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
Friday
Objects Of Desire
Thursday
22.01.2009
Shoes from CasadeiHere are a few looks I'm looking forward to wearing for S/S '09, what are yours?
Ethnic Detail - Anna Sui
Think heat and earthy brights. These colors look great against heat-flushed cheeks. Show off tribal patterns and embellish with handmade accessories. Rough a little texture into the hair and wear brick red on the lips.
Fitted Jumpsuit - Proenza Schouler
I have always had a thing for bodysuits. This one from Proenza Schouler is fits and skims at the right places. Its simple coloring means that whatever accessories you will add to the outfit will pop. Balance the slimline of the bodysuit with loose wavy hair and keep the makeup simple with just some emphasis on the brows.
Different Stripes - Viktor & Rolf
Not the ordinary kind. Stripes are not reserved only for sailors anymore. Wear them at night to make a grand impact. To turn heads in an off-shoulder number, sweep hair off the face.
Breezy Harem - Ralph Lauren
Another S/S trend that I will want to live in. Some harem pants can be difficult to wear but this belted version has a luxurious and easy feel. Team it with a simple tank and some soft leather sandals in tan. Let your hair down and fluffy.
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), harpersbazaar.com.au
Monday
Bye-bye Products
The best thing about having a guest in the house is that the house finally gets a deep cleaning. We had plenty of time to tidy up so I rumbled through my box of beauty rejects. While going through the items, I realized that some of these are in fact well loved products by most but for one reason or another, I never managed to get them to work for me.
The picture above illustrated my feelings exactly as I went through the items in my 'on the way out' box. In fact Kate, the author and artist of her own illustrations from Soy Sauce Carnival writes fun haiku that seem to capture how a lot of us feel at times. A great mood-booster to read and look through at times when a pick-me-up is necessary.
Chanel Correcteur Eclat quick cover
Has a soft silicon texture that feels as if it should be easy to work with. My first time with this, it did not blend as easily as I thought a silicon-based product should. But I finally threw in the towel when it had slipped down my face by the end of the day. Disappointing especially since it is from one of my favorite brands.
L'Oreal Double Extension Beauty Tubes Mascara
I thought I found the solution to purchasing my favorite mascara when I saw this. My favorite mascara is also a 'tubing' mascara that provide great length and is elements-proof. L'Oreal's is a two-ended masscara wand that has a side with a white mascara base and another with a black mascara. Similar to other mascara bases I have tried from L'Oreal, the formula is thick and does not seem to hold a curl for me. Unlike my favorite mascara, this one never gave me the desired length, nor did it ever remove with ease (instruction says to place a warm pad with warm water for at least 30 seconds versus simply splashing with warm water with my favorite mascara).
Maybelline Volum' Express Lift-Up Mascara
I never say No to a freebie, especially if it came in a goodie bag from Fashion week. Even with its deep black pigmentation, this mascara never was smooth going on my lashes and became an irritating flake by the end of a day of running errands. Even if I do love its curvy brush, I'll have to say No Thanks.
Avene Soothing hydrating serum (Serum apaisant hydratant)
This was something that I wanted to work for me as it is a serum that boasts hydrating/soothing properties, and can be easily purchased at a local pharmacy. I have had plenty of success with products from Avene so I skipped the part where I obsess over the list of ingredients. Unlucky for me, I completely missed out the fact that this serum contains alcohol. Lastly, it is a rather thick gel that applies with a tacky texture.
Catrice Allround Concealer
An hour to spare at a local drugstore had me intrigued by a German cosmetics brand, Catrice. I was lured into this multicolored concealer palette containing 3 skin tone shades, 1 peach and a green. Its silky texture was alluring but the concealer just floats on top of the skin when applied, unfortunately concealing nothing.
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), soysaucecarnival.blogspot.com
Thursday
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Apply NARS Lipstick in Shrinagar to entire lip with finger
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), narscosmetics.com
Tuesday
Fuschia For Spring
The Estee Lauder Spring Color 2009 Fuchsia Now collection is too pretty not to be shared with you here. 'Look 1' (cool) shown above with bright pinks looks like it will work equally well worn together (sparingly), or individually to highlight a particular feature. 'Look 2' (warm) consists of honey and caramel tones.
The Fleur de Lys Shimmer Powder (circular compact above) looks like the star item to snatch up as the compact can double as a blush and an all-over glow veil. Actually, there are too many intriguing items in this collection that I am not sure if I can just pick one!
This near half-hour "Private-Lesson" footage from the 90s features former supermodel Paulina Porizkova, her mother Anna, and cousin being given a makeup lesson by a makeup artist using Estee Lauder's products.
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), esteelauder.com
Saturday
Favorite Things 2008 - The Finalists
As a girl who loves a neutral palette, 2008 took me by a complete surprise. Where I might have thought it best to leave runway trends well, at the runway, I found myself in awe of the vividly painted faces at John Galliano and the enchanted silk prints at Prada.
2008 was a year when many memorable mascaras debuted on an already cramped market. So it was no easy feat that these newcomers managed to stand out amongst the well-tested veterans. Do you remember in the beginning of the year when drugstore brands took us by a storm and said "the bigger the better" when it came to the mascara brush? And what about the innovative designs (brushes with motion) from the department store counterparts?
On the fashion front, Spring was bursting with light and fantastic fabrics, in flowing proportions. But near the end of the year, a blackout of materials and structural shapes took over. During the year, we even saw the comeback of ruffles and lace in every way and, the one-piece jumpsuit. And remember all the floral prints and tartan?
For me, the highlight of 2008 was finally being able to attend the Amsterdam International Fashion Week!
I think 2008 was even more challenging than Favorite Things 2007 in having so many products to choose from. But here it goes; my personal Favorite Things of 2008!
Category - Blusher
Center: Pure Luxe, then left & clockwise: H & M, MAC Sweetness, Everyday Minerals, MAC Stark Naked
Pure Luxe Cosmetics blush in Berry SexyThis cool, grape-y shade looks as if it doesn't belong on the cheeks but it does! On medium skintones, it turns into an incredibly sophisticated and unique shade of berry. It is a hybrid of MAC Emote blush and Stark Naked. This blush seems to melt into the skin.
I almost fainted back when MAC released an entire collection of Beauty Powder Blush. In Amsterdam, the collection was shown alongside Fafi, whose blushers pale next to these. The one that caught my eye was Sweetness because of its hot fuchsia color. But the sheerness and smoothness (read: very blendable) texture of the blush keeps it from looking clownish. Instead, it is a sweet but grown-up pink. Previous post here
MAC Beauty Powder Blush in Stark Naked
Another LE Beauty Powder Blush from MAC in 2008. This one just makes one look naturally flushed without any hint of peach. The raspberry/mauve color is warmed up with fine specks of gold shimmer which disappears into the skin leaving a candlelight glow.
Everyday Minerals blush in Nick Nack
I do love mineral blushers but because of their loose powdery nature, it can be tough to find a color that goes on lightly. This comes in a no-brainer-hard-to-over-do-it shade of matte cool medium pink. I can even run out of the door while brushing this on because it is such an easy color to wear. But when I have more time, a whisper of this over the temples does miracles at brightening the complexion. Previous post here
Peter Thomas Roth Un-wrinkle Peel Pads
These pads are heads above their Complexion Correction Pads because these ones are softer and, you can feel and see results quicker. Even though the Un-wrinkle Peel Pads are designed for daily use, I only use these twice a week. One or two swipes with a pad at night over my face, neck and the back of the hands prepare my skin for what's to follow. The 'un-wrinkle' solution (made up of 20% complex alpha, beta, gamma exfoliators & amino acids, vitamins A, C, D, E & F, chamomile, green tea extracts) feels slightly tacky and looks shiny on they skin. But after 2-5 minutes of leaving it to work, the treatment can be deactivated with a simple splash of water.
Pure Luxe Eraser powder
As a mineral foundation advocate, foundation primers are an absolute daily necessity. I searched high and low for one in 2008 and found it finally in this powder form. I love that I can apply this with a powder brush (not a brush for liquids that I have to wash daily or fingers). It smooths out imperfections without emphasizing dryness and it provides the perfect canvas for long-lasting foundation application. But use it sparingly!
Terax CremaAs this is not available where I live, I took a chance and bought a salon pump size when I was visiting Toronto. The risk of not being able to return it if I did not like it didn't matter because I heard both Naomi Campbell and Kate Beckingsale adore this. I must agree with the two beauties because I too am in love with this conditioner. It tames frizzies and puts the shine back with only 2 pumps for my long hair.
Nars Makeup Your Mind
I received this as a gift for Christmas and it is the most useful and beautiful makeup book that I have come across. This book illustrates with a transparent sheet over a before-and-after photo of a model's face, the products used and where to apply them. It will turn anyone into a Nars addict if you aren't already one!
Silk Naturals Lip Gloss - organic
I vow never to be without this one. The talented owner of this brand (which started her business online but has opened a pilot store in 2008) creates magic when she sits down to hand-make these slim sticks. The result is the most moisturizing yet comfortable lip products I have ever experienced. Since a majority of the colors are built from a sheer brownish base, they are extremely flattering and easy to wear. I still have many to sample but my favorite so far of the bunch is in Skinny Dip (previous article here).
Zelens Intensive Triple Action Eye creamIf only you splurge on one eye cream this year, it should be this one! The packed ingredients list is too large to repeat here but just to mention a few: Acetyl Tyrosine (amino acid which aids in color distribution in skin), allantoin (aids in healing), carnosine (potent anti-oxidant), coenzyme Q10 (controls oxidative DNA damage to cells), hyaluronic acid (restores vitality/hydration to skin), rosehip (powerful anti-oxidant). I find the application elegant and I use a spatula to scoop out the product every time I use it. The cream resembles apple compote but applies without a spec of grease. I feel simply spoiled every time I use it because of the packaging and, I hear that models fight over this backstage!
MAC lipstick in 3N
I found the perfect nude shade of lipstick for me in MAC's N Collection. This is the shade which had me hoarding tubes at both MAC stores in Amsterdam and bidding away on ebay. This was also the shade all over the runways, and if worn with gloss, it is perfect with dramatic eyes. More on MAC N Collection here
Weleda Cold Cream (Europe)/Everon Face Balm (North America)
When retinols and wintry dry air has me down with flakies and irritated patches, this is the cream that comes to my rescue. I have since replaced my Creme de La Mer when I found this sucker for 12 euros at a local health food store. This cream has the soothing, sleep-inducing scent of geranium and has a short list of ingredients which means it works for times when our skin just cannot tolerate a longer list. Note that the same product has different names depending on where it is purchased!
L'Oreal Elnett Hairspray
I finally bought into the hype in 2008 over this slim bottle of fine misting hairspray. Even though the smell is noticeably "hairspray", the hold is brushable. Of all the different versions, I like the flexible hold the best. Btw, did any of you see the piece written in Allure magazine about this?
Redken Velvet Gelatine (part of Redken's Urban Experiment line)I was introduced to this during Fashion Week in July and am so glad that we met. Its soft, gel-silicon texture tames hair and softly styles it to hold it in place. The finish is slightly 'velvety' as the name implies which I find particularly modern and low-key.
You might have read my story about how I wished for this when I was in Cuba (here). This makes a great finishing toner after cleansing and before the application of skin creams. Its greaseless texture (read: feels refreshing), and cleansing power means this doubles as a light-makeup remover; sans blurry vision.
Paris Berlin Le Teint HighTech
For days when I know I will need long-lasting waterproof coverage, and that I might need to appear in flash photos, I use this instead of my mineral foundation. I discovered this fantastic foundation in Paris (More on that fantastic makeup store here and on the foundation here) and will always return for more when I am in town.
Make-up Studio Professional Make-Up
A great find for me in 2008. The company was formed by a local group of professional makeup artists and is a line which rivals that of MAC for me. Since it is from the Netherlands, their prices are slightly less than MAC. I have purchased items from the line since I first discovered them but you can see some of the items I have played with this year here.
MAC Paintpot in Soft Ocre
A basic that I never want to be without. Any eyeshadow will stick to this for the duration of the entire day. The creamy texture applies like slightly melted chocolate. It is medium skin hue with more yellow in it than pink or peach. More on MAC N Collection here
Bourjois Ombre Stretch Courleur ultra stretchable colour in brun nylonSuch a big name for a small shadow! I reach for this one quite a lot since red and orange toned eyeshadows are difficult to use on me. The cool taupe hue forms the base for a nude yet shimmery eye. The product is pigmented and has a velvety blend (never chalky) that doesn't crumble under the dip of the brush. The packaging of the shadows in this collection all come in a rectangular box that encases a medium-sized natural hair shadow brush and a wide mirror. One of few best eyeshadow picks from June 2008
I want to thank everyone who took part in Favorite Things 2008. Please take a moment and drop a hello to all these wonderful Bloggers to see what their favorite picks of 2008 are. I also want to thank Annie of Blogdorf Goodman for Favorite Things 2007. She's written an amazing piece on her favorite things of 2008 which you can find here. So please excuse me while I go ogle over everyone's lists ...
Beautiful Makeup Search
Beauty 411
Beauty Talk
Beauty Tyrant
Binary Star
'*:.blu3.:*'
For The Love of Beauty
Grayburn
Life Of A Ladybug
lily loves mac
Make Do Style
Miss Whoever You Are
Perfume Shrine
Platinum Blonde Life
Searching the Inner Me
Slap Of The Day
The Beauty Alchemist
The non-blonde
Urbane Girl
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)
Thursday
Join Us Won't You?
A bunch of us Bloggers would like to take you on a tour on January 10th.
Come find out more on the 10th as we reveal something special that we have been busy with (shhh, I'm not telling yet!).
Join us won't you?
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), photograph by Alexander Gnädinger for Vogue.de
Wednesday
Animal Cruelty-Free
I am intrigued by the idea of wearing vegan shoes but am not sure how sweaty feet will survive in them. This short video features Natalie Portman who talks about her vegan shoe line for Te Casan, a 5500 square foot shoe haven in New York whose doors were shut in 2008.
What are your thoughts on being animal cruelty-free and on leading a vegan lifestyle?
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use), youtube.com
Monday
The House Of Viktor & Rolf
Feeling a little out of sync and I am still not ready to hit refresh and restart for 2009. Getting any satisfaction in writing up my list of resolutions is simply out of the question. 2008 for me was both a fantastic and trying year. It was a year that lasted as long as a long equation that cannot be simplified. Oddly enough though, those challenges set the perfect stage for self-discovery. I fought and persued those things that really mattered to me; eventhough they came with a hefty price and I had to put up a fight for them. Now, a few clouds have been lifted. And I foresee the rest of 2009 to be an even more trying year.
To calm such nervous anticipation, I sought uplift, momentary indulgence and craved extravagance. I needed to feast my eyes on luxury and I needed the fix fast!
So over the weekend, I visited the Centraal Utrecht Museum which presented a collection of life size dolls from The House of Viktor & Rolf. The exhibition focused on the last 15 years of the duo's struggles and triumphs. Reading through and looking at their creations only made my own struggles look minuscule in comparison. Their designs were beautifully intricate and instantaneously lifted my spirits. And they gave me a good kick in the buttocks. It was exactly the boost that I needed.
A feast for our eyes
Credit: Grayburn (Terms of Use)
