail Lacquer.  I purchased both of these colors, because I'm a nail polish freak!  However, I do think Girls will be Girl is more appealing than Boom.  Girls Will Be Girls, a pink with a specks of gold that makes it somewhat coral-ish.  The coral color is not very noticable to the naked eye.  If you prefer the sheerness, you will only need two coats.  However, In the picture above, I had to use 3 coats to cover my nail completely.  Boom, a burgandy color with specks of pink shimmer.  This metallic like color is very pretty, and looks great on nails.

Overall, Fafi is truely a great collection.  It offers alot of bright pink/corals, girly colors that are going to be "it" colors for spring/summer 2008.  Definite stand out items: Strawbaby and Fun n Sexy Lipstick, Sugar Trance and Totally It lipglass, Perky Paint Pot, and Sassed-Up mineralized powder.  The only items that are sold out nationwide is Fun n Sexy and Strawbaby lipstick.  But, they may still be available at your local MAC Store.

Tuesday, February 26th 2008

MAC Cosmetics Fafi: Review and Swatches Part One

 

The question sill remains?  Does Fafi collection compare to Barbie loves MAC?  My opinion, absoultely yes!  Fafi and Barbie loves MAC has some similar colors.  I was really siked up about this collection until actual color swatches became available early online.  After seeing all the colors and swatches online, I wasn't as excited about this collection as orginally planned.  But, I wasn't knocking down this collection either.  MAC is well known for a reason, and that being the rare beautiful colors, quality, and overall texture.

Fafi previewed early at New York Fashion week, which gave many beauty bloggers the chance to preview and swatch this collection.  Also, some rather disappionting news came along with the preview that had bummed many MAC lovers out.  The fact that MAC would put "stickers" on their packaging.  I admit, it was rather disappointing news but, were not paying for the packaging after all, espically if you are a true beauty lover.  Please do not buy these items to sell on ebay for three times the price or even keep as a keepsake just to have it.  Fact of the matter is, I could care less about the stickers now.  To be honest with you, the stickers will last longer than the writing on the product.  On my "Sugar Trance" lipglass, the MAC writing on the bottle,  has completely rubbed off after only 3 appplications.  So, I wouldn't be too worried about the stickers.

I decided not to go to my MAC store on release day, because I knew it would be overwhelming.  I went the next morning, and I was really impressed by the colors.  They are gorgeous, not anything I had imagined in my head.  That's why it's important to physically play with the colors, and not go by the online swatches and photos.  Here are some of the products that I think are must have's, and are truely fabulous.  Lipstick: Fun n Sexy (sold out everywhere) and Strawbaby.  Eyeshadow: Quad #2, yes with all the funky colors.  Lipglass: Totally it, and Sugar Trance.  The beauty powders, these are truely the best out of the collection.  

Lipsticks.  The three colors that I purchased are: Hot n Sexy, Strawbaby, and Utterly Frivolous.  Hot n Sexy, is a very deceiving color.  It is somewhat sheerer than it looks, but, with two coats is a hot pink with a blue undertone that is absolutely gorgeous.  I wanted to pick up another tube, but this was completely sold out everywhere.  Strawbaby, is a gorgeous coral-peachish glaze, that looks amazing on.  I had to pick up another tube just because this is a color you could wear on a daily basis.  It is by far my favorite out of the lipsticks.  Utterly Frivolous, is a sheer pink creme that is very pretty, but, not a must.  High Top and Not so Innocent is pretty sheer for my taste.  Flash n Dash is a very bright and orange, and I felt like it was a little too orange and bright for my complexion.  Barbie Loves MAC, Rocking Chick and Fafi's Fun n Sexy is very similar in color, espically when Fun n Sexy is applied more than once.  The only real difference is the blue undertone in Fun n Sexy.

Lipglass.  The lipglasses I purchased are: Sugar Trance, Cult Fave, and Totally It.  Squeeze it was way too dark for me.  Sugar Trance, a beautiful light peach gloss that is gorgeous over Strawbaby lipstick.  This is my favorite out of the bunch.  Totally it, this is a must have for Fun n Sexy lipstick.  It certainly makes the color intense.  Cult Fave, is one I didn't pick up orginially but,  found myself liking this one the more and more I saw it.  It goes perfectly with Utterly Frivolous and Not so Innocent.  Squeeze it was just to dark for my complexion and too brown-ish.  If I had to pick one out of the bunch it would be very hard.  But, it would definitely be Sugar Trance.  It's such a pretty peachy nude shade.  I know I'll regret not picking up another one.  See the Comparison pictures below.

There is a couple of familiar colors in this collection and the Barbie loves MAC Collection.  Check out the comparison pictures below.

Sugar Trance is just a tad bit lighter than Barbie's Fashion Pack.  Fafi's Totally it, has a tiny bit less sparkles than Malibu Barbie does.  Malibu Barbie and Love Rules is almost identical in color.  The only true difference is Love Rules is a tad bit redder than Malibu Barbie, but, wouldn't be noticable to the eye.

Check out part two review and swatches.

FEATURED - Thursday, May 14th 2009

Gray Nail Polish Comparisons: Swatches

 

Happy Thursday lovelies! Hope your having a wonderful afternoon or morning, wherever you are. It's another rainy day in the neighborhood and a perfect time for some gray nail polish comparisons.

Just a little over a year ago, this stormy color was scarce to find, and today - I'm happy to report we have a few great picks to choose from.

My Most Memorable Gray: Although there are many fabulous shades of gray, I have to my give props to one that broke my gray virginity, China Glaze's Recycle from the E-Collection.

Back in Spring 08', when the E-collection was originally released, I had a completely different view of Recycle. It's defintitely a shade you have to warm up to. And, now I love it. 

Some other favorites: Zoya Harley, Essie Body Language, LA Girls Flare Saharan Sand, RBL Concrete Jungle, MAC on the Prowl.

(C) Creme (S) Shimmer  Check em' out!

 

The Light Gray's (pictured above). Body Language and Saharan Sand are two of my favorites. It's a mix between gray, nude and white that looks really fabulous on. It's light, crisp and opaque.

The Medium Gray's. RBL's grays have just a pinch of stormy blue that makes them different from the others.  

The Dark Gray's. Have a wonderful day! What's everyone's favorite shade of gray?

FEATURED - Friday, March 21st 2008

Chanel Summer Collection: Reviews and Swatches

Overall, I was really impressed with their Summer Collection.  Chanel's last couple of collections really hasn't impressed me, so, I was pretty excited.  This collection can be for anyone.  They have all the season's "it" colors.  Peach, pink, bronze, and corals are this seasons it's colors and it think they hit the nail on the head. 

The thing I love about this collection, it's very suitable for "Green Eyes!"  I have light green eyes and olive complexion, and sometimes it hard to satisfy us, let's just say that.  These colors look amazing with green and hazel eyes.  Emeraude, gives a hint of color that's not too bold nor daring, and the Vert Bronze eyeliner, is very unique, like an olive green bronze liner.  Items I picked up: Oasis Quad, Nail Polishes, Gazelle Glossimer, Emeraude Mascara, Atoll eyeshadow fluid and Vert Bronze eye liner.  Gazelle, is by far a must have, it's simply gorgeous, and the color pay-off is great you don't even need a lipstick!

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Polish.  $19.00 USD.  Flamingo and Antilope are both limited edition colors for the Summer 2008 Makeup Collection.  Flamingo, described as a pink flamingo with gold shimmers, that makes this beautiful.  Antilope is a metallic light bronze sand color that is also gorgeous.  I think the most appealing color will be Antilope because it is a very neutral color.  Although, they are both gorgeous colors, and will sell out quicky, as most Chanel limited edition colors do.

The Flamingo and Antilope has been applied with two coats.  One thing I love about these polishes is you can contol the color completely.  They apply somewhat sheer, but, can be darkened nicely with an additonal coat.

I've been hearing alot about these two colors lately.  So, I wanted to show you guys the comparisons.  Delice and Antilope may seem similar, but, are completely different in their own way.  Delice, is a very clear-to-light beige sheer polish with lots of gold shimmer.  Antilope, is a semi-sheer, sand frosty color, that does not have any shimmer.  Although, it may be semi-sheer it applies much thicker than Delice.  It actually has good color, and can be thickened easily by additional coats.  I definitely prefer Antilope over Delice. 

Here are some additional swatches.  Stay tuned for more to come.

 

Chanel Levres Scinttillantes Glossimer.  $26.00 USD.  Gazelle, a new color this year, described as a prailine pink color with orangish undertone.  I know it's described as a prailine pink, but, I'm seeing more peach in this color, which makes this a very hot and unique color!  Repromotes: Pinup, described as a frosted golden peach color and Seashell, described as a soft shimmering bubblegum pink color.  To be honest with you, I loved every single color, even though two are repromotes.  I can't say enough good things about Chanel's Glossimer's.  They really are FAB!

 

Chanel Aqualumiere Lipshine.  $26.00 USD.  Mauritius, described as a bronzed coral color and Zanzibar, a soft peach color.

Chanel Rouge Allure Satin Lip Color.  $30.00 USD.  Naive, described as a sheer light pink color.  Curious, described as a sheer nude brown color 

Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick.  $26.00 USD.  Rose Flamingo, described as a pretty pink flamingo color.  Leopard, described as a gold coral color.  Flamingo and Leopard both has awesome color payoff.  Both these colors are so calling my name, but, I just hate spending that much for lipstick!  Urggh! Check out some color combinations of the Lipstick and Glossimer's.

Here are some Lipstick and Glossimer combinations.  Again, the Rose Flamingo and Leopard are the definte stand out colors to me.  One thing I love about Rose Flamingo and Leopard, it just takes the right lip gloss and you can accomplish every color shown here.  Rose Flamingo with Seashell or any light pink gloss will create the Navie/Seashell look.  And, Leopard paired up with Pinup or any light peach lipgloss will create the Zanzibar/Gazelle look.

When creating lip combinations, I always think in terms of "good color pay-off", when choosing a lipstick color.  Because, after all, that is your prime base, so make it a good one.  And, if you have good color pay-off, all it takes is gloss to create any of look or color.  Mix your glosses with lipstick colors you normally wouldn't, I bet you'll be surpised in the color outcome!

 

Chanel Inimitable Waterproof Mascara. $27.50 USD.  Emeraude, described as a beautiful jade green color.  I messed around with the color today, and I do like it.  It's a Jade Green, but, isn't very noticable which is why I liked it.  Just a hint of color, that everyone can wear.  I espically loved it because it brought out my light green eyes.  This color would also look great with hazel eyes. 

Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner.  $26.50 USD.  Espresso, described as a dark brown choclate color.  Vert Bronze, described as a green-bronze eyeliner.  The stand out of the two eyeliners is  definitely Vert Bronze.  It's a very unique color eyeliner that I really liked.

 

Chanel Ombre Deu Fluid Irisdescent Eyeshadow.  $30.00 USD.  Atoll, described as a gold sand color.  This color is absolutely stunning.  It's a very pretty gold sand color that looks great alone or as an eyeshadow base!  Also, looks great paired with Vert Bronze eyeliner.  I really love Vert Bronze it's a very unique eye liner color!

FEATURED - Saturday, March 29th 2008

Chanel: Aqualumiere Collection Color Story

 

Effortless summer beauty starts with lips that look sheer and bright, CHANEL designs a winning colour-trifecta: vibrant transparent hues that brush on - and glide on - for a clearly brilliant finish plus the see-thru luminosity of an easy lining pencil.  The added beauty of this collection: All shades of gloss, lipsitck and liner are complimentary to deliver even more options for lips that look moist, ripe....delectable!

Aqualumiere Gloss.  A new High Shine Sheer Concentrate gloss.  A gel based, high shine formula that delivers a punch of color.  Available in 9 colors.  Retail cost $26.00 USD.  Check out the colors below.

BonBon (Beige Rose Sparkle) Vanilla* (Creme) Freeze (Caramel) Candy Glow (Abricot) Diamond Rose (Rose Sparkle) Ironic Tonic (Sparkle Plum) Party Red (Sheer Red) Glass Quartz (Prailine) Bubble Plum (Deep Plum)

 

Aqualumiere Lipshine.  New runway colors, same fabulous formula.  This high shine, sheer coverage, a CHANEL top seller, debuts four new limited edition shades.  Retail $26.00 USD.  Check out the colors below.

Stressa (Rose) Como (Beige) Majorca (Rose Silver) Palma (Abricot)

Antigua** (Peony Rose) Barbados** (Beige Pink) Java**  (Sparkle Plum) Samoa**(Copper Rose)

 

Le Crayon Gloss.  Sheer Lip Colouring Pencil.  The perfect partner for CHANEL sheer lipsticks: this easy gliding precise lining pencil sheer enough to wear with gloss or alone as all over colour.  Retail $25.00 USD.

Clementine (Coral) Fraise (Pink) Rose Honey (Nude Rose) Grenadine (Cherry Red)

*Represents U.S. shade only  **Represents Repromotes 

This collection should hit most Chanel counters within the first week of May. 

May I go ahead and put my order in pretty please?  Look at those glosses, OH my!  The first color that's calling out my name is Party Red (the sheer red lip gloss) followed by Candy Glow (peach apricot color), followed by the Como (beige) lipshine lipstick. 

PS: I did google this new Aqualumiere gloss and found one color available.  But, please be aware this hasn't been released by CHANEL or any CHANEL approved retailers.  So, make sure your ordering from an reliable source.

The Model in the Aqualumiere Promo Ad is wearing: Le Crayon Gloss in Clementine (coral), Aqualumiere lipshine lipstick in Como (beige) and Aqualumiere gloss is Candy Glow (abricot).

Check out the Review and Swatches for Chanels newest gloss.

FEATURED - Wednesday, May 21st 2008

Neo Sci Fi: Swatches, Review, and Product Photos

 

Overall, the Neo Sci Fi is everything I expected.  I think this collection offers a little bit for everyone.  Most shades are very wearable and neutral toned, which many of us will find appealing.  However, there is quite a bit of repromotes in this collection.  But, this may be a good thing, espically if you didn't have chance to grab these in previous collections.  If the color swatches didn't grab your attention, well be prepared, the packaging is sure to "wake" up your day!

It don't take a brain scientist to figure out summer collections are all about the traditional Sun Godess.  So, if you think your seeing deja vu here, you probably are!  The color shades range in Golds, Bronze, Peach, and Browns.  And, I think Sci Fi will be more popular with warmer skin tones.  I really had fun playing with all the colors and chatting it up with the MA's today.  Espically, about the nail polishes.

So, do you notice what's missing in this collection?  Pinks!  The fact that there's not many pink color shades in this collection really tickles my fancy.  I know, I know.... A girl cannot have enough pinks, right?  Well, Pink "RULEZ" in my makeup collection, so, this is definitely a move in the right direction.

Of course, I didn't leave the MAC store empty handed. Take a sneak peek at my haulin pictures.  Some items I picked up were: Sci Fi Delity, Astral, Pink Grapefruit, and Supreme.  For the complete run-down, check out my haul.

Check out all the photo swatches below.

 

Neo Sci Fi Lipsticks  Astral - A mid-tone warm brown lustre with red and gold pigments. The red pearlized pigments are barely noticeable, and the gold shimmer makes this really pretty. Sci Fi Delity - A burnt red frost with gold pigments. As soon as I swatched this, I knew this was love at first site.  It's a perfect color that isn't to bold that everyone can rock. Electro - A very very bright neon orange.  As much as I love to look at gawk at this color, I need to get back to reality.  Because, I know electo would just sit their all lonley with her other sisters.  She has tons of sisters! Pleasureseeker - A sheer creamy peach glaze.  I really wanted to love this color (it was on my haulin list), but, sadly, it was extremely sheer.  My lips are fairly pigmented, so, it took about 5 applications to get good color.  Sunsonic - A light beige gold frost.  So, before you go, uggh... This is suprisingly, a very gorgeous color when paired up MAC's lipglass.  I felt like I was in one of those "Got Milk" advetisments.  umm, yeah, it was basically like a white frosted ring around my lips.  I think ya'll can image what that resembled!  However, I topped off with supreme lipglass = an oh so dreamy choclate creation.

Electro....your so electrifying....

 

Lipglass Naked Space  - is a nude peach with gold shimmer.  Naked Space is fairly light but,  a nice color, espically if your into nude colored glosses. Soft & Slow - is a mid-tone creamy plum with gold shimmer.  A nice pink that has good color pay-off. Pink Grapefruit - is a "must have" beautiful orange with gold pearl.  The swatches do not lie, it's absolultey amazing.  I plan on picking up a back-up this week.  Supreme - a rich milk choclate bronze with white pearl.  This is another color that just popped out to me, it's so rich.  It's also my first brown lipglass purchase.

 

I'm hypnotized by Pink Grapefruit...

Eyeshadows Magenetic Fields - is a brown black with silver pearl.  The color is much more brownish than black.  It's a great darker brown, espically for crease lines. Evening Aura -  is a frosty golden peach velux pearl.  Evening Aura was one of my favorite eyeshadows.  A very beautiful peach golden color for a softer look. Femme Fi - A frosty golden creme pearl velux.  A great highlighting that has awesome color pay-off. Time & Space - A rich copper brown that is highly pigmented.  The color pay-off is beyond excellent.  Expensive Pink - a pink with gold duochrome.  Although this is a permanent color, it is stunning.  I've owned this color for quite sometime and is one of my all-time fav's.

I know there's been alot of confusion about Expensive Pink.  This is a MAC permanent color.  So, don't let the bright orange packaging throw you off.  It's only being promoted with the orange packaging through the Neo Sci Fi collection.  However, the black packaging is available in their regular stock.

Some more pics below....

Powder Blush X-Rocks - A shimmery dirty mauve with great color pay-off and pigmentation. Spaced Out - A shimmery peach with good color pay-off.

I have a fancy with powder blushes, so this was a must have for me.  Spaced Out wasn't as highly pigmented compared to X-Rocks.  But, I may be back to my MAC store to pick up X-Rocks because it was just as gorgeous.

Cremestick Lip Liner 80% - is a Deep cocoa brown Beurre - is a dirted plum Summerfruit - a pale coral

Nail polishes are my major weaknesses.  I literally own about every color in the rainbow.  So, these color were a no brainer for me.  Check out the Neo Sci Fi photo swatches. 

Nail Polish Metalist - A soft light sand shimmer.  I think more of us will flock to this color because it's the safe route.  I passed on this color because it was boring and not unique.  In fact, it reminds me alot of Chanel Antilope and Dior's new summer one.  Plasma Blu - is an bright turquoise shimmer.   This is a pretty bright turquoise that will look fab on toes. Neon 8 - is a coral orange shimmer.  Neon 8 is my favorite color out of the four colors.  The color isn't as bright as you think.  And, is a great orange shade. Phosphor - a bright taxi cab yellow frost.

Check out MAC's Solar Field Review, Swatches, and Product Photos.

FEATURED - Sunday, June 1st 2008

Gold Member Baby: Chanel Fall 2008 Makeup

Chanel strikes it rich this Fall with jaw-dropping gold and bronze shades.  With the rising cost of gold, it's no wonder Chanel would be at the top of their game.  Facettes D'or nail color in gold fiction, delivers an massive 18 karats of illiminating gold right to your fingertips.  But, this gold rush nail candy don't come cheap.  This hyptonizing nail color will be retailing for $30.00. Chanel is also introducing Gold Fever, an finely milled golden powder that delivers a sheer glow of gold.  Gold Fever will be retailing for $50.00.  Two must-have products you don't want to over-look.  This new fall collection should hit most Chanel stores mid July. Check out the color story and info below.  

Lips

• Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick.  Simply Pink (coral pink), Fantastic Plum (deep purple) and Great Copper (bronze). $26.00 USD. 
• Rouge Allure Luminous Satin Lip Colour. Enthusiast (deep red creme). $30.00 USD.
• Aqualumière Sheer Colour Lipshine with SPF 15. Formentera (beigey rose) and Papeete (cranberry).
• Glossimer Lipgloss. Amberlight (bronze), Delight (lilac), and Gold Light, (shimmery gold). $26.00 USD.
• Precision Lip Definer.  Pretty Pink (medium nude pink). $28.00 USD.

 

Eyes

• Eye Shadow Quad in Reflets d’Ombre.  An eyeshadow palette with four shades in coffee, dark green, ivory, and gold. $55.00 USD.
• Soft Touch Eyeshadow.  Bronze, (metallic brown) on one side and Bois Bleu (dark teal) on the other. $27.50 USD.
• Silky Eyeshadow Duo. Cristal-Dusk contains two shadows in white and brown. $40.00 USD.
• Precision Eye Definer. Denim is a gray-blue shade. $27.50 USD.

Face

Powder Blush. Rose Dust is a pinky, plum shade. $42.00 USD. Soft Pressed Powder. Almond is a shimmery beige. $50.00 USD

Nails

Le Vernis in Kaléidoscope - is a greenish-gold shade Le Vernis in Fantastic - is a deep, plummy wine shade

The Chanel Fall Collection has arrived.  Check out the review, swatches, product photos and nail polish swatches for this brand new collection.

A little gold member for your viewing pleasures!

FEATURED - Saturday, August 9th 2008

Smashbox Wicked Lovely: Swatches and Review

 

Smashbox embraces the sensual duality within every woman with the Wicked Lovely Collection, an arsenal of vampy shades and sinfully rich textures to create an all-over look that can be charmingly sweet, devilishly sexy, or a little bit of both.

Overall, the wicked lovely collection is a mixture of smokey and vampy shades for fall that's not over the top.  It's a great choice for anyone that's not looking for color pay-off and more of a cooler toned down smokey eye look.  However, this collection was highly disappionting - due to the lack of color pay-off.  The eye shadow duo took several swipes to achieve color and the blush didn't even show up on my NC-30 skin.

Check all the swatches below. 

Both eye shadow duo's were very similar and it was hard distinguishing the difference.

The Doubletake Lip Color applied creamy and smooth.  A  perfect combination to accomplish a pink nude lip.

Sultry is the key player in this collection.  A vampy black cherry lip gloss that had excellent color pay-off and is gorgeous. 

Wicked lovely blush rush in charm hardly showed up in my swatches and I just couldn't get a precise color to swatch.  This collection would suit a cooler skin tone much better as mine was much too dark.  Sultry lip gloss was the only item I picked up in the Wicked Lovely collection.

Hope ya'll are having an excellent Saturday!

FEATURED - Friday, August 29th 2008

Bobbi Brown Gift With Purchase: Skincare Set

Isn't Bobbi Brown's new shimmering nude eye palette just divine?  Get it while you can.  Do you guys remember how insane ebay prices were last year for the stonewashed palette?  For three days only - spend $85.00 and receive and complimentary skincare to go set.  Enter SKIN2008 at checkout.  Free shipping over $75.00.

FEATURED - Friday, September 5th 2008

Bobbi Brown: Shimmering Nudes Eye Palette

 

Bobbi Brown introduces a new limited edition shimmering nude palette ($50).  A eye shadow palette consisting of seven cool and warm nude shades that's flattering on every skintone.  This includes a combination of soft, pearlized Shimmer Wash Eye Shadows and high-shimmer Metallics to softly illuminate eyes, and Espresso Eye Shadow to line eyes. Comes with a dual-ended Eye Shadow/ Eye Liner Brush.

The seven shades includes: (pictured above from left to right) Nude Beach Metallic, Nude Mist Shimmer, Naked Eye, Nude Glow Metallic, Mica Shimmer, Nude Spice Metallic, and Espresso.  Check out the photo swatches below.

   

I'll be the first to admit, neutral shades usually aren't my thing.  But, something kept pulling towards Bobbi's Brown new shimmering nudes eye palette.   The shades are a nice mixtures of the metro chic colors debuting this fall.  Plus, you get three new bobbi brown metallic shades.  A great deal - espically, if you don't own any of these shades.

When swatching the shimmer nudes palette, I was a little hesitant because the color pay-off wasn't that great on my NC-35 skin.  But, when coordinated with the other shades in the palette, it was well worth it.  You can go from professional and sophicated to a sexy, smokey eye look in minutes.

This palette is now availabe at Bobbi Brown for a limited time and retails for $50.00.

FEATURED - Thursday, October 9th 2008

MAC Emanuel Ungaro: Review, Photo Swatches

Dreamy, softly impressionistic, reverential...To celebrate his exciting debut, It-Designer, Esteban Cortazar, celebrity makeup artist, Sharon Dowsett, and M·A·C come together backstage to create a colour collection in the spirit of today's Ungaro.

Overall, this collection is a fresh outlook towards fall.  Unlike most collections out there, Ungaro offers a selection of neutral and pink pales shades.  MAC's been saving me some major mula lately.  These last few releases, I've been coming home empty handed.  I just wasn't feeling this collection whatsoever.  The eyeshadows seemed dull to me when swatching.  However, I did like the Creme Colour base.

Check out the swatches below. 

Soft Flower was a very bright (almost too bright for me) coral shade.  And, honestly, I just wasn't feeling any of these colors excpet Phloof which is in MAC's permanment stock..

MAC's Cream Colour base was the only worthwhile products from the launch that peeked my interest.  The texture was incredibly smoothy and creamy.  Their even multi-purpose that's suitable for eyes and cheeks.  Fresh Morning makes for a great nude lip topped with your favorite lip glass.

Not So Shy lip stain don't even compare to Benefits, Benetint as far as quality.  But, I do have to give my props to MAC because the day after swatching, the red stain was still on my hand.

Both lipsticks were pretty nude on me.  It took several applications to achieve any color on my lips.

Flower Mist Dew is a chalky pink shade that was barely faint on my NC-30 skin.

The Emanuel Engaro collection is now available at maccosmetics.com.

FEATURED - Friday, October 10th 2008

Sally Hansen Fall 08: Tracy Reese Collection

Year after Year Sally Hansen collaborates with fashion designer, Tracy Reese to bring us the latest and greatest nail trends right from the Runway.  For Fall 2008, Sally Hansen and Tracy Resse introduces 10 limited edition shades directly from Tracy's Fall 2008 Fashion Runway show.

The fall collection includes 10 new shades sure to please any appetite.  The shades range from your basic nude colors to vampy and edgy - perfect for fall trends.  Sally's best selling formula provides full coverage with two easy applications.  Some colors used three applications just to even everything out.  But, overall, two coats was the average for me.

Check out all the photo swatches below.

I'll be the first to admit - nude colors aren't my thang but, Divinity - a true nude with gold shimmer and slight pink undertones ended up being one of my favorite shades from the Fall collection.

 

Quartz Chameleon - a soft pink with gold shimmer.

Moonstone was my least favorite shade from the Tracy Reese collection.  Despite the grey bottle color, it's more of an white frost with silver shimmer. 

If it wasn't for Sally Hansen's previous release in Gunmetal, I would be all over this color.  Stormy Blue was slightly disappionting just because Gunmetal is pretty much an exact dupe.

 For the swatch above, three coats were applied on each nail.

Raven's Wing - a black loaded down with black, gold, and silver shimmer that's very blingy.  I absolutely love black nail polish colors for Fall - it's the new blue baby.  What makes Raven's Wing different from any other black is the beautiful gold base shimmer.

The Good Earth - a dark brown coffee shade with gold and red shimmer.  Good Earth is a darker brown than Chanel's new one, Haute Chocolat.  Check out the brown nail polish comparisons.

Alchemy, another favorite from the collection, a magenta purple with red and pink shimmer.

Cruel Heart - a ruby red with matching shimmer.  Just your standard red, nothing special.

Night Lily - a deep berry purple pink creme.  Unfortanetly, my swatch isn't an accurate color respresentation for some reason.  It's a much deeper purple berry shade that's very pretty. Check out an example below.

Night Lily has the same base color as Massini's Purple Medallion.  Just to give you an idea how off my swatch is above.

The Tracy Reese collection should be available now at most stores reatailing ($4.99 and up).

FEATURED - Monday, October 20th 2008

MAC Sheer Minerals: Photo Swatches, Review

When it comes to naked skin, flawless sheen can't be faked. A selection of sheer mineral powders that keep the action focused, the skin vibrantly alive. Goes on as your first and last layer. A performance in the nude - in three perfect parts.

MAC introduces the Sheer Minerals collection along with Red She Said this holiday.  In this new release you'll see a couple repromotes and the ever popular MSF's (mineralized skinfinish).  Overall, I was more attracted to Sheer Minerals than Red She Said.

If your one to fancy the MSF's (like myself), you'll love this new release. One noticeable difference from the powders is the loose has an metallic sheen and the MSF's, a satin texture.

Let me say, it was really hard to choose colors because their all equally beautiful.  But, sadly, I only came home with one of each: Sheerbronze and Petticoat.

Check out the swatches below.

Sheerbronze is a gorgeous orangey bronze that had the best color pay-off out of the three.  This shade may be a little hard to pull off espically for those with lighter skin tones but, is a excellent bronzer for summer.  Lucent is another great color that will probably appeal to most.  If my pocket book don't cut me short this month, I'll be back to pick up Lucent.

Note: The loose powder does come in a smaller container, sadly. 

Petticoat is a gorgeous pink color that will appeal on pretty much everyone.  So Ceylon, another gorgeous bronzey shade that would coordinate perfectly with Sheerbronze loose powder.  So hard to choose, seriously!

 

 The sheer minerals collection is now available on maccosmetics.com.

FEATURED - Tuesday, November 25th 2008

CK Barefoot: A Good Neutral Nail Color

Usually, you wouldn't catch me wearing any kind of natural shade on my nail, but Sally Hansen's Divinity, from the Tracy Reese fall collection, opened my mind to explore other interesting neutral colored shades.

So, I was anxious to try Barefoot because of the bursh discripency from my first CK experience.  And, I'm happy to report that - no application problems and the brush was perfect.

Barefoot's described as a jelly like, nude-pink with loads of shimmer.   It looks completely natural on nails with a perfect amount of sparkle and shine.

Sally Hansen's, Divinity is the closest dupe I have to Barefoot.  It's more opaque, nude and has alot less shimmer compared to CK's.

Barefoot is now available at Sephora and retails for $10.

FEATURED - Sunday, December 28th 2008

Sneak Peek: Dior Spring 2009 Nail Colors

For Spring 2009 Dior introduces two new lovely colors right on track with the Whites, Pink, and Nude upcoming nail trends.  When Dior's promo images surfaced on the net a few weeks ago, I was thinking "oh more pink and nudes" how boring.  So, to make a long story short - I'm totally biting my tongue on this one you guys.

Porcelaine is decribed as a feminine porcelain pink nail color with fine white/silver shimmer that was surprising pretty.  It reminds me of a perfected version Chanel's Allegoria with added shimmer and less the hassle.  Porcelain also resembles Chanel's new one, Django but with more pink undertones.

Dior's Porcelain has it going on because it's actually opaque in a non streaky way.  While swatching, it wasn't like I had time to paint three and four coats.  So, my nail swatches below are all done with a firm two coats.  Which is one of the reasons it sold me!  

All swatches are done with two coats including the MAC Colors. 

Now let's talk about Dior's Nude Chic.  A true to color nude beige jelly with no visible shimmer.  Slighty sheerer than Porcelain, but still good color pay-off for a nude.  Application was perfect with no streaking.

Picture Above: Dior 189 Porcelaine/Porcelain.

 

The Dior 09 Makeup collection should be available online and at counters mid Janurary.

FEATURED - Monday, December 28th 2009

MAC Cosmetics Love Lace: Nail Lacquer Swatches

Product: MAC Love Lace Collection, Nail Lacquer .34 oz

Price: $12.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: MAC Cosmetics, Macy's, Nordies

Couture's fascination with lace is a long love affair. Intensely intimate, our newest collection captures lace's notoriety and allure.

When I first saw the promo images for MAC's newest collection, I immediately thought of J Lo's chic lace nails created by Celebrity Manicurist, Elle. Love Lace brings us a limited edition shade this winter called, Light Affair. A crisp, clean neutral that's the perfect accessory to Lace.

Before we move on, let's talk about the application. It wasn't completely perfect. I had minor application issues, but managed to smooth out my brush strokes within three coats.

Check out the swatches.

MAC describes Light Affair as a creamy grey taupe. It's more along the lines of a pale grey nude with a hint of lavender that's barely noticeable. Very chic and wearable.      

 

Even though it's hard to tell from my swatch, Light Affair isn't an exact dupe to Body Language. The faint lavender shines through just a bit when compared side by side. If you already own Essie's, I'd say you can probably skip this one.  

 

Put your hands up if you love Polka Dots. Oh, yeah! I love how Cool Reserve contrasts the slight lavender undertones in Light Affair.

Has anyone picked up Light Affair? What do you think of lace nails? Have a wonderful night!

FEATURED - Saturday, January 31st 2009

Nail Polish of the Day: OPI Hollywood Blonde

Hope ya'll are havin a great Saturday morning.  Today's polish, OPI Hollywood Blonde, is a shimmering pink nude that debuted in the '07 Holiday in Hollywood collection.

Blondes do have more fun. The saying don't lie.  And, little miss attention grabber wants you to recgonize and take notice.

It's all thanks to the peculiar shade of Miss Hollywood Blonde that has me turning my hate relationship  for nudes and pinks into la, la, love!

Check out more swatches below.

Outside in Shade

Comparisons of Chanel's Delice, OPI Hollywood Blond and CK's Barefoot.   Hollywood Blonde is a discontinued shade, but I've seen her around Trade Secret and some other beauty stores. 

Have a great day!

 

FEATURED - Wednesday, February 11th 2009

Zoya Jumps into Spring with a Twist

This Spring, Zoya introduces six new resfreshing colors to the Twist collection.  Instead of going the traditional route of sheers, pastels and nude, Zoya mixes it up with some feminine yet edge colors for everyone to love.

Overall, this is a fantastic collection.  All the colors flowed perfectly with my skin tone which made it easy to love the entire collection.  The formula was smooth like butter which made this collection a dream to apply.  All my swatches were done with two coats.

Check out all the swatches below.      

Harley - a mid tone gray with flecks of goldish bronze shimmmer that tops my favorite from the twist collection. 

 Jo - a mix between periwinkle and cornflower with silver shimmer that top's my second favorite.. 

 

 Mailia - a gorgeous lilac creme that looks great on both tips and toes.

Barbie's name couldn't be anymore fitting.  A barbie pink with subtle shimmer that's not very noticeable.  In my swatch above, you can notice the subtle shimmer on the bottle.

Cassie is a mix between a peach and coral with gold shimmer. 

Moxie is a great shade that you can wear all year round. Described as a deep berry creme.

The twist collection is now available at Art of Beauty and retails for $36.00. 

FEATURED - Sunday, May 17th 2009

Essie Summer 09 Nail Polish Collection

Essie's Summer collection, available June 1st, is created from soft to neutral colors you've seen on the fashion runway. The shades ranging from pinks, corals and neutrals.  Check out the color story below.

Fashion marches on in its homage to individuality, optimism & whimsy. Designers showcased their antidotes to reality with collections of wearable clothes with a unique twist. Tangy brights spiced up neutrals with a splash of youthful flair, silhouettes went slouch, the little pink dress replaced the little black dress and the shredded lace of the 80's are officially back!

Not Just a Pretty Face - This natural nude provides balance and beauty with a touch of comfort. It's a timeless classic that never goes out of style.

Chubby Cheeks - This rich sunset coral is summer captured in a flash. Versatile, sophisticated and bold, pair it with a smile and strike a pose.

Lovie Dovie - Pink lovers unite! Flattering and feminine, soft but vibrant, no one can resist falling in love with this true flamingo pink. Utterly romantic, it's the one.

Luscious Lips - Sweethear by day, vixen by night, this sultry pink transitions perfectly from work to after-hours. it's pretty in pink for all skin tones and a summer glow must-have.

Funny Face - Too pink or not too pink, that is the question. Worry no more and experience pink to the max with this provoicative fuchsia. Bright and gorgeous, it's fierce, fierce, fierce! The timid need not to apply.

Cute as a Button - A summer favorite, this juicy persimmon delight is teh feel good fantasy to our current reality. Indulge in some happy fun. You deserve it.

The Essie Summer Nail Polish collection is availalbe June 1st at Essie and fine spa's and retails for $8.00/ea.

FEATURED - Sunday, February 22nd 2009

Essie Spring 09 Collection Swatches

Essie Springs foward this season introducing six new shades.  A mixture of mostly reds, pinks, nudes and blue sure to please a craving or two.

Overall, this is a collection of safe colors.  If your looking for professional shades you can sport day to day to work, this is a great varitey for your spring wardrobe.  For the nail addicts (like myself), you'll probably find the Spring release to be a bit boring and bland.

Mesmerize is a bold pop of Blue that I suggest everyone grabs.  A great color that looks fab on any skintone.

All my swatches were done with two applications.  On the lighter colors, you'll need a firm three coats with most.  I applied mine rather thick to achieve two coats.

Check out the swatches below. 

Flawless is a muted mauvey pink creme that's really starting to grow on me.  At first, I wasn't sure about this shade because it's different from most pinks I own.

 

As much as I wanted to love this perfect shade of nude pink creme, Eternal Optimist seemed to clash with my olive skin tone.  Although, I'll probably keep her around because this is an awesome color for the office.

Status Symbol is a vibrant medium toned pink that comes in as my second fave.  A great summer shade for mani's and pedi's.

Be Mesmerized with this vibrant shade of blue from Essie.  A medium blue with hints of periwinkle.  A definite must have from Essie's Spring collection.

On to my two least favorites from Essie's Spring collecton.  One of a Kind is a red with orange that's similar to Lacquered Up with the exception of orange undertones. 

 

Lacquered up is a true cherry red creme.

The Spring collection is now available at Head2Toe & Tansdesign and retails between $4.00-$8.00.

FEATURED - Monday, March 9th 2009

Spring 09: Orly Prepster Collection Swatches

The Prepster collection from Orly is the second edition to the Spring 09' round up.  In the Carnivale Collection, we saw bright pops of orange, purple and pink. This collection is the soft side of spring that offers six nex shades ranging from pastel pink, blue and nudes.

It's time to get your tennis rackets and polo sticks out while you get ready for Orly's Prepster spring collection.  A mixture of shades you'll see at the country club or on the tennis courts with names like Cashmere Cardigan, Polo Princess and Prim & Proper.

Some must haves: Cashmere Cardigan, Polo Princess and Country Club Khaki.

Check out all the swatches below. 

Cashmere Cardigan is a gorgeous periwinkle blue creme that applied perfectly in two coats. This color just pops, loves it! 

Tennis Anyone is a off white sheer creme that applied with three coats.  In all honestly, this could have used a fourth coat. 

Prim & Proper is a light metallic purple with pink undertones.  A much lighter and version of Deborah Lippmann's, Purple Rain.

If you don't mind the hassle of metallics, you'll like this one.  The application is much like any metallic really, including Purple Rain.

Country Club Khaki is a fantastic color all around.  Described as a khaki nude creme perfect for any season.  A great alternative to Rescue Beauty Lounge's, Grunge. 

Polo Princess is a pastel pink creme that applied a tad streaky, but not terribly.  I needed three coats to even everything out.

OMG is a bright hot pink coral creme that applied fairly sheer.  I needed three coats to achieve bottle color.

The Prepster collection is now available at Head2Toe and retails for $3.50/ea.

FEATURED - Tuesday, March 24th 2009

OPI Spring Summer 09: South Beach Collection

 

This Spring and Summer, OPI dives into the South Beach with splashes of color.  Introducing 12 new shades this season ranging from your pinks, coral, and purples to bronze and nudes.

Today I'm beginning with my six favorite shades from the South Beach collection. Overall, OPI played this collection on the safe side.  We're seeing your typical pink and red corals that's pretty, but not entirely unique. Along with a few suprises such as a Done out in Deco and Bronzed to Perfection.

Most the colors applied smooth like butta with no visible problems. All my swtaches were done with mostly two or three coats - just to even out everything.   

Check out all the swatches.

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot is the shade you've probably seen in the promo images or in your magazines. Described as a bright hot pink with coralish undertones that's more brightened than pictured in my swatches above.

Note: Model in promo image above is wearing Feelin' Hot-Hot-Hot.

Bronzed to Perfection is different and the most unique out of the bunch. Described as a bronzey orange with chunky gold and red shimmer.

It's really hard getting used to this color because I don't own anything like it. Perhaps, maybe in the summer this will look a little better.

Done out in Deco is just stunning and my favorite by far. Described as a pastel lilac purple that certainly compliments warmer skin tones.

Miami Beet is a deep berry purple creme that's much darker than pictured above.

OPI on Collins Avenue is just your standard reddish coral creme. Not so much unique, but looks very pretty on your nails or toes.

Overexposed in South Beach is a pretty purple with purple and pink shimmer.

The South Beach collection is now available at Salons or online at Transdesign.

What's your guys favorites? 

FEATURED - Tuesday, March 24th 2009

LA Girls Flare Nail Polish: Swatches, Review

Hope your having a fabulous Tuesday. Spring is officially here and I couldn't be more happier with the weather we've been having this week. A couple weeks ago, I stumbled upon some pretty hot new colors at Forever 21 that I like to share with you guys.

Before I get down to the nitty gritty, let's talk about where these babies are available. You can find LA Girls Flare at Urban Outfitters, Cherry Culture (online) and Forever21 stores usually located in the malls or even online. They retail between $2.80 and $4.00 - depending where you find them.

The nail polish names are kinda tricky and a little bit confusing. Most stores like, Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters just have color descriptions on the sticker (ie: green, blue, coral) rather than the official names (ie: midnight, diva, saharan sand). I've included both names in my swatches, so you shouldn't have any problems.

Formula quality. Being so reasonably priced, LA Flare's formula rocks. I seriously haven't came across one shade that wasn't smooth and opaque. Most colors only required two or three coats at most. And, usually three coats was due to my errors.

I'll be keeping this post active and eventually adding all my LA girls swatches. So, make sure you add this to your favorites!

The best shade out of all my LA Girls Flare nail colors, Midnight Diva (dark purple). Descbried as a blue purple jelly with a rainbow of micro duochrome shimmer (pink, purple, gold, blue).

I couldn't resist posting massive nail spam of Midnight Diva - she's just absolutely breath-taking!

 It's hard to see the different colors of shimmer, but it's definitely there!

Saharan Sand (nude) is another terrific spring shade. An opaque grey beige creme, much like Essie's Body Lanuage that just pops with my skintone (NC-30). Love it.

Flushed (coral) is a great spring color, espically if you looking for alternatives to Chanel's, L.A. Sunset or Orange Fizz. Maybe not an exact dupe, but pretty darn close and certainly not noticeable to the naked eye.

Described as a bright (not neon bright) peach orange creme that was opaque in two coats.

Blazing Hot (coral) is a red coral creme. A great alternative to OPI on Collins Ave or Sephora OPI, Lost without my GPS.

Honeymoon Lavender (lavender) is a blue based mid tone lavender purple that's gorgeous! This would look fab on everyone.

Hello, foil goodness! Irony (silver) is a silver blue foil that's pigmented like crazy.

I pretty muched loved all their new colors! Next time you stop by the mall, why not swing by a Forever21 or Urban Outfitter store - you won't regret it!

Here's some other colors from LA Girls Flare:

Bedazzle (purple) is a blue based purple creme.

 

Galaxy (grey) a stormy grey creme much like Hot Topic's, Grey Muted. Call me crazy, but I would totally rock this color in a professional work atmosphere. A bit daring - but very posh!  

 Tropical (teal) is greenish teal creme.

 Envy (green) is a deep forest green with teal undertones.

 

Twinkling (blue) is a bright (not neon bright) mix between a sky blue and cornflower.

I want to hear your guys favorites? Aren't these colors fab :)

FEATURED - Tuesday, July 28th 2009

NOTD: Sephora Under my Trench Coat

Hope your having a wonderful Tuesday! With all the Dark Room sadness yesterday, I figured you guys could use a little cheering up with Sephora's, Under my Trench Coat.

From the polish name, down to color - I love everything about Under my Trench Coat! One of Sephora's standout shades from the Fall collection, Film Noir. It's described as a grungy khaki beige with gold micro-shimmer that's really gorgeous!

My Application: On my swatches above, I used three coats. The polish applied streaky at first, like some Sephora by OPI colors, but evened out in the end. No real issues.

 

Unique? Definitely! Meet Sephora's Run with it! distant cuz. A more brown version, but with the same gold micro-shimmer in both. A true khaki compared to RBL's Grunge and Orly's Country Club Khaki, which has more "mauve" undertones.

Under my Trench Coat is available at Sephora and retails for $9.00/ea. Have a fantastic day!

FEATURED - Friday, July 31st 2009

Summer 09: Essie Cute as a Button Swatches

Happy Friday, woot woot! Can you believe we only have one month of summer left? Yep! Vampies look out, here we come. But, before we step over to the dark side, I wanted to bring you two last Summer collections that were hiding under my fall excitement.

This Summer, Essie's given us a variety of color to choose from. North Folk gave us a reason to sail our blues away with three oceanic shades, The Neons - rock out with four brights perfect for those tootsies and Cute as a Button, a mixture of six flirty hues perfect for your feminine side.

Overall, a nice selection of six, soft and cute colors that are surprisingly wearable! The application was perfect. Most colors are three coaters, with the exception of a couple.

Check out the swatches. 

 

Not Just a Pretty Face, a semi sheer nude with a dash of pink. A lighter, more beige version of Essie's sister, Eternal Optimist. I was worried that Not just a Pretty Face would clash with my skintone, but it didn't!   

Lovie Dovie is a fun, bubblegum pink creme that's opaque in two coats. Girls, If you don't own a classic candy colored pink, go grab you some Lovie Dovie.

Lucious Lips reminds me of another semi sheer pink that I love, Orly's Confetti. Although, Lucious Lips may be a tad bit pinker with better pay-off.  

Cute as a button is a creamy mixture of coral, pink and orange that's really pretty! An excellent summer color, especially for your tootsies!

Funny Face isn't your typical hot pink cream. It's mixed with a tad of purple, which makes this a deeper hue of pink - slighty magenta! Loves it! 

Chubby Cheeks is a pumpkin spice creme with a dash of pink undertones. Sally Hansen's Nasturtium is just a tad bit more orange compared to Chubby Cheeks. A great fall color heading into October!

Essie's Cute as a Button collection is now available at Essie, professional salons and E-tailers! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

FEATURED - Monday, November 2nd 2009

Holiday Collection: Avon Nailwear Pro Sparkle

Product: Avon Nailwear Pro Sparkle Shades, Nail Lacquer 0.4 oz

Price: $5.00/ea or Sale Price $2.99

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Avon, Avon Rep

When I was bargain shopping with some friends a few months ago, I spotted an old - yet loved brand that I haven't revisited since High School. It's been years since I flipped through Avon's mini catalog of makeup, fashion and even electronics. But I only had one thing on my mind and it was nail polish!

Through Beauty Blogs, Makeup Forums and friends I've heard all good things about Avon's Nailwear Pro Nail Enamel and couldn't wait to test them out myself. Some of the core line colors aren't too spectacular or unique, but the Sparkle shades are worth peeping out.

In the Sparkle Collection is four holiday colors sprinkled with loads of gold shimmer. For the most part, formula is opaque and all my swatches varied between two or three coats.

Check em' out!

Let's start with the best, Golden Twilight. Even though this looks like your standard black with gold shimmer, it's actually in a gorgeous, deep purple-blue (ink) base. Since its opaque, all you'll need is two coats.

Looking at the bottle I thought this might be close to Wagon Trail, but wrong. Golden Twilight has a faint purple/blue base when compared.

Golden Wine is a red wine drenched in gold shimmer. A great holiday color!

Golden Wine also looks great mattified. It takes on a velvet-y appearance.

Golden Rose is a frosty pink rose with gold shimmer.

Gold Nude is a peach/nude/gold combination with gold shimmer. I'm not sure how I feel about this one, it's very different from anything I normally wear. But different can be good!

Overall, great Holiday collection. Nice formula, application and Big 3 Free. Priced on sale now at $2.99 each - you can't beat that. I adore the sparkle based textures and would love to see more shimmers to their Nailwear Pro Line.

Make sure you add the Photo Gallery to your favorites, I have several core line colors I'll be posting soon.

So who loves Avon's Nailwear Pro Line? What do you guys think of the new Sparkle Shades?

FEATURED - Wednesday, December 30th 2009

Sally Hansen Complete Salon: Lavender Cloud

Last week I talked about the new and improved Sally Hansen Salon in Commander in Chic and today I'm bringing you another core line shade called, Lavender Cloud. This one is interesting, very interesting - especially if you love whites.

Lavender Cloud is described as an opaque, white creme dashed with pale lavender-pink undertones. The application and formula caught me off guard. I didn't expect perfection, no streaking in two coats! Loves it!

Check out a comparison swatch below.  

As you can see in the swatch above, Lavender Cloud is much whiter compared to Light Affair, which is more of a nude with a touch of lavender.

If you love the new Sally Hansen Salon, it's a great time to stock up. Walgreens is having a Buy one, Get one free sale this week on Salon and Inta-Dri's. That's two for $7.95 - great deal!

What do you think of Lavender Cloud? What are some of your favorite colors form the Complete Salon Manicure line? Have a happy and safe New Year!

Love these? Check out more Complete Salon Manicure colors.

FEATURED - Saturday, January 2nd 2010

Chanel Spring 2010: Les Impressions De Chanel

Product: Les Impressions De Chanel Collection, Nail Lacquer .40 oz

Price: $23.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Chanel, Chanel Counters, Nordies

This Spring, the Les Impressions de Chanel collection brings us a palette of three neutral nail lacquers ranging from sheer pink and classic nude to a grayed out muddy brown.

Let's get to the swatches, shall we?

Tendresse is a soft pink that's your typical spring shade. Tendresse may not be completely sheer like most neutral pinks. You can get by with three coats for decent coverage and four coats for full coverage. 

Chanel describes Particuliere as a grey creme, which is a little misleading. It fits into the mushroom/taupe/brown category. All you need is two coats to get the job done - the pigmentation is fabulous. If you're into mushroom shades right now, this is definitely worth the splurge.

I have some bad news for your pocketbooks. Particuliere does not have an exact dupe. It falls somewhere between OPI's Over the Taupe and Avon's Nocturnal. OPI's leans towards a mauvey-brown and Avon's is much darker like You Don't Know Jacques.

Edit: I've had a lot of questions regarding Essie's Mink Muffs and Orly's Prince Charming as close dupes. Just to clarify, both colors are much darker than Chanel Particuliere. Check out another comparison of Mink Muffs. 

Inattendu is a classic nude-beige cream with peachy undertones. A nice Au Naturel with good coverage, but not for me.

Overall, a nice selection of neutrals for Spring. Particuliere is the standout color from Les Impressions. Inattendu and Tendresse are nice, but can easily be duped. if you're looking for flesh or mannequin type shades, Essie has a good variety to choose from.

Does Particuliere live up to your expectations? Are you picking up any shades from Les Impressions? Have a wonderful Saturday!  

FEATURED - Thursday, January 28th 2010

American Apparel Gets All Lacquered Up

Collection: American Apparel Nail Lacquer .5 oz

Retail Price: $6.00/ea

Steph's Rating:

Buy it: Will be available in a week or two.

American Apparel, known for their edgy yet provocative clothing line launches a beauty brand consisting of 18 new nail lacquers.

Before we get to the initial review, I feel we need to discuss the article posted on Jezebel a few days ago. After hearing different stories and receiving numerous emails, I felt it was necessary to contact my PR rep to get the real deal and here's what they said:

After receiving a few reports of bottles breaking, we made the internal decision to do a voluntary recall of the bottles on both a retail and public level.

We chose this small US manufacturer to produce our nail polish because we support their business model and have a fondness for family who runs it. However, one of the realities of all manufacturing is first-run glitches. We worked all last week with the manufacturer to make the improvements necessary for the second run. Another reason we sought out a US-based company is so we would be able make changes and now, we can investigate what went wrong as quickly as possible. We still believe in the factory we're working with and the new polish will be in stores within the next two weeks.

We will offer an exchange of two new bottles or a $10 giftcard for anyone who brings in a unit from the original run or a receipt.

On another note, one thing we're taking very seriously is the disposal of the bottles we had in the stores. Even though our polish was DBP, toluene, and formaldehyde-free, we don't want our stores just tossing it in the trash. We're using our internal shipping and distribution line to arrange a pickup and removal of the polish to make sure it gets done right.

Since we have that covered, let's move on to the good stuff. American Apparel... who would of guessed? This stuff is selling like hotcakes and the proof is in the pudding or shall we say lacquer. The color selection is unbelievable with 18 different creme shades to choose from, reasonably priced at $6.00 each or 3 for $15 in stores.

Talk about perfect formula, these were oh so dreamy to apply. Each color is smooth, opaque and lasted four days with a base and top coat. Way to go American Apparel!

Check out the swatches.   

I never get tired of greens and Office is a nice minty green creme.

Mouse fits into the taupe/mushroom/nude category. It's much lighter than most mushroom shades on the market. A great neutral that goes with everything.

Hunter is a deep, vampy hunter green creme.

Hassid is a black creme that dries to a satin like finish.

Overall, Awesome! If you're a creme lover, then this is your cup of tea. Perfect application, formula and color selection.

Have you tried American Apparel polishes yet? What do you think of the brand? Have a wonderful day!

Full Disclosure: The following product(s) was provided to Steph's Closet by the manufacturer or PR company for consideration.

FEATURED - Saturday, January 30th 2010

Preview: Color Club Who Are You Wearing

Happy Saturday! How is everyone enjoying their weekend so far? This morning Mother Nature came knockin' at my door and left a load of white stuff we all love (ha, ha). .  But I'm ready to move on to Spring, aren't you?  So let's start with a preview from Color Club's newest collection called, Rebel Debutante.

Who Are You Wearing is one of nine new colors from Color Club this Spring. Hmm... How do we describe this one? A little bit of white, beige and lavender combined in a semi sheer, creme formula.

Since the formula was a bit sheer, I did have some application problems. The first two coats applied rather streaky, but I was able to even things out with the third. Nonetheless, I love the color and was determined to make this work. It pops with tan or darker skin tones!

Check out a comparison below. 

 

Who Are You Wearing falls somewhere between Light Affair and Lavender Cloud. Not as beige as MAC's and not as stark as Sally's.

Having some polka dot fun with the collection colors!  

What do you guys think of Who Are You Wearing? Stay tuned, I'll be posting the reminder of Rebel Debutante in a couple days!

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