March Favorites

1.  Josie Maran Daily Moisturizer SPF40 and 100% Pure Argan Oil:  My skin is lot less oily since I've been using these daily and nightly.  It wasn't a surprise to the makeover artists and sales assistants to whom I've mentioned this.  Why hasn't anyone told us?  The daily moisturizer claims to defend against premature aging and reverse sun damage.  Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide full spectrum sun protection again UVA and UVB rays.  They blend into the skin quickly and do not look ashy after application. The moisturizer also contains argan oil and other ingredients that you can review here.  I use the 100% Pure Argan Oil on my face and neck at night.  Neither contain
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I bought my traved-sized products at Sephora.

2.  Dolce and Gabbana Femme Fatale Eye Shadow Quad:  I've used this versatile quad almost everyday since I bought it.  It goes with everything in my wardrobe and I can change my look with different blush and lipstick or gloss.  See my full review here.

3.  Dior Nail Polishes  Dune 715 and Gris Trianon 306:  I'm a little late to the "greige" scene.  The these gray polishes look less stark with the inclusion of brown and cream undertones.  And they "went" with everything in this month's wardrobe.   The wear is fantastic:  minimum tip wear after seven days.  I used Dior's fast-drying topcoat.

4.  Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipstick:  I love this one for the day-long meetings and conferences I attend.  Quite a lot of product comes out when you remove the wand and tends to collect on the edges of the lip, so I apply to the center first then work out.  It dries down to a matte finish and feels a little tacky if you press your lips together.  It lasted through the morning and most was still on after lunch.  The colors shown on the Sephora and SpaceNK aren't as bright as they actually are, so I encourage you go see them for yourself.  The pink and orange are quite bright and will be perfect for spring and summer.  The color here is Icon.

5.  Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Longlasting Eyeliner Or Rose:  I almost returned this one.  I found that it drags when I try to apply it as a traditional eyeliner.  But I love the way its golden rose color brightens my eyes when applied on the lower inner lid and on the waterline. 

6.  T. LeClerc Eyeliner Pen:  Until I bought another brand of felt tip pen, I didn't appreciate how the length of the tip - about 3/4" - makes application so much easier especially along the upper waterline and when using the point to apply between the lashes.  It's waterproof so it stays put, only showing signs of wear by the end of my working day. 

What were your faves this month?

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet La Raffinee and Glossimer Paillettes

I use Chanel D'Ombre Emerveille as a base and highlighter with the new Chanel Raffinement eye shadow quad, which warms up the look a bit.  The few pinks in my lipstick and gloss collections are on the cool side so I needed new colors to go with my new eyeshadow look. One of my favorite Chanel makeup artists, Mikhal, coaxed me into trying two products in colors outside of my comfort range, Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet La Raffinee and Glossimer Paillettes.

La Raffinee, like the Raffinement quad, is rather unremarkable just too look at it. It's a kind dirty candy pink, with no hint of mauve.  It's no wonder I never bought it.  But it looks great applied. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 The Glossimer Paillettes is also a warm pink and pretty when worn alone.  La Raffiinee becomes brighter with Paillettes applied over it.   

 

 

 

La Raffinee, Paillettes glossed over La Raffine, Paillettes

 

Mikhal lined my lips with a medium brown pencil first, applied La Raffinee, then dotted Paillettes in the center and spread toward the edges fading just before reaching the lined edges.  The darker liner just prevents me from looking like my lips are walking in the room first.  I use Rock and Republic blush Bedroom, also a muted pink, to finish the look.  (Don't you wish they'd bring Rock and Republic back?)

July Favorites

This summer has been far busier than I ever imagined it could be so I've relied on some old favorites with a couple of new additions.

Le Metier de Beaute "Echo" blush:  This is my second compact.  I've hardly used any other since I got the first last year (or year before last).  It's a lovely pink color with a golden shimmer that looks beautiful on a wide range of complexions. 

Le Metier de Beaute "Tamarack" Eye Pencil:  lining my eyes is faster than applying eyeshadow.  Tamarack is great for my NC 45 skin tone as it blends easily and just keeps my eyes from looking bare.

Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint:  As I've said before it's perfect for humid summers in Washington.  It’s oil-free, fragrance-free, buildable, and water resistant.  Reviewed here.

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Stretch Mascara:  I love the way this mascara adds natural looking length.  It doesn't add the volume that I need so I use it as a second coat over the regular Eyes to Kill.

Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet "La Sensuelle:"  What an incredibly under-rated lipstick.  Though widely described as a matte lipstick, it has a bit of shine, giving the lips a moist look.  This color in particular has become a staple in my makeup collection.

Claudio Riaz Eye and Face Conceal 9:  This a pricey concealer at $58 for .01oz., but since finding a good color match in general, and a concealer that doesn't go on ashy in particular, are critical, I caved on this one.  This is perfect color for me this summer.  There's one shade darker.  It's a bit thick and opaque so a little bit completely covers.  I got mine at Barneys in San Francisco. 

Claudio Riaz Complexion Highlighter 2:  The Barneys SA applied this over the Eye and Face Conceal.  It looks glittery in the container, but it just brightened the area under my eyes.  It's a nice look!

What were your summer faves?

Edited for grammar.

Kanebo Sensai Lasting Treatment Rouge and Lip Liner Pencil

Color:  LT 05 "Kurenai Nihohi"

Kanebo Sensai Lasting Treatment Rouge ($40) is one of my favorite lipsticks. It reminds me of YSL Rouge Volupte, but with a little less slip, and a bit more staying power.  It lasts from the time I apply it in the morning, through my morning coffee, and leaves quite a bit of color on my lips after I eat lunch.  It is as moisturizing as the brand claims.  The hues are a little different than those I've seen other brands as well in that they are a little bit more muted – more subtle, if you will.  You can see the color range on the Kanebo site. 

The Sensai lip liner pencils are among the best as well, rivaling Giorgio Armani and Chanel, my two favorites. They are long lasting, and can fill in your entire lip quickly, if you’re inclined to do so.  The colors coordinate with the lipsticks.  The liners sell for $32; you can buy a refill for $16 when you run out.   Take a look at the colors here.

 LP 104 "Shirafuji" and LP 102 "Kimomiji"

I found the blunt shape a little off putting at first but it smooths into a point, as you can see on the left.

The Kanebo Sensai Collection is exclusive to Bergdorf Goodman.  I originally discovered this Japanese brand at Barneys in Seattle, where it was being discontinued.  Upon learning that the line would no longer be available in the US, my friend and I bought a backup or two.  Months later during a web search, I discovered it at Bergdorfs.  I checked it out the next time I was in New York and was disappointed to find a very small collection of products at a tiny counter that highlighted their skin care products, a blush and eye shadow or two, but no Lasting Treatment Rouge lipstick.  The last time I was in Bergdorfs in January, I finally asked the sales associates about it and it turns out that they have a full selection of lipstick colors in a drawer behind the counter!  I realize that they have no room at their tiny counter, but it's really unfortunate to have one of the best lipstick lines out there (imo) stuck in a drawer with no hint that it’s there!  While the entire Kanebo Sensai Collection is available at Bergdorf's, it's only partially available online.  You'll have to visit the store or call to order the lipstick and lip liners reviewed here.  Don't confuse them with "The Lipstick," which is available online.

Rebelle, Chanel Rouge Coco Shine

I wasn't at all impressed when the  Rouge Coco Shine collection when Chanel released it in April   because it just looked like any other sheer lipstick.  "Boy," the color Chanel released as a sneak preview, didn't look like a shade very many women of color could wear, and the other colors looked too pale or too bright to wear while the weather was still cool.  

But I needed something bright while I was in Seattle last month, and "Rebelle" appealed to me.  "Rebelle" is a sheer, high-shine lipstick that looks like a gloss when worn.  It does not have frost or shimmer like some of the others.  It's not as "loud" as some of the neons, but bright nevertheless.  It has no special qualities to warrant the price, except its watermelon color, which seems perfect now that the weather is warmer.   The right color, whether in makeup or yarn, always clenches it for me.

Tom Ford Lip Color "Warm Sable"

I wanted "Warm Sable" when tested on my wrist a few months ago.  The price, $45, made me hesitate.  When I won the Neiman Marcus shopping spree it was one of the first items I picked up.  It's good quality, but not stellar.  It's not drying, but not particularly moisturizing either.  It wears well; it lasted throughout the morning, and there were traces left after lunch.

It's the right all around neutral for me - the right balance of brown, pink, and yellow for my complexion and perfect for any eye color I chose, not too dark, not too light, and it doesn't bring out any odd colorations in my face.  I'd buy another when it runs out.  Unless I find dupe.

Chanel SOHO Collection, "Stunning" Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color

I think I've finally found "my" pink lipstick.  Though I like the ones I have, I still found myself looking for one that I liked just a little better.  This one, Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color in Stunning, from the limited edition Chanel SOHO Collection, is the best one so far. 

Chanel Rouge Coco Hydrating Creme Lip Color in Stunning

Chanel makes similar shades, but I think the secret to Stunning, for me at least, is that it has a hint of brown, which makes the color blend in with my complexion, rather than creating a sharp contrast the way many of the others do.

If I want to deepen the color even more, I fill in my lips first with a brown lip liner.  Stunning was sold out at the newly re-opened SOHO store, and on the Chanel site for many weeks, but I asked the store staff to call if they got a new shipment, which they did for the SOHO gloss "Stunt," and I kept checking the site, and finally scored one.  I hope Chanel will decide to make this collection permanent, especially the lipstick and lipgloss, since these colors make great basics.

I discovered makeup artist Lisa Eldridge's website a few months ago and have really learned a lot from her videos.  My latest favorites cover make-up removal  and creating a look with dark lipstick.  I found that some dark lipsticks made me look ghoulish, but she provided a solution for that.  I know - you're probably saying, "don't use them!"  But I wanted to adapt the look for myself and learned how from her video.  She's also done videos showing how to create other looks, on makeup brushes, and skincare. I also really appreciate that she includes tips for women of color.

By the way, Urban Decay goes on sale Monday at Hautelook; here's an invitation.   Be sure to get there early.  Some products sold out in minutes the last time.  Rescue Beauty Lounge is having its annual 5-hour 50% off sale November 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. And Clarins is on sale at Gilt Groupe until midnight, November 1st  - here's an invitation.