Summer '09 Chanel Glossimers

I love how Chanel make the impossible look impossibly chic! They are launching new Glossimers (which are possibly the best lipgloss around) and I want whichever one(s) were used for achieving the lips above. My guess from their product description is that the above look was achieved by using a combination of Nebula (rosewood) and Mica (white). Can't wait to see them at the counters!

Glossimers ($27.00)

• Nebula Rosewood
• Meteore Deep coral
• Mica White
• Mirage Brown
• Venus Fuchsia
• Silex Coral
• Cosmos Bronze
• Jupiter Red

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), temptalia.com

Must-Haves?

Hello! Just wanted to let you guys know that I've arrived well, after taking gruesome flight transfers after another to Hawaii! It is gorgeous here. The weather is sunny and breezy plus the people here are friendly. I took an-hour-and-a-half bus ride to the Target store and found myself three hours inside eying and grabbing everything from Sonia Kashuk to a crafty bag that can act as a 'set bag' to hold makeup supplies during dashes out on set. Inside the store is also where I discovered what a spam musubi was and soon after found a cool Alexander McQueen jumpsuit!

I would love to hear what you think are the current or classic 'must-haves'...things that I simple must hoard and bring home to Europe?

Take care luves and I'll be checking in soon again!

xx Grayburn

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)

Objects Of Desire

I salivated when I finally saw these at our downtown Douglas Store. That is what happens when something finally appears when I have been waiting for it for a long time. For those who appreciate a 'skin scent' and who love deep, sensuous fragrances as I do, this relaunch of some of Donna Karen's most renowned fragrance is unmissable. All 9 scents have been given the same outfit in a new modern black cylindrical shape. The collection also contains 4 scented candles, also outfitted in sleek black glass. Best to take advantage of these while we still have some cold nights left. I'm grabbing "Chaos" and "Black Cashmere" and reserving them for date nights!

To give you an idea:

Chaos EDP - "blend of calm and serene"
Fuel For Men EDP - "captures the excitement of speed"
Signature EDP - "subtle, sophisticated, warm combination of exotic floras and earthy tones"
Black Cashmere EDP - "inspired by the finest of cashmere"

Essence Collection with 4 elemental scents:
Jasmine EDT
Lavender EDT
Wenge EDT - "exotically unique in its deeply sensual appeal"
Labdanium EDT - "sensually complex"

Candles:
Chaos
Signature
Lavender
Wenge


Find the nearest store to you at: store locator
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), .donnakaranbeauty.com

Spring Reds - Sweetly Sensual

Another Spring '09 makeup release that I simply must get my hands on is from Nars' Cosmetics. The campaign image features model Guinevere van Seenus (who also appeared in his campaign for 2005) loving it in red. Her pale skin looks even more flawless against the red hues in Francois Nars' Spring 2009 Collection. To the question "Why red" (mind you, red is a very difficult color to wear on cheeks and especially around the eyes) which Nars answered "Why not? It makes blue and green eyes become brighter and it brings out the hazel in brown eyes. Apply it by itself or in combination with a pearly white shadow or simple black line." The red he is referring to here is the new Grenadines eyeshadow.

Aside from the piercing red, the collection also includes the new Multple Bronzer (4 different shades) for light to dark skintones. What's new is that these are cream-to-powder matte and infused with anti-oxidants. And I simply must also have the blush duo in Hungry Heart (seen on models below at the Chris Benz Spring 2009 show). There are days when a girl just want to have a 'quiet' face. And I believe this blush duo will give just the right sparkle and sculpt to liven up a bare but there face.
How to recreate the look above -
Face:

• Apply NARS Firming Foundation where needed, to cover skin imperfections
• Using The Multiple in Orgasm and apply to cheeks
• Apply a small amount of NARS Loose Powder to entire face to set the base
• With NARS Blush Brush blend both sides of Duo Blush in Hungry Heart (new for Spring 2009), sweeping across entire cheek

Eyes:

• Apply a generous amount of NARS Concealer to entire eyelid, to help color stick
• Apply NARS Highlighting Blush Powder in Albatross to entire lid, extending up to eyebrows
• Press NARS Single Eyeshadow in Night Sun (new for Spring 2009) over entire lid and up to brow, letting gold particles fall down onto cheeks
• With NARS Eyebrow Pencils, fill in brows for a soft finish

Lips:

• Apply a small amount of NARS Concealer to lip
• Use Lipliner Pencil in Fantasia to tone down lip color
• Apply NARS Lip Gloss in Sweet Revenge (new for Spring 2009) to entire lip

Above look seen at Philip Lim Spring '09 show described as the "National Geographic" look that balances the dark and the innocent with a touch of what Lim refers to as "violent romanticism". The result is beautiful. By using the same eye-color liner on the lower lashline and a black liner on the top lashline, the eyes take to stage front. The finishing touch is the new Shringar lipstick, applied carefree with fingers.

How to achieve the look above -

Face:

• Apply NARS Concealer as needed, to cover any imperfections
• Apply NARS Firming Foundation only if needed, to keep a clear base
• Use NARS Multiple Bronzer in Cap Vert over entire face to tan
• Apply NARS Multiple in Orgasm over cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin
• Layer NARS Blush in Zen to create a dusty look
• Finish with a minimal amount of NARS Loose Powder to set the base

Eyes:

• Apply NARS Multiple in South Beach to entire lid, blending up to brow, and directly below lower lash line
• Apply a generous amount of NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Kitty around entire eye, on inner rim, and in between lashes, blending into South Beach with finger
• Layer NARS Eyeliner Pencil in Black Moon
• Apply two more alternating layers of Kitty and Black Moon, blending colors into lashes
• Use NARS Single Eyeshadow in Grenadines on entire lid, blending up to brows, and beneath lower lash line, smudging with finger
• Curl lashes with NARS Eyelash Curler
• Apply several coats of NARS Mascara in Black Orchid to top and bottom lashes
• Brush brows up and fill in with NARS Eyebrow Pencils, if needed

Lips:

• Apply NARS Lipstick in Shrinagar to entire lip with finger

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), narscosmetics.com

FAVORITE THINGS 2008!

It is that time of the year again when we think back to all the fortunate and beautiful things a year of blogging has brought us. The team at Grayburn (with a modest number of members of 1!) is working around the clock, searching high and low in drawers and goodie bags to bring you Issue 2008 of FAVORITE THINGS! The issue will be published here on the 10th of January, 2009 and will contain a list of Grayburn's Favorite Things of 2008. This is what Issue 2007 looked like if you are eager to get warmed up for the upcoming issue on the 10th!


I would like to extend an invitation to all Bloggers of any genre, who happened upon this, to join in on the fun of reflecting upon year 2008. Please let me know if you would like to participate!


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), Dior from Vogue magazine issue Dec 2008

Congratulations To Monique van Heist

Monique van Heist, the winner of the Dutch Fashion Awards 2008 showed us a preview of her upcoming collection, "Hello Fashion". In this collection, she hopes to challenge the constraints on fashion each of the four seasons have . My feeling is that blurring the boundary between male and female shapes, whilst also combining prominent forms with softer ones, makes her concepts a standout and unique.

Notice the back detail of the outfit in the background?

Side-swept hair softens the boldness of the dress.

For some reason, I adore this color. It is not quite a nude but somehow pops.

Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), moniquevanheist.com

Cravings - Sparkles & Shine

I don't think I have ever written about jewelry. I have no problem talking about an emerald-colored eyeshadow or a ruby shade of lipstick but jewelry is not normally 'my thing'.

Perhaps lately with the nights arriving earlier and colder, I am craving for something that sparkles and shines.

I pretty much just fell in love with Roberto Coin's designs as soon as I laid eyes on them. They are simple, elegant, yet done with detailed crafts- manship.

Model Christy Turlington looks gorgeous lit up with the jewels as well. The video below shows Christy being prepped for the photoshoot for the Roberto Coin campaign.

What does the cold weather and early dark nights make you crave for?


Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), robertocoin.com, youtube.com

Mark Your Calendar- Comme des Garcons @ H&M

In stores November 13th. Comme des Garcons has collaborated with H&M to make their fashion concepts accessible to those of us who normally cannot afford the pleasure of their pieces. Don't expect current trends as you fight your way into the H&M store come the 13th. Comme des Garcons has a unique flare all of their own. The mix of their signature pieces, different fabric and pocket placements, polka dots and intelligent tailoring will make this collection one of the most saught after @ H&M.

I am especially psyched about the polka dots pieces, their men's collection and am immensely curious about their perfume.













Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), hm.com

Long Awaited Sephora Stores In NL!

A quick note to share my excitement about Sephora opening 11 stores in the Netherlands! The last store that will be opening in Enschede will be complete by November 20th. I no longer have to take a 4-6 hour train ride to Luxemburg or France to indulge myself in Sephora madeness. Their nearest store is now only half an hour away! This move from Sephora will bring brands such as Benefit and Makeup Forever finally into the Netherlands.

My wish has come true!

Credit: sephora.nl

Givenchy Prisme Again! - Yes!

I am in love again! with Givenchy's new collection of Prisme Again! Eyeshadow quartets. The two stunners come in Smoky Shimmer and Precious Shimmer. I have yet to see these at my local counter but from the press pictures, they look very promising.

The Smoky Shimmer quartet includes a deep denim shade, a velvety eggplant, a black and the irresistible smoky black with white polka dots. The Precious Shimmer quartet holds a metallic khaki, a shimmery loaded light gray, a beautiful lilac and an adorable silver with black polka dots.

The image below of the model wearing colors from the two palettes is enough to make me want them both. I am loving the straight brows and what they have done to play up the inner corners of the eye and the lower lashline.

The collection is charming and mysterious and I have serious craving for that delicious red lippie.

Credit: temptalia.com

Current Lemmings

My current list of lemmings consist of a few items that I think will be perfect for the Summer. What about you? What are your current lemmings?


No 7 Dream Lash Jet Black Mascara
I really enjoy using mascaras with rubber bristles and especially like the way this one looks. This will be great for defining features for nights out, because it is supposed to be punched with extra carbon for intense black lashes.


Diane von Furstenberg's Knotted one-piece swimsuit
As much as I love a 2-piece swimsuit, I find the 1-piece sophisticated and glamorous. This one from Diane von Furstenberg is sultry and confident. I could take this from the beach to drinks by adding a pair of dressed-up shorts or a skirt and heels. The color of the suit will compliment from my current state of paleness to a late summer tan.


Lash Tint Kit by Lip-Ink International
Lash kits are not usually popular because they take time at night to apply. Most people would prefer to use a water-proof mascara and call it a day! Personally, I think lash tinting makes sense (even for those with darker lashes) because they enhance our lashes on days when we just don't want to wear mascara. They are great when you know you will be swimming or sweating a bit. Having no mascara melt-down to worry about will leave you with a peace of mind to worry about other things!


Viktor & Rolf T-Shirt
My love for the creations from Viktor & Rolf doesn't only come from the fact that they are a famous Dutch fashion house. I love the magic and glamour that they represent; especially their sweet-smelling Flower Bomb perfume. This t-shirt is on my list and I would take the skirt as well if I could.


Easy Looks Makeup Shop Kit in Shimmer & Glow
The Scandinavian countries have some of the most interesting and innovative companies who produce products of great quality. I discovered the makeup kits from this company and I want it so much that it hurts! This company produces 5 kits and all of them have user-friendly shades - SilverGrace, Electric, Sun-kissed, Smokey eyes and Shimmer & Glow. Since they come packaged in blisters, they are handy to pack on vacation and on the plane. My only worry about these is that the foundation that comes with them will not match a wide variety of skin tones.


Guerlain Meteorites Poudre De Perles, Illumiating Perfecting Pressed Powder
Last but the most lemming-worthy is this luminizing pressed powder from my beloved Guerlain. The center of the one shown in the picture above contains a green pearl that promises to whisk away redness. All of them have different shades of illumination, depending on your desired look.

The shades available are:

01 Mythic Parfait: instant radiance
White and pink powder with a center green pearl.

02 Rose Frais: freshness
Designed to illuminate slightly tanned skin tones. White and pink shades with another pink center pearl gives the face a freshened appeal.

03 Beige Lumineux: creating a luminous matte effect
Two matte beige shades with a center purple pearl gives a wash of brightening, without the use of shimmer.