Review: YSL Gloss Pur Black Combos

Not only is this a tough economic time, but the holidays are upon us. I don't know how you feel now but yes, I have been doing some "denial" spending in the form of hitting up Loehmann's with my array of coupons, limiting my weekly outing dinner allowance and attending master classes from some newly formed friends at Bloomies in Soho.. ( why oh why!).
One denial/ guilty purchase began to reflect my mood this past month ( actual year), the economy and a throw back to the 90's- The dark lip.



Is Stefani Pilati an economic indicator? or just a sheer genius for simplicity?


* lost your job?
* an ass-clown got to your heart box ?
* "had it" up to here?

Um, yeah 'tis the season ( or afformentioned year).

Last year the wunderkund was going to work with dark nails. Why? because your senior was probably sporting it too and this allowed you to do the same.
This year, I dare you to see the same bravado when it comes to your bouche.

Das experiment- YSL Gloss Pur in Black. Its been raved, coveted and doubted. Rest assured my friends, it is wearable.
First off, the texture is amazing! A wet shine patent leather that keeps your lips moisturized. The scent is classic YSL maquillage- roses. Can't wait for what Spring will bring, my YSL counter manager promises more colors in this same gloss pur formula.



Combo 1: YSL Gloss Pur ( alone)
Verdict: a dab or two gives a nice wearable eggplant feel.




Combo 2:YSL Gloss Pur + MAC Ruby Woo
Verdict: a delicious glazed black cherry! A definite wearable shade for the holiday's.

Combo 3: YSL Gloss Pur + Shu Uemura Pink Beige
Verdict: a mess, nude + black gloss = messy mess ( not pictured)

Photos: YSL.com; Style.com; Lacroix's own

Birthday musing

Birthday Treat Time!

Bracing for a need to embrace the cooler months, I decided to divulge in Tocca's Bridgette perfume. First off, its new to the collection and has that "old world" feel much like its counterparts Stella, Touch, Cleopatra and Florence.
The diff with this newby? it's musky in a feminine way with touches of Sandalwood that leaves a nice spicy aura.
This is a huge change for me as 1. I'm not normally the fragrance type. Typically I tend to stick to either Stella McCartney or Lacroix's Tumulte or YSL's Elle, also none of which are "spicy".
The bottle design and cherub feel drew me in , the fragrance reminded me of a elegance that captured hanging out in a cafe on the Rue di Rivoli or just walking down the street and doing laundry feeling beautiful.
I really don't know what did it for me, but I couldn't resist purchasing it along with December's i-D magazine and getting a nice massage on a beautiful fall day.

Tocca Bridgette is available here

The Best of :Lippie, Lippie,Lippies

This category has been indeed tough. Between color, textures, scents (yeah!), longevity, consistency… I’m mind bottled! But I have narrowed down the slim pickings and here are the results oh some extensive research and feedback- behold.






Neutral Lipstick: MAC Crème Cerise

Neutral Lip Gloss: Bobbi Brown Honey

The “Everyday”* Lipstick: NARS Dolce Vita

The “Everyday” Lipgloss: Clinique Black Honey

The “Play”** Lipstick: YSL Purple Violet Rouge Pur

The “Play” Lipgloss: YSL Golden Gloss #9

Pink Lipstick: Shu Uemura #358

Pink Lipgloss: MAC Pink Poodle
Red Lipstick: MAC Charred Red

Red Lipgloss: NARS Diablo


* “Everyday” denotes the use of product during daylight hours between 9am-6pm and applicable after lunch.

** “Play” denotes the use of the product(s) during the evening hours during half price drinks, tapas and/or clubbing when sporadic attention is called to the lips.

Lacroix's Best of Beauty- Cheeks!

Aww yes,my fave! whether it be a sunkissed glow or a daring sweep of bright red on the apples. I love the versatility of blushes, highlighters and bronzers!

My faves are a mixed bag so I categorized them accordingly:



Blush:

Warm: MAC's Gingerly, YSL's Coriander
Neutral: Bobbi Brown's Tawny, MAC's Harmony
Cool: MAC's Breath of Plum, NARS' Sin




Bronzer:

YSL #2 Golden Sun is great for a semi-matte finish
MAC's Refined Deeper Bronze gives a great gold flecked shimmer

Highlighter:

NARS Mutliple in Mustique
NARS Blush in Luster
MAC's MSF in New Vegas

Photos: Bobbibrowncosmetics.com, ysl.com

Lacroix's Best of Beauty- All about the Eyes

Marilyn Monroe from All About Eve




Mascara- Givenchy Phenomen'eyes- it looks like Gogo Yubari's weapon from Kill Bill Volume 1 but with a steady hand, this will single handedly change your lashes ( that is if you want long lenghthing). For full and lush lashes- Fresh Supernova is a dream.

Eyeshadow- What makes a great Eyeshadow? Pigment, texture and longevity. MAC holds the title for this one. My faves- Fake- foggy grey, Purple Haze- violet and Black Tied- Deep purple with red flecks.




Eyeliner-Urban Decay's Smoke Out Eye Pencil wins- application is light with a sponge tip to smudge...smudge on!

Brows- Maybelline Clear Mascara is cheap and does the job as far as setting brows.