Marc Jacobs Beauty..Nails it

Enamored

While in the depths of discovering new beauty products, looks, traveling and work. I fell off the grid and forgot to follow-up on my Marc Jacobs Beauty post. I've been thinking about it and other things I need to fill you in on and  I'm constantly reminded when I walk into Sephora to check out seasonal debuts or if I'm in the West Village thinking about a buttercream Magnolia treat and am greeted by a BookMarc and Marc by Marc Jacobs stores on opposite corners.

Well lets get down to business, shall we? The collection debuted ..buzz, buzz, buzz. Now there is another display to fancy when doing your lunch break Sephora run. Some dust has settled a bit annnnd review time!
I was impressed with some products while others I just left right there on the display or quietly pouted as I walked away shaking my head. Well, I'm still going to let my Loves, Likes and ?'s be known right. now.

Loves: Marc Jacobs Enamored- the nail varnish is amazing! the colors are rich, the finish is glossy and the staying power lasted through the week.

• Fave colors- Lux- Electric Ooze, Delphine- Particuliere-ly and Fawn-y

Likes: LoveMarc Lip gel- the shades that err on the side of deep are done right. The vampy colors ( i.e. Neo- Noir and Saboteur) are sophisticated with a bit of camp but - isn't that what we want in a lippie anyway?

Gripe 1. I had really high hopes for the nudes- Hello? Strange Magic was supposed to be my jam! The color description vs. the actual color of the product was a huge let down. Insert Sephora pout face.

Marc Jacobs Fall 2014 Beauty Look photo: Style.com

Marc Jacobs Fall 2014 Backstage. NARS photo: Style.com

?  Despite the MJ beauty collection launch last year, the Spring 2014 Marc Jacobs runway show featured some of the Summer 2014 beauty products but this past runway show for Fall 2014, the Marc Jacobs runway shows still featured NARS product backstage. Huh?
I know that Marc and Francois have worked together for years coming up with some of the best runway looks in the decades (see here) but my question is- if you have a beauty line, why not use it in your show?
Further, having your products in your show provides inspiration for say.. beauty peeps like me.

So now that we have almost a full year under the beauty tutelage of Marc, I'm still looking forward to what will happen next.

Riri Hearts MAC: Riri Woo reviewed

Riri Woo.. at the kitchen table

Riri Woo Swatched

Before the chaos that was the Riri Hearts MAC on June 18th,  I picked up Riri Woo at the MAC Times Square store on quiet rainy day in May. I was ready for the MA to tell me that the lippie was all sold out but instead showed me the boxes that were available.. don't know if even a lippie is available now. I haven't been to the store since my purchase and I just checked the website and Riri Woo is on backorder until the middle of this month. Pressing on.

 Riri Woo is described as a "Matte Cool Red" retro matte lipstick but unfortunately the color description doesn't do the product justice as Ruby Woo is Riri Woo's bigger sister on the age spectrum and as far as color, both Woos are very similar.

I love the light textures of the retro mattes and this one is no different. The lipcolor stayed on for over 4 hours, including dinner and left a nice tint when rounding the 4th hour.

If you don't have this color already try to hold on for the next 2-3 weeks, its worth the wait.

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush Twill 618 reviewed

New Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush in Twill 618

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush Twill 618 swatched

 In the past I have fallen into the lipstick-like lip balm trap. Where the lipstick color was supposed to seamlessly blend with your lip color and the texture was to feel gel-like or sheer. Nevertheless those lipstick/balms are in the garbage.

Now here comes Dior's Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush lipsticks that deliver a similar promise, a lipstick-like lip balm feel that hydrates, plumps and smoothes your lips. Also, this new lipstick comes in 10 shades that complement the warm and cool blush tones in our individual skin tone. Yes!

I am completely satisfied with this lipstick, it delivers as promised! The formula allows for you to pick up the lippie, apply and head out the door sans mirror.

Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush is now available at Sephora and Dior.com . I hope it sticks around for a while!

Chanel FNO exclusive: La Provocante Rouge Allure Velvet Reviewed

Swatches from Left to Right: La Delicate, L'Infidele and La Provocante

Last week Chanel launched their Fashion's Night Out exclusive lip and nail twin-sets, fit for the annual shopping occasion, to excited fan fare. I got in on the action by going to the Chanel boutique and checking out the action, but first I went to Saks as Chanel was not ready to unveil their new collection. At Saks I found out that La Provocante was all sold out due to pre-sales ( they had 20) and they also informed me Chanel.com was out too! But as luck would have it , the Chanel on 57th st and Madison had them ( this information was as of last Friday).  I swatched all three lippies on my hand and determined that La Provocante was the color for me.

La Provocante is an autumn plum with cool blue tones, more so than red. I love the Rouge Allure Velvet texture on my lips, is the perfect amount of moisture without your lips feeling lacquered but not chalky matte either. My only problem was that I find this lippie really hard to photograph in the tube because of the tonality.

The other stand out from this collection ( on the lip side) was L'Infidele. Its a beautiful everyday rosey plum that I think would look great on everyone.  Unfortunately, I really wanted to like La Delicate but I just couldn't. The color on the website was so off, I had perma "huh?" face.
First off, La Delicate is described as beige but the color on the website is a pumpkin-esqe color. The pumpkin color made me want to try it. I LOVE me some orange! However, the beige in the tube, while looks ok as a swatch, casts a grey ashy cast IRL. Super unfortunate.

So here I am with the one that I love for my fall wine lips, La Provocante!

La Provocante Rouge Allure Velvet swatch

Chanel's FNO exclusive Provocation Nail Color and La Provocante Lipstick

Just Beachy, just breezy

Just Beachin

Hey look its Tony Sirico aka Paulie Walnuts!

July Beach pics- easy breezy

This past weekend, I took the day to play in Rockaway with friends Anna and Leizel. While cruising on the boardwalk, we run into Paulie Walnuts! I've never watched the Sopranos but Anna is/was a huge fan and we took photos, such a nice guy.
So as you may or may not heard about the weather on the eastern seaboard, its hot, muggy, blah, sauna-rific, what ever clever adjective- just insert it here. While the weather wasn't that great for the face it was rather terrific for my hair. For my beach pics, I kept it minimal- just cover with sunscreen and keep lips moisturized. With that being said, here is what was in the black satin bag:


Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid SPF 70: Can't go wrong with a light sunscreen.

L'Oreal Color Caresse by Color Riche in #180 Silky Java: This is my second color shade in this like and I hope that L'Oreal continues to keep these. The formula is light and smooth, though I don't care for the "fruity" scent, the color wear goes a long way.


MAC Cream Color Blush in Virgin Isle: This CCB is my perinnial favorite for the summer, its great for cheeks and over some clear gloss for lips. Unfortunately its no longer on MAC's perma-roster anymore but you can luck out at some outlet stores or Ebay.

Maybelline Babylips in Quenched: I love, love this balm, it does the job- soft lips. I even like the packaging but I absolutely cannot stand the name, Baby Lips. Really? I'm not 12.. but I bought it anyway. haha.

What are your beach pics?

My date with Revlon at NYC Internet Week

Revlon at Internet Week New York 2012

Before

Revlon Kiss Me Coral Colorburst Lipstick and Brown Sugar Lipbutter

After

Ok, so its not an actual date per se, but I made a date with Revlon yesterday in SoHo at Internet Week New York 2012. My conference intent was to learn but when there is a makeup booth in the building, I'm in line! Revlon just so happened to be a sponsor of the conference and I got in the seat. I requested a "fresh, coral-ly look" and I got more than that. Needless to say, I am sat-is-fied!
I haven't used Revlon in a looong while, I think the last time I used the brand was for their Vixen nail color over 10 years ago. Now knowing that the colors are pigmented without the chalkiness, I think I'll spend a bit more time at their displays.
The MUA used Revlon's PhotoReady Airbrush Mousse in Caramel in the middle of my face and PhotoReady Makeup in Mocha on the exterior. Then I got a rubdown on my cheeks with PhotoReady Cream Blush in Coral Reef on the lips Colorburst Lipbutter in Brown Sugar and Colorburst Lipcolor in Kiss Me Coral.

Curating fun with Critical Mob

What happens when you re-tweet@criticalmob? You get entered into a weekly drawing for a Critical Mob t-shirt that is all types of awesome. I was shadily jealous when looking at SXSW pics of cool kids at taco trucks with the shirt on but just last week, I won a shirt!
So now what?! Taking inspiration from future happenings here in NYC like the Keith Harring exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, Esperanza Spalding at Celebrate Brooklyn, Prada and Schiaparelli at the Metropolitan Museum.. the list goes on. I decided to curate my Critical Mob shirt with some fun beauty items that would get me in the mood for these relaxing days.
From left to right: Marni for H&M bracelet, Tata Harper's Hydrating Floral Essence, NARS lipgloss in Wonder, Maybelline's Great Lash Lots of Lashes in Blackest Black and gold paillette mini-purse from H&M.

Spring 2012 Haul: YSL's Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain

YSL Rouge Pur Couture- #4 Mauve Pigmente

YSL Rouge Pur Couture swatch in #4 Mauve Pigmente

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain presents us with some interesting choices: Stick, Gloss or Stain and the best part? You choose!
This Spring YSL Beauty combined three desired lip textures into a super beauty product like none other, YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain!
Initially, the color in the package is very bold and a bit intimidating, I questioned, "Are my lips going to really look that purple?", then I swatched #3 and #4 on my hand to check the actual color and the consistency. I was greatly surprised! Not only did the colors quietly blend onto my hand and present warm brown and light berry tones but the consistency was smooth, not sticky like other glosses and glasses. Additionally, when taking off the swatches, a generous amount of stain was left.
Lippie hoarders beware! YSL Rouge Pur Glossy Stain will be your go to for the Summer!

Check out this cute video for YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain

Captain Blankenship's Rosey Red Lip balm

Ahoy, rosey kisser!

A few months ago I had dinner with my friend Danielle at a really cool Italian restaurant in Soho. Amidst chatting about life, DIY projects and her boyfriends hand crafted boat  (really cool!), she whipped out a little  pretty tin of lip balm and said, "you have to get to CatBird and check this stuff out, its so cute and I know you will love it!" I remember saying that she sold at CatBird!
Fast forward the holiday season when my friend from France was visiting all that Brooklyn has to offer, including lunch on Bedford Ave. In our Brunch and Buy mode, we stopped into CatBird and I saw Captain Blankenship's Rosey Red lip balm on the counter. I tested the color, which is a highly pigmented deep red, I think you can also use it as a blush too.
I checked the Captain Blankenship website here, and saw that the Rosey Red stain was from carmine with rose geranium. Further, I was impressed by the all natural ingredients including the California organic almond oil!
If you would like to try the Rosey Red lip balm, you should definitely check out Captain Blankenship.com 

Fall 2011 Looks: Anne Valerie Hash's Vampy Boudoir Lips

 

photos: Elle.com 

Anne Valerie Hash's Fall 2011 lips reminded me that I needed to shop my stash to create these vampy shades.  Break out your YSL  Pur Black Gloss and evaluate your MAC Style Black collection to see  if your  Bling Black Glimmerglass is ready, its time to vamp it up by layering the gloss over some supreme matte lipsticks for some boudoir lips! My favorite mattes are  MAC's Charred Red, Sin and Diva, Chanel's Classic Vamp and Bobbi Brown's Chocolate.

Fall 2011 Looks: Rodarte's Rustic Inspired Lips

 Photos: Style.com and MAC Cosmetics 

MAC Photo lipstick swatch

I'm always anxious to see what looks Rodarte comes up with for their RTW fashion shows and was sorely disappointed when their MAC collaboration didn't pan out, I'm still holding out hope that they will create a makeup collab, after all for Spring 2012 NARS will now command the looks for the show. Ok, back to Fall 2011 where the look conjured "Mid-West, Prairie and Rustic" and the official lipstick chosen for the Rodarte this season is MAC's Photo.
Photo has been in MAC's lipstick lineup for quite along time. I remember looking at the color a few years ago trying to wrap my head around how to make it work albeit without trying it on. Just looking at the color from the tube reminds me of Rayanne Graff from My So Called Life and her makeup application moments in the ladies room, so mid-ninties, so passed over but definitely worth the try.
So after applying then walking around Soho busily looking in the mirror, I walked back into MAC and purchased Photo for my own. I had to do a bit of application adjusting as Photo has a Satin finish ( that's how you can tell its an older color, MAC now pushes Glosses, Glazes and Glass finishes) so I used a lighter hand. Overall I'm pleased with this re-earthed gem that Rodarte has brought to my attention.

Burt's Bees Tiger Lily Tinted Balm

Could Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm be the most coveted lip product this season? Since seeing Hibiscus in a mag in Feb, I've been on a leisure hunt for this to try for myself. WARNING: A hunt you will get as a few Target's I've gone to in San Diego, LA and NYC were all sold out , as were Rite Aid . Then I strolled into Whole Foods while seeking cupcakes and came across 3 of the 6 shades available.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lipbalm can be described at best, surprisingly smooth and melts like butter. The texture is not "waxy" or "filmy" in a way that I feel with other lipbalm products. The color payoff is excellent for a tint. Its not chalky and it builds so that the color blends. I chose Tigerlily, an Apricot-Peachesque color that certainly lives up to the flora namesake.

The lipbalm itself is described as 100% natural , with coconut oil as the first ingredient. The colors that are available are: Hibiscus, Honeysuckle, Pink Blossom, Red Dahlia, Rose and Tigerlily.

This was a lot more than what I expected for $6.99 and I will definitely going back to explore the other colors.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Bonheur #61

Rouge Coco Shine Bonheur #61 with No flash

Bonheur #61 Rouge Coco Shine with Flash

Finally! I've had time to wear and enjoy Bonheur since I purchased it in Toronto a few weeks ago. I would describe Bonheur as very close in color, about a shade or two deeper than the Imaginare Glossimer but in a stick form. Yes, that describes it!

I love this color and the wear is smooth and moisturizing. I would only advise that if you prep your lips with a balm before hand, the color will be faint. My suggestion would be to either skip prepping your lips as the Rouge Coco Shine formula is very moisturizing or prep at least 30 minutes ahead of time.

I also like the fact that Rouge Coco Shine makes it possible for you to grab and go in your makeup routine. I can say I can confidently put it on without a mirror and know that the color looks well.

Which shade from the range are you looking forward to from Rouge Coco Shine?

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine Swatches

Left to Right: Royalieu, Fetiche, Bel-Ami, Rebelle, Bonheur

Lower Middle: Boy

Alas, here are just a few swatches of the Chanel Rouge Coco Shines I tested at the Bay in Toronto. According to the card I received from a counter in LA, the Rouge Coco Shines will launch on April 6th.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shines at The Bay

Rouge Coco Shines from Left to Right: Monte Carlo, Rebelle, Bel-Ami, Antigone, Bonheur, Boy, Royalieu, Fetiche.

While enjoying my vacation in Toronto this past weekend, I popped into the Bay to see what they had and came out with a new Chanel Rouge Coco Shine!

The Bay had these highly anticipated RCS's available for purchase, there are 24 total in the collection but I swatched only a few, including Royalieu and Antigone which are believed to be exclusive to Canada and Fetische, the color Oscar nominated Hailee Steinfeld of True Grit wore to the 2011 Oscars.
From the photo, here are the color descriptions:
Monte Carlo- Pink Red
Rebelle- Orange Red
Bel-Ami- Plum Brown
Antigone- Red Berry
Bonheur- Berry Plum
Boy- Natural Rose
Royalieu- Sheer pink
Fetische- Rose

I swatched a few of the colors on my hands and if you have any doubt about the pigment power of the RCS, have no fear! If you have the same skintone as me, and are falling hard for a very moisturizing lipgloss with hints of shimmer, you will love these.
After deliborating between Bel-Ami and Bonheur, I decided on Bonheur. The SA let me know that it was the last one! The retail price in canadian dollars for the Rouge Coco Shines are $39! Making this the most expensive lip product I have bought! But in the US these will go for $32 and will release in April.
I wanted to share this as soon as my postings will be sporatic for the next few days as I'm in San Diego and LA. I will re-post with individual colors as I know these are quite small and I have hand swatches of some of these colors too!

Oh Boy! Chanel's Exclusive Valentine's Day Surprise

New Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

Natural Light Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

Flash Swatch of Rouge Coco Shine in Boy

photo: Chanel.com

With the hectic schedule last week, I almost forgot about the sneak preview launch of the new Rouge Coco Shine in Boy until I went for brunch in Little Italy with Jess and stopped by Chanel Soho for some window-less fantasy shopping.
Upon stepping into the Soho boutique, I quickly backtracked to the email I received about the preview and to my giddy surprise was the Rouge Coco Shine in Boy ready for swatching and Monique, the house makeup artist was their to answer questions.
Though I received notification about the new slim ,glossy, younger version of Rouge Coco- I had my reservations. Reservation 1: I heart Glossimers, enjoy Rouge Coco in Paris and have a mild obsession with Genial Rouge Allure but feel like I'm comfortable with my current lippies and Reservation 2: Boy looks like it won't "mesh well" with my skintone. I immediately dismissed the color tone to be too light.
Lessons I learned from Rouge Coco Shine- never judge a lipstick by its cover.
Upon swatching on my hand at the boutique, the color held its own, a sheer rose with a touch of cool plum in its undertone with the subtle shimmer. The color is so impressive, you don't have to use a mirror to apply it! As far as longevity, my morning application at 7:30am lasted through my green tea and bagel breakfast and lunch at Subway. I had to re-apply around 12:30pm.
Overall, I can say that this is a great everyday lipcolor to have if you are going for a spring beauty staple that can withhold your morning meal, it deserves to be in your makeup bag!
The official Rouge Coco Shines launch next month, until then- catch them at the Chanel Boutiques or any counter that carries Chanel Beauty.

Coming Soon: Gucci Cosmetics

WWD reports that Gucci will work with Proctor & Gamble Prestige on a line of Gucci Cosmetics.
Judging by the success of Burberry's cosmetics line and the increase in beauty sales for 2010 ( by 4% via WWD), the addition of cosmetics is a great move for Gucci. I wonder if Pat McGrath will take the line under her wing as the global creative-designer director of P&G?
Rumor also has it that Stella McCartney may be in talks to have a color cosmetic line in the near future too. Probably headed by YSL? That would be a another dream come true ( first dream is Christian Lacroix cosmetic collab). I loved Stella's skincare line and the RTW runway looks are always fresh clean and simple. So keeping my fingers crossed.
Now that I think of all these fashion houses churning out their own beauty lines. I remember back in college seeing Prada's lip tints in Allure and in Neiman Marcus. They really pioneered the trend as when you purchased a $40 box of 24 liptints, you received a headband as well. We all love a two-fer when it comes to our cosmetic purchases.

MAC Soho Wonderwoman Pop-up shop

Just when I thought that nothing great can come of a snowy winter's day drudging along Soho comes MAC's Wonderwoman pop-up shop!
The newly renovated MAC Soho location is currently home of the new Wonderwoman collection as well as the regular line's favorites. Plus this is the only location to have the full Wonderwoman collection about 2 weeks from the official launch on February 10th.
I did manage to pick up the new giant sized lipglass in Wonderwoman, a sheer apple red with shimmer and the re-packaged Russian Red lipstick.
This new collection comes with an increase in pricing as well. According to my receipt the lipglass is $20 and dually noted as " large", the size is .37 oz compared to the standard .17 oz. The lipstick was $15.50 and I'm sure that the special packaging also attributes to the price increase as well.

The unveiling is coming up next week where I will have full collection coverage, at the Soho pop-up I found that not all of the collection was in its encasing. Until then, enjoy the photos!

disclaimer: all products photographed were purchased by me