Monday, November 30, 2009

Bath and Body Works Holiday Temptations

Yay! Bath and Body Works has finally made a smart move and brought some of their Temptations fragrances back, even if only for a limited time this Holiday season. Twisted Peppermint returns with this collection, which is a very smart move for the company. Honestly, many people would riot if Twisted Peppermint wasn't available every single year at the same time. This year, in additon to Twisted Peppermint, Bath and Body Works released four fragrances in this limited edition collection.

The first fragrance is Twisted Peppermint. For those of you who are living under a rock and don't already know all about this fragrance, I will go into a quick description of the fragrance. Bath and Body Works describes this fragrance as "a crisp holiday blend of cool peppermint, white sugar, and vanilla". I have loved this fragrance ever since it was first released in 2006 and already have a quite a collection of it in my product bins.

The second fragrance is called I Love Licorice and is described as a "sweet and satisfying scent of highly addictive red licorice. This scent is very similar to one from Dylan's Candy Bar and is one that I am glad that Bath and Body Works is releasing. They do very well when making their candy-type scents and this one if no exception.

The third fragrance is called Nutcracker Sweet and this was my least favorite of the bunch. This fragrance is described as "a fresh, nutty blend that captures the festive scents of the Holidays". This was just a bland sweet scent with a funky base fragrance. I will have to say that this a more unique fragrance in the Temptations line but one that I am not partial to.

The last fragrance is Spiced Gingersnap and is one that smells nice in the bottle but turns funky on my skin. This one is described as "a delicious blend of warm ginger, white icing, and rich spices". This one wasn't for me in that I don't love spicy fragrances after I apply them and can't stand them for any long period of time.

Bath and Body Works has changed around the fragrance forms that this collection is offered. They still offer the traditional 3 in 1, I doubt that will ever change. However, for this year, they have released a body lotion, a shapable soap that more resembles a child's product than one made for an adult, and a body spray loaded with shimmer. I wish they would get over loading up the products with shimmer, it really makes them look cheap and I know that I am not alone in not wanting to purchase anything with glitter in it even I do like the actual fragrance.

I am not really excited about what is offered this year in this line. I like the Licorice fragrance and while I will always adore Twisted Peppermint, I don't need to purchase any of it this year. Maybe I will wait for Semi - Annual Sale and see if there is anything left after the Christmas rush.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Essie Holiday 2009 Collection

I feel that it has been ages since I have talked about nail polish on this blog and I need a bit of a break from all the festive Holiday makeup for a day. This collection is quite small and actually only consists of three new shades. However, all three shades are very crave-worthy so I will not blow of this collection because of its small size.

The first shade is called Lollipop. This color is a bright candy cane red and it is most Holiday like of the three shades. This one is actually my least favorite of the collection but I don't hate it, I just find it very generic and the usual Holiday nail polish shade offering.

The second shade from the collection is that one that was love at first sight for myself. It is called Mint Candy Apple and it is described as "creme de menthe mint". In reality, it is a very pale yet beautiful shade of mint green. This shade is very unique and is love in a bottle for me.

The last shade is called Rock Candy and it is my second favorite shade of the three. It is a pale pink that is described as "sweet treat pink". I find it to be a pale pink with a hint of violet in it, it is cool toned.

Love the Mint Candy Apple shade to pieces. I also like the other two shades and wouldn't mind having either of them but I have my heart set on the mint shade. Which I bet will sell out the fastest because of how unique it is.

photo courtesy of Essie

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Stila Holiday 2009 Collection

Stila is another company that is not releasing any new single items this Holiday season and is just releasing giftsets that are more gift oriented. I don't really have a preference either way for if a company releases more sets or more loose products since I usually tend by buy a bunch of both every year. I am finding four new sets in total on the Sephora webstie so that it what we will look at.

Holiday Color Collection and Clutch - A limited-edition black clutch featuring four best-selling Stila-star products. Celebrate the season in best-selling Stila style with the Holiday Color Collection and Clutch. The set features four best-selling beauties to give you a complete and completely gorgeous signature Stila look. Contains the following: Convertible Color Duo in Marigold, Smudge Pot in Golden Noir, Mini Lip Glaze in Palm Peach, and Eye Shadow in Oasis

Lip Glaze Collection - A collection of eight mini Lip Glazes give non-stop shimmer and shine! Back and bigger than ever, Stila's ultra-popular mini Lip Glaze collection features EIGHT shades - four bestsellers and four brand new. Find the flavor to match your every look and mood in this must-have set that delivers lips with unprecedented high-wattage color and shine.
- Starfruit - neutral pink
- Kitten - caramel with gold pearl
- Cranberry - deep red
- Blackberry - deep warm brown red
- Marmalade -sheer peach with pink and white pearl
- Pinkle Twinkle - sheer pink with pink and multicolor sparkle
- Plum Fairy - sheer plum with pink pearl
- Candy - sheer pinky coral with subtle rainbow sparkle

Smudge Pot Collection - A quartet of shimmering mini Smudge Pots and a mini Smudge Pot Brush. This stunning set of Smudge Pots - the cult-favorite, gel-based shadow and liner in one - features four shimmering shades (two bestsellers and two exclusive new Holiday hues!) the transfer- and smudge-resistant formula is easy to apply for lining, blending, and lash-thickening. The perfectly portable size and mini eye liner brush make them great for travel and on-the-go glam. You'll be able to create countless subtle-y, shimmery eye looks for the holidays and everyday!
- Black - intense black
- Kitten - the eye-conic, universally flattering shimmering nude champage
- Violet - bright shimmering ultraviolet
- Starry Night - deep shimmering navy

Kitten Collection - A set featuring an Eye Shadow and Lip Glaze in the number one selling, champagne-pink shade, Kitten. Get a double dose of the award-winning shimmering pink champagne shade in this stunning set featuring Eye Shadow and Lip Glaze. The best-selling Eye Shadow shade is now available in Stila's legendaey high-shine Lip Glaze formula - so now you can have a complete Kitten look that will have you smitten! The moisture-rich gloss contains ultra-fine pearl shimmer that provides amazing shine. It's also enriched with Vitamins A, C, and E for additional skincare benefits. And the Kitten Eye Shadow - Stila's original, award-winning formula that can be worn wet or dry - stays on all day without creasing or smudging.

The only set that I want is the Lip Glaze collection, I actually don't own any Stila Lip Glazes and this would be a great way to start a collection of them. Also, I have been on a lip gloss kick recently and this kit will continue to feed that obsession.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Friday, November 27, 2009

Dior Holiday 2009 Collection - Cristal Boreale

For the past weeks, I have been seeing tempting little hints of Dior has released for us this Holiday. One of the 5 Colour Eye Shadow sets will be the biggest hit of the season and it made my November Most Wanted list after viewing it only once. Finally, last week, I was able to get to Macy's and see their display of it and review all the products on the Nordstrom website. And let me say that this collection is beautiful and exciting and sparked so much excitement from me that I will have to restrain myself next time I go near one of the counters. The promo pic from this collection shows off the beautiful eye palette that I talked about above and is at the heart of this Holiday look.

Nordstrom describes the overall collection right here, "Luxurious accents. Festive sparkle. A night filled with stars. Dazzle for the holidays with a jewel-toned collection of shimmering pinks, violets, and silvers inspired by Dior's own legendary jewel designs". The collection is very appropriately named Cristal Boreale. I had to use both the Nordstrom site and the Sephora site to get this collection figured out since the Dior site has decided that it hates me right now. So I apologize for anything that is not 100% correct since I am trying to go between two different sites to get my needed info.

Here is it...

Dior Mini Brush Set - Treat yourself or a loved one this Holiday season with a luxurious mini brush set from Dior. Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, this limited-edition, black patent clutch features signature cannage stitching and silver "D" hardware along with four travel-size versions of Dior's best-selling brushes (foundation, powder foundation, eye shadow, and lip). Limited edition.

Dior Deluxe Travel Palette - The hottest shades of the season are inside this limited-edition, black patent clutch! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, this must-have palette features signature cannage stitching and the silver "D" hardware along with a wardrobe of Dior's best travel essentials: six eye shadows, a DiorBlush, an allover face highlighter and deluxe miniatures of Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect in Organdi Pink 257, and Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Black 090. The perfect gift for your loved ones - or you! Limited edition.

Dior Holiday Lip Palette - The hottest shades of the season for lips are inside this limited-edition, black patent palette! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, Dior Holiday Lip Palette features signature cannage stitching and silver "D" hardware, along with four perfectly coordinated shades of lip color. The perfect gift for your loved ones - or you! Limited edition. Included are shades of mauve, wine, deep brown, and nude.

Dior Boreale Crystal Lip Pendant - A luxurious crystal pendant, inspired by the Aurore Boreale Crystal - a Swarovski crystal created exclusively for Christian Dior in 1955. Contains a petal-pink lip balm with a hint of shimmer.

Dior Holiday Eye Palette - The hottest shades of the season for eyes are inside the limited-edition, black patent palette! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, Dior Holiday Eye Palette features signature cannage stitching and silver "D" hardware, along with four perfectly coordinated shades of eye color. The perfect gift for your loved one - or you! Limited edition. Included are shades of silvers and greys.

Dior 5 - Colour Iridescent Eye Shadow - Your eyes have never beheld such brillance. Shimmering palettes created with Dior's phenomenal new "Wet Reflect" technology. Ultra-reflective. Ultra-luminous. Ultra-incredible. Five metallic-rich shades in each palette. Silky-smooth and weightless. So blendable, the colors virtually fuse with the skin for looks that defy creasing, smudging, or fading.
- 089 Smoky Crystal - two warmer shades of grey/two cooler shades of grey/lavender

Dior Style Liner - Intensify your eyes with this rich, creamy liner created especially for the runway. Now you can get that model-esque "femme fatale" look on your own - in seconds flat.
- 174 Sparkling Purple - violet

Dior Vernis - Black Sequins - A black nail lacquer with silver flecks. Dior Dior Vernis - Black Sequins gives nails a celestial shimmer. The raven black lacquer contains silver flecks that make your nails look like a starry night - they glitter. Dior's fast-drying, diamond-hard, chip-resistant formula makes sure this limited-edition varnish lasts.

Dior Vernis - Silver Purple - A luminous silver-purple nail polish. Dior Vernis Nail Polish will add a splash of luminous color to any look. The long-lasting, chip-resistant formula goes on silky smooth; and the vibrant color puts a tantalizing touch on finger tips and toes.

Dior Complete Makeup Palette - Deluxe Palette for Eyes, Cheeks, and Lips- A silver cannage deluxe makeup palette for eyes, cheeks, and lips. Get a perfect look on the go with this Complete Makeup Palette for the eyes, cheeks, and lips. This palette contains DiorBlush in English Rose, 2 - Colour Eye Shadow in Nude Look, Lip Gloss in 483, Cheek Brush, and Lip and Eye Applicator.

Ok, that was semi-painful and took several hours in total. But after all that, I am still so happy that I got to see every piece of the new Dior collection. Two products are exclusive to Sephora, the Complete Makeup Palette and the Black Sequins Nail Polish, everything else should be available at all Dior counters. The two items that I want the most from this collection (in addition to the Smoky Crystal palette that we already went over) are the Silver Purple Nail Polish and the simply breathtaking Boreale Crystal Lip Pendant. The Pendant and the Silver Purple polish are both already totally sold out on the Nordstrom site, so I will also get the thrill of the hunt on this collection. I would also like to get all of the palettes, overall this is just a great collection.

This Holiday has been amazing for me so far, there is not one collection where I do not want most of the items in it and some collections like this make me want every new product that is out there at the counter.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Thursday, November 26, 2009

MAC Baroque Boudoir

MAC has just released their newest color collection this week for Holiday, called Baroque Boudoir. This collection has been eagerly awaited by many of the writers of the beauty blogs, even more so than Magic, Mirth, and Mischief's color collection. This collection is considered to look very Dita Von Teese and that has sparked everyone's interest. At first glance, this collection appears to be more geared toward night parties and getting really dressed up to go out. Let's check this long-awaited collection out and see if it was worth the wait and the hype.

MAC describes the collection as follows, "Decadent, luxurious...liaisons get even more dangerous with formulas for lips and face, and the haute-style clutch of this baroque-inspired collection. Sate your taste for something modern, yet ornate".

Here we are...

Baroque Boudoir Lipstick - A Lipstick designed exclusively for the Baroque Boudoir collection. A polished silver case features two belle epoque-style motifs - one black and one frosted. The luxurious formula provides medium-to-full coverage for a look that's soft, rich, and lustrous. Wear alone or pair with Baroque Boudoir Lip Gloss. Limited Edition.
- Prive - creamy light blue pink (Cremesheen)
- Treasured - creamy warm nude beige (Cremesheen)
- Baroque Boudoir - creamy dark plum (Cremesheen)

Baroque Boudoir Lip Gloss - A Lip Gloss designed exclusively for the Baroque Boudior collection. A glass vial with a round, polished silver cap features two belle epoque-style motifs - one black and one frosted. Provides a soft, comfortable, and lustrous look. Wear alone or pair with Baroque boudior Lipstick. Limited Edition.
- Preciousness - sheer metallic pink with white pearl (Frost)
- The Lap of Luxury - sheer baby pink with white & pink pearl (Frost)
- D'nouveau - sheer dusty rose with light pink pearl (Frost)

Baroque Boudoir Compact Sheer Mystery Powder - A Sheer Mystery Powder making its appearance as part of the Baroque Boudoir collection. Designed as a special keepsake collectable, this luxurious, round polished silver-finished compact features two belle-epoque style motifs - one black, one frosted - that create a unique and coveted look. An ideal complement to the silky soft, velvety, and slightly luminous finish of the Sheer Mystery Powder. Limited Edition. Product packaged with pressed powder in compact and one refill.
- Light Medium - pale ivory
- Medium Plus - tan beige

Boudoir Clutch - A makeup-evening style clutch designed to reflect the style and chic of the Baroque Boudoir collection. Lavish in appearance, the shiny, fashionably crinkled pewter-grey fabric is gathered into its silver metal clasp, creating a look of high elegance. Limited Edition.

This is one MAC collection that utterly lives up to all the hype surrounding it, this is amazing both in colors and in packaging. The containers that house this makeup are among the most amazing that I have come across in years and will attract crowds of people to the MAC counters. I want all of the Lip Gloss shades and the Light Medium Sheer Mystery Powder. I would also like to get the Prive Lipstick but not quite as much as a I want the Lip Glosses. I added the official collection picture in the upper corner becasue this packaging simply must be seen, I can't fully put it into words.

A hit from MAC!

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Philosophy The Winter Escape

Philosophy released a bunch of cute little sets as gift ideas this Holiday season. Many of them, including the Recipe Box, look like ones that have been released in previous years. The one that we are touhcing on today is called The Winter Escape and I feel like somethin similar has been released before but since fireplaces and log cabins tend to be a staple of the Holidays, it makes sense to me that Philosophy continues to release new versions of this theme each year.

This set is based around the ever-popular hot cocoa and marshmellows. Here is the write up from the Sephora website, "A trio of fire inspired luxuries. Treat yourself to a warm shower or bath with new Peppermint Hot Cocoa Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Bubble Bath! Of course you can't have hot cocoa without marshmellows, which is why Marshmellow Body Souffle and Marshmellow Flavored Lip Shine make this deliciously cozy ensemble complete! This world-class shower gel is decadent, creamy, and perfect for daily use. The light, silky souffle - textured moisturizer melts into skin, providing anti-oxidant, hydrating, age-fighting benefits".

I was really excited about this product when I first saw it in a Sephora ad in some magazine earlier this month. However, this product and I are not meant to be. The Peppermint Hot Cocoa 3 in 1 is fantastic and I will be getting it in the full sized product that Sephora is selling alone.

I was so excited for the Marshmellow Souffle and this is where the major let down occured. First the background on my excitement for this product. Several years ago, Bath and Body Works released a Marshmellow scented cream just for the Holidays. This was when Tutti Dolci was in its glory and gourmand products were the rage. The cream sold out within days and so did the Hot Cocoa 3 in 1 that the company released to go along with the cream. I was able to get my hands on one of each of the products but was never able to get the back up of the cream that I really wanted to. I had high hopes that this cream was going to be close enough to my original (now long gone) Marshmellow cream but alas, this is nothing like the original. This product smelled fake and chemically and was rather oily as I tried the tester out on my hands. I have never been able to find a successful replacement for that product and this one can be added to the pile of failures. Another reason that I was so excited for this cream is that Philosophy has finally gotten the hint and released products other than the 3 in 1s in full sizes and I could really stock up on this product.

Will I buy this set? No. I see no point in buying the set when I will only use the 3 in 1 and the cream will sit and collect dust. The lip gloss was pretty average, not bad but not amazing and didn't really rock my world. I love the Peppermint Hot Cocoa but that's all I love from this set.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Monday, November 23, 2009

Urban Decay Holiday 2009 Collection

For Holiday 2009, Urban Decay released a slew of new sets that would make a great gift anyone who is a fan of the brand or to someone who is brand new to this company. I saw many of these items at Sephora earlier this week and wanted most of them for myself. I already discussed the newest Book of Shadows so we don't need to re-look at it though I think that Urbad Decay does consider that to be the "hero" product of this collection. And based just on the fact that Sephora had so few left of them, it holds the potential to be the best selling item of the collection this season. The collection items that I saw at Sephora were gift sets only, it appears as though no new colors or single products came from Urban Decay this Holiday.

Show Pony Shadow Box - A versatile kit that allows you to create both a fashion-forward or neutral look and is illustrated by Kime Buzzelli - darling of the LA art scene. Arty hipsters and makeup junkies rejoice! Urban Decay chose Kime Buzzelli, darling of the LA art scene, to illustrate this amazing Shadow Box inside and out. Kime's painting feature wickedly fashionable women - often with brightly colored makeup running down their cheeks. Inspired by these characters, this palette is filled with 6 shadows (all totally wearable) and 2 exclusive to this set: Snatch (peachy-pink with glitter) and Painkiller (turquoise shimmer). You'll love the versatility of this set: pick from bright fashion-forward shades or go neutral with "9 to 5" friendly shadows that still give a ton of personality to your look. Rounding out the set is a travel-sized 24/7 Eye Pencil in never-fail Zero (black), a mini genie bottle of Eye Shadow Primer Potion (so your makeup won't run down YOUR cheeks), and a big mirror. This Shadow Box will make you beautiful AND do wonders for your street cred. Thanks, Kime.
- Snatch Eye Shadow - peachy-pink with glitter
- Painkiller Eye Shadow - turquoise shimmer
- Mildew Eye Shadow - deep green
- Flash Eye Shadow - electric purple
- Smog Eye Shadow - deep bronze
- Toasted Eye Shadow - copper
- 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero - black
- Eye Shadow Primer Potion

24/7 Super Stash - A set of nine, mini-sized 24/7 eye pencils that includes four new, exclusive shades and five best-selling favorites. You asked for more! This rainbow of shades is the ultimate kit: the right balance of neutrals and brights for any look. Need to modernize your little black dress? Try bold strokes of gold, green, or blue for some exotic flair. Wearing that bold printed tunic? Try smoldering layers of neutral Eye Pencils to add depth and gleam without competing. Small enough to fit in a wallet or the slimmest of evening bags, these mini-sized pencils still feature the exact formula you love in Urban Decay's full-sized 24/7 pencils: extra-creamy, easy-glide, and waterproof. Use them in combination, use them alone, or give a few away (Ok don't do that).
- Corrupt - brown sparkle
- Binge - navy (finally!)
- Eldorado - new gold
- Oil Slick - black sparkle
- Zero - black
- Graffiti - bright green with silver sparkle
- Ransom - bright iridescent purple
- Rockstar - bright purple
- Stash - dark golden green

Box of Potions - An exclusive, limited-edition kit packed with the cult-favorite Eye Shadow Primer Potion and four new primers for the lips, lashes, and complexion. It's the magic of Eye Shadow Primer Potion - for your lips, lashes, and complexion! Each product ensures that your makeup applies smoother, stays truer, and lasts longer. The runaway cult product, Primer Potion, is the ultimate eye prep product for crease-proof eye shadow. The invisible Lip Primer keeps your favorite lipstick or gloss from fading and feathering and the Eyelash Primer builds lashes by coating each one with tiny fibers. The Complexion Primer Potion for Pore Perfecting minimizes the look of pores and fine lines and the Complexion Primer Potion for Brightening creates beautifully moisturized skin that looks brighter and feels tighter.

Hall of Fame - A set featuring an XL Eye Shadow Primer Potion and four of the brand's favorite products in travel sizes. Like Gulliver in the land of Lilliputians, Urban Decay's XL Eye Shadow Primer Potion towers over four of their favorite products. Buy the set for yourself (restock your primer, then use the rest for girls' night out, snowboarding, or a trip backstage), or give it to a friend new to Urban Decay (are there still people who don't know the magic of 24/7 Eye Pencils?!)
- XL Eye Shadow Primer Potion
- 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero - black
- Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy - sheer beige shimmer
- Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss in Timothy - coral with pink glow
- Skyscraper Multi-Benefit Mascara

Apocalyptic Nail Kit - A case featuring seven mini bottles of Urban Decay's predictions for this season's "it" nail polishes. OMG!! It's finally back...Urban Decay Nail Enamel! What better way to celebrate than with this case of SEVEN gorgeous shades. An elegant lineup of their predictions for this season's "it" polishes, these commitment-free mini bottles allow you to indulge without feeling indulgent. Black polish addicts will find new loves Apocalypse (almost black eggplant), Grunge (metallic peacock), and Gunmetal. Old school UD fans will remember Big Bang (shimmery hot pink). Sexpots will love the true red, Fbomb, and royal purple Meltdown. And fashion junkies will love shimmering White Widow. You can't wait to try them, right?!
- White Widow - white sparkle
- Gunmetal - gunmetal sparkle
- Apocalypse - black-purple
- Grunge - metallic peacock
- Meltdown - royal purple
- Big Bang - sparkling hot pink
- Fbomb - true red

Hi-Fi 24/7 Set - A set of four travel-size 24/7 Eye Pencils - including one shade exclusive to this set. Even more exciting than 24/7 Sets from years past! Try a hit of color with creamy, waterproof 24/7 Eye Pencils across your lash line and a layer of iridescent glitter on top to add dimension. Experiment your heart our, wear them in combination or alone, and show off your creative genius! This set also makes a great gift for someone unfamiliar with two best-selling products, or for that UD junkie jonesing for a new and exclusive shade.
- 24/7 Liner in Mildew - deep green (exclusive shade)
- 24/7 Liner in Zero - black
- 24/7 Liner in 1999 - plum
- 24/7 Liner in Flipside - bright teal
- Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Distortion - opalescent pearl

I want all the sets! Seriously, this collection to me is just amazing. I already own tons of Urban Decay makeup but there are things here that I have wanted for sometime, new items that I simply must have (the Snatch shade from Show Pony looks like a color that I would kill for). I am so excited to go back to Sephora and buy everything that just came out for Holiday!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Friday, November 20, 2009

Shu Uemura Holiday 2009 Collection - Tsumori Chisato Holiday Collection

Back to the Holiday makeup collections. Today we are looking at one from Japan, the newest offerings from the renowned House of Shu Uemura. This collection is based on the night sky and all of the twinkling stars that it contains. Here is the description from Shu Uemura, "World-renowned Japanese fashion designer Tsumori Chisato creates the limited-edition 'wish upon a star' collection exclusively for Shu Uemura. Tsumori's favorite Japanese icons 'Twinkle Star' and 'Lucky Cat' add a playful spirit and tidings of good luck throughout the collection".

Here is the collection...

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Planet Cat Couture Palette - Limited Edition Couture Compact Palette that contains 3 pressed eye shadows (black glitz, shiny silver, and copper), 1 cream eyeliner (black purple), 1 cream highlighter (gold iridescent), 1 blush (apricot cream), and 2 dual-ended applicators (wide tip/narrow tip and cheek brush/liner brush) - everything you need for the perfect holiday look.

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Radiant Ribbon Couture Palette - Limited Edition Couture Compact Palette that contains 3 pressed eye shadows (rose pink, shiny gold, and pale purple), 1 cream eyeliner (dark brown), 1 cream highlighter (diamond), 1 blush (salmon pink), and 2 dual-ended applicators (wide tip/narrow tip and cheeck brush/liner brush) - everything you need for the perfect holiday look.

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Duo Color Highlighter Golden Snow - Limited Edition Highlighter that includes two shimmering powders that are pressed in one for a perfect golden glow.

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Gloss Unlimited Mini Trio Set + Pouch - Limited Edition Mini Lip Gloss Trio Set includes three Gloss Unlimited in Venus Peach, Moon Gold, and Scorpion Red in an original Tsumori Chisato satin pouch.

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Rouge Unlimited Jupiter Brown - Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in a limited edition shade of Jupiter Brown and encased within Tsumori Chisato's exclusive 'lucky cat' packaging design.

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Mini Brush Set - A chic brush with an exclusively designed case - perfect for the on-the-go touch ups! Set includes: 1 essential face/cheek brush, 2 eye shadow brushes, and 1 lip/eyeliner brush - all hand-crafted in Japan of the highest quality.

Tsumori Chisato Limited Edition Cosmetics Pouch - Store your make-up in Tsumori Chisato's world with this limited edition cosmetic pouch decorated with lucky stars.

Tsumori Chisatio Limited Edition Compact Mirror with Pouch - Compact Mirror exclusively designed with Tsumori Chisato's 'lucky cat' adds a playful spirit to the holiday season and comes with a convenient pouch.

I really like this collection, I love the theme of the twinkling stars and all the products that have black cats on them. Since I adore my little black cat, all of those items are on the top of my shopping list. I really want both of the palettes and the mini lip gloss set. Also, I really want the black cat compact mirror to keep in my bag. I can't say that I think that the lipstick will work out for my skintone and I don't really want any of the other sets, so I guess those couple of items are all that I will be getting this collection.

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Luna Twilight Collection

New Moon comes out this week as I am sure that everyone has already realized from my babblings about it in previous posts. I have talked about DuWop and Bath and Body Works already so now it's time to talk about another makeup line that has jumped on the Twilight bandwagon. This collection is called the Luna Twilight Collection and features every type of makeup item to make the user a Twilight beauty. I have only seen this collection at Nordstrom so far and for some reason, when I go to it on the website, the DuWop Twilight Venom is included in this collection and I'm not quite sure why. But let's look at the products offered from this collection.

The Twilight makeup collection...

Femme Fatale Lip Gloss - Long-wearing, hydrating lip gloss that gives the highest shine without being sticky or heavy. It creates a breathable barrier between the gloss and your lips to maintain moisture.
-'53 Chevy - deep red
- Butterfly Kisses - midtone pink
- Drizzle - sheer silver
- Hush - pale nude
- Kindle - midtone nude
- Myth - deep burgundy
- Surrender - midtone mauve
- Vapor - grey

Twilight Color Palette - Reflecting the mood and spirit of the iconic female characters from Twilight, these kits bring together a collection of lip, cheek, and eye colors that create harmonious and wearable palettes.
- Alice - pale cool toned shades
- Bella - warm neutral shades
- Rosalie - pale pink toned shades
- Victoria - cool toned purple shades

Twilight Body Glow - This weightless pearlized formula glides onto the body to give skin a smooth and radiant illumination that is just reflective enough to be noticed.

Twilight 'First Light' Face Glow - This gorgeous product glides onto the face a subtle light-catching sheen. It contains finely milled, light-reflecting pigments that can be used to highlight cheek and brow bones while softening skin's imperfections and enhancing elasticity.

Twilight 'Mortal Glow' Blushing Creme - A creative chemistry of cream and mousse that glides effortlessly into the cheek, leaving a skin-perfecting, satiny-smooth finish. Three distinct shades are molded together to create a unique pattern that changes color to personalize, contour, and add dimension.
- Adrenaline - shades of pink
- Swoon - shades of neutrals

Twilight 'Moonshadow' Eye Shadow - A unique and revolutionary pairing of highly pigmented glitter dust, and a rich, yet light cream shadow that can be worn separately or layered to create a personalized look.
- Bloom - pale pink/pale gold
- Fancy - lavender/mauve
- Honey/Wine - burgundy/pale gold
- Snowstorm - white/pewter

Twilight 'Gleam' Metallic Mascara - Mascara that lengthens, thickens, and conditions each lash to perfection. Its lush formula is made unique by the addition of subtle, light-catching shimmer.
- Lapiz - bright blue
- Mist - pale silver
- Panther - black
Twilight 'Just Bitten' Staining Balm - A luxurious and colorful balm that feels like satin as it treats lips with a veritable assortment of antioxidants, emollients, and natural sun protection, all know for their healing properties.
- Blush - red stain
- Eye Candy - cool pink stain
- Lullaby - nude stain
- Rapture - deep purple stain

Honestly, I am not in love with this collection. I haven't tried any of these products but I really feel that they are not going to be the highest of quality and are more just to add to the Twilight hype. I could be wrong but I really doubt it. There are still a few pieces that I wouldn't mind having from this collection though. I want the Lip Gloss in Kindle, the Alice Color Palette, the Adrenline Blushing Creme, the Bloom and Snowstorm Eye Shadows, and the Blush Staining Balm. I am interested in the Mist mascara but I don't think that it would be anything that I would ever wear.

Ladies, you have several days until the premiere of New Moon. Show your Twilight love and wear all the makeup to the movie. At least it's better than the Team Edward and Team Jacob shirts that all the teenagers will wearing there. Maybe they will have separate theaters so the two groups don't start a war...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

LUSH Holiday 2009 - Bath

This is last installment of the new LUSH Holiday products - the bath collection. This collection contains all the bath products that made LUSH famous so this is the largest part of the Holiday collection. Some of the products appear to be repeats from the Shower collection so I will just skip over those products since you have already read all about them.

Here are the bath products...

Holiday Bubble Bar - You may recognize the gorgeous fragrance of carnation, rose, and tangerine oil from a certain Potion we've concocted in the past. It's such a sexy, seductive blend that we keep coming back to it. Crumble one of these bars into your bathtub and slide right in to the sparkling, ruby red waters to escape your worries for a while. This fluffy bubble bath reminds you that there's no place like LUSH.

Candy Cane Bubble Bar - If it's sweets you're craving, crumble this bar into your tub and climb into it's abundant, fluffy, vanilla candy scented bubbles. It was a bit tricky putting the curl into the top of Candy Cane, so we left ours straight, but it's just as satisfying as the real thing. If you love the smell of the Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, you'll adore this one as they smell just the same (except this one is full of Christmas spirit).

Christmas Eve Bubble Bar - Christmas Eve is infused with a gorgeous and feminine jasmine and ylang-ylang perfume to relax and inspire confidence. On Christmas Eve, children find it difficult to get to sleep, so give them a good bathing in Christmas Eve bubble bath and soon they'll be off to the land of nod. Once they're dreaming of Santa flying around in his sleigh, it's your turn to take some time out and escape from seasonal stress. Crumble one into the tub, inhale the gorgeous fragrance and exhale all your Christmas Eve jitters.

Father Frost Soap - This is a stunning new soap which looks like midnight and smells like a garden. If you've been good all year round, you may just be rewarded with a large piece of this Christmas soap made with apple juice and cranberries. It's inspired by Russian folk tales and has a beautiful mold of Father Frost on the top. Pick up an entire round for a gorgeous, fragrant centerpiece this Christmas. Then cut it up and share it with your friends.

Want To Believe Bath Melt - If you've been good all year round, you won't have to worry about finding a lump of coal in your stocking. What you will find is this coal black, refreshing, skin-softening Luxury Bath Melt. Each sparkling bar is full of gorgeous fennel and starflower oil fragrance to refresh your mind, along with soya milk and cocoa butter to soften your skin. Drop one in the bath and watch it froth up; it's meant to restore your belief in the joys of yuletide.

Satsumo Santa Bath Bomb - Last year Simon Constantine (co-head perfumer) created the gorgeous scent for our decant Chocolate Santa. This year, Santa's back and he's SUMO sized! Simon created a new lovely and refreshing citrus fruit blend with mandarin oil, bergamot oil, and orange blossom absolute. When the holiday season has gotten you all stressed out and tired, grab a Satsumo Santa and drop him in the tub with you. The smile-inducing orange flower will rise up from the water to lift your seasonal spirits and get you excited to finish up with the rest of your holiday chores.

Cinders Bath Bomb - Much like you cannot avert your eyes from the tantalizing flames in a fire, you will not be able to avert your nose from this bath bomb. This warming, sweet cinnamon and orange fragrance was inspired by a comforting yuletide drink in Sweden and is utterly irresistable on a chilly evening. Cinders is the colour of a glowing ember and crackles like wood on a fire (just like the fire that Cinderella slept beside in the fairytale). The cracking and popping is a result of the vegan fizzing candy (pop rocks!) that we put into each bomb. This one is quite special and we're sure it's going to be a hit.

So White Bath Bomb - The fragrance of this lovely Bath Bomb is inspired by the tempting apple a certain wicked stepmother tricked her beautiful stepdaughter into eating. We assure you, however, that this Bath Bomb is not full of poison to put you to sleep. It is made with an uplighting fragrance of refreshing oranges, apples, and romantic rose and is meant to awake you if you've been under a spell (or are just feeling tired). This one is quite a frothy bath as we've grated in some bubble bar mixture, so you can bathe in apple scented snow and feel fairest of them all.

Jingle Spells Bath Bomb - We brought back our favorite Christmas detoxifying Bath Bomb because we often find ourselves drinking a few too many around the holiday season. We make it with juniperberries and fennel oils to help you overcome the sensitivity to jingling bells and other loud noises the day after the Christmas Party. Kids and non-drinkers alike can still enjoy this Bath Bomb to help them keep up their holiday cheer. Get one, bathe in its purple waters with gold, silver, and black stars, and let it work its magic.

Lil Lush Pud Bath Bomb - This little bomb is a lovely dessert bath complete with holly leaf (a sugar one) and spicy cloves, fresh lemon, and rose for guilt-free indulgence. We made this year's LUSH Pud l'il because the gorgeous essential oils that we put into LUSH's Pud every year make it incredibly costly. So we could either give up making it, make it very expensive, or make it in a little Bath Bomb. We chose little; it's just as festive but not quite so heavy to carry home.

Christmas Party Bath Bomb - A bright orange, revitalizing Bath Bomb to dissolve your inhibitions and get you ready for another Christmas Party. It's one of our favorite Christmas-time Bath Bombs and has returned again this yet, much to our delight. Refreshing lime, orange, and cognac get you in the mood to party (which is why we put into Snow Showers Jelly and Supernova Bath Bomb). Stars, glitter, and coloured confetti decorate the tub to get the party started; drop one in and fizzle back to the top our your game.

Gnome Name Bubble Bar - Every culture has a different name for it's yuletide elves, whether it's jolly old St. Nicholas, Zwarte Piet who drops down the chimney covered in soot, Jultomten who gives people gifts when they've bene good all year or Knecht Ruprecht who deals out punishment to naughty people. That's why when you visit a LUSH shop you'll find that No Name (Gnome Name) has been given a different name in each one. But don't worry, he's the same warming, fruity, spicy, soda-scented bubble bar that creates fluffy, snow-like bubbles no matter what we call him.

Mister Butterball Bath Bomb - A LUSH holiday favorite returning year after year by popular demand. Mr. Butterball is made with helpings of skin-softening cocoa butter that melt into the water and softens skin whilst you soak. Sexy ylang-ylang and comforting vanilla help you relax and get sleep too. Pick up a few of these guys and pop them into everyone's stockings for a Christmas Day bath.

The Candy Cane Bubble Bar is the most exciting thing to me in this Bath collection, I love Creamy Candy already and I love the cansy cane shape of this product. I also want to get Holiday, So White, Christmas Party, and Mister Butterball. I hope this is LUSH filled season...

photo courtesy of LUSH

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

LUSH Holiday Products - Shower and Lovely

I have already written about my love of Snow Fairy and my obsession with hoarding as much of it as possible so I can use it all the way until next Holiday season. However, while Snow Fairy is the shining star of the Holiday collection, LUSH has brought out an entire line of goodies for the Holidays. I think that I can safely say that anyone who love a LUSH Holiday gift to unwrap and the company does a great job in both making beautiful pre-made giftsets and individual products to suit anyone on your gift list.

Here are the products...

Double Fast Luck - This good luck fortune coin was such a hit last year that we brought it back again; this time it's pink and sparkling. We filled it to the brim with our signature Karma fragrance to bring a greater sense of peace, vitality, and prosperity to your showers. Take the oversized coin, put it into your shower floor, turn on the water, and inhale the spicy, citrusy fragrance as it rises with the steam. Buy one for friends and family; everyone could do with a bit of good Karma!

Strawberry Santa - If you're having trouble getting children into the tub, pick up a pot of Strawberry Santa Shower Jelly. He's made in the shape of Santa Claus, smells of scrumptious fresh strawberries, and you can wash your hair and body with him, all while having wibbly-wobbly fun. He'll get you and the kids all cleaned up and with a carrageenan seaweed base, he'll leave you soft and nourished. Who are we kidding? He makes grown-ups race their children to the showers!

Snowshower - Our snow-white, winter jelly returns this year to showers everywhere. For an invigorating morning wash, keep it in the fridge or freezer. It melts slowly under warm water, frothing into a creamy, skin-softening lather. Sweet orange, lime, and cognac oils wake up your sleepy senses and put you in the mood to party. The fragrance is in our Christmas Party Bath Bomb too but in case you don't have the time to bathe in between work and party, here is a lovely skin and hair softening Shower Jelly.

Fairy Tail - You're going to love our new holiday sugar scrub; it exudes the same fragrance as our strawberry and cream shower wash, Yummy Yummy Yummy. Product inventor Noriko created it after finding the traditional Sugar Mice candies at an old fashioned sweet shop in England. She gave this little mouse a string for a tail and little white chocolates for ears. Scrub it all over your body and you'll wind up with a truly soft tail-end.

Angel's Delight - We imagine that if we did not bring back Angel's Delight this year, our LUSH customers would not act very angelically. There would be riots and protests until we started making it. If you haven't tried it, we'll tell you why it's so popular. It is bright pink, fruity, studded with multicoloured soap shapes and scattered with glitter and stars. It's inspired by kaleidoscopes and smells of jelly beans. It delights both angels and mere mortals by refreshing and cleansing your skin and stimulating your spirit.

Snowcake - Snowcake soap is a LUSH holiday classic and a best-seller. It's a fantastically creamy soap that smells of irresistable almond icing on the Christmas cake. This year Snowcake has a beautiful new design inspired by the Russian cakes from the town of Tula. They make cakes that look like this for all occasions, and every one of them has a different message, ours says "Have a good new year". Once you start washing with this rose and cassis absolute soap, you'll certainly be off to a good start.

Let Them Eat Cake - This holiday lip balm has been embraced by vegans and non-vegans alike and we're certainly proud (it's tough pleasing vegans!). We know that everyone loves to eat cake, so here's a lip balm that tastes and smells of delicious Christmas cake with all the ingredients you'd find in one (minus the flour and baking soda). You'll need a pot of this to keep your lips soft, so when you find yourself being kissed under the mistletoe, the one who suprised you will get a tasty treat.

Sexy Boy - The little man melts onto your body with moisturizing cocoa and shea butters and extra virgin coconut oil to give your skin a glow (he tends to lead to other things that leave you glowing too). He smells of warming chocolate and invigorating lime oil to put you in the mood for romance. Although he may not look sexy (he is a gingerbread man after all), give him a chance by rubbing him onto your partner and he'll bring sexy to your back.

The above products are from the two LUSH lines (Shower and Lovely). I had originally planned to do all the products at once, but the new Bath product collection is huge that one will be covered in my next. Otherwise, I have a feeling that I need to be stopping at LUSH sometime soon to buy the Holiday products for myself. I will be picking up Snowshower, Fairy Tail, Angel's Delight, and Snowcake. I have heard about Snowcake for the longest time on the Makeup Alley Boards and now must try it out for myself.

photo courtesy of LUSH

Monday, November 16, 2009

LUSH Holiday Collection - Snow Fairy

LUSH Snow Fairy started as a single shower gel one Holiday season and soon became a cult favorite that was in demand all year round. Since LUSH continued to only offer it during the Holidays, it quickly became at item to stockpile and usually sold out well before Thanksgiving ever hits. This year, LUSH has released more items than just the shower gel, they now have a seasonal collection of multiple Snow Fairy items. I have been looking forward to the release of Snow Fairy since May of this year, so I am ready to stockpile this whole collection.

LUSH describes this collection as follows, "Funny how these things happen. Snow Fairy came to visit us one Christmas wither pink sparkles and candy flossy sweetness, then refused to leave. A favourite with small girls, as we'd predicted, and grown men, which we hadn't, Snow Fairy is back and she's brought her friends".

The first product is the traditional shower gel and here is the write-up of the product from the United States LUSH website. "Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without our Snow Fairy shower Gel; this one makes a comeback every year because it's so very popular. The fragrance is as sweet as pink candy, mixed with soothing vanilla".

One of the new products introduced in this fragrance is the Star Melt Bath Melt. "Follow this star and you'll be sure to find your way to soft skin. This rich and creamy Luxury Bath Melt is scented with the best-selling Snow Fairy fragrance of vanilla and candy. To make it even more addictive, Helen added in helpings of icing sugar to give the bathwater a delectable, milky feel and spoonfuls of starflower oil to soothe dry and troubled skin. It's deeply softening and leaves you smelling sweet as sugar. It's the icing on the cake of Snow Fairies".

The other new product is a solid perfume in this fragrance. I want all these three products, especially the shower gel and the solid perfume. Bath Melts normally aren't my favorite of the LUSH bath products because in this fragrance, I think that I could overlook the fact that I prefer Bombs and Bubble Bars. However, I will be stocking up on the shower gel and buy enough to last me all through next year.

Joining the Snow Fairy cult...

photo courtesy of LUSH

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Laura Mercier Holiday 2009 Collection - Club Couture Collection

The newest collection from Laura Mercier promises to be 100% pure Holiday shine and sparkle. From the moment that I saw the promo pic, I decided that I wanted a bunch of products for it.

Here is what the Laura Mercier website has to say about the collection, "Uptown chic meets downtown cool with the Club Couture Collection. Eyes are "foiled" in metallic shades of silver and gold with a smoky plume of black to keep the lash line smoldering. Lips are pin-up pretty in shades of Pink Label and Designer Beige, with a touch of gilded pink gloss to accentuate. Layers upon layer of black mascara providing the perfect frame." Wow...is it possible?! A description that contains three of my favorite beauty items; metallic eye shadows, black eye liner, pink lip glosses, and layers of black mascara. This is a collection for me.

Let's check it out...

Foiled Eye Colour - Laura Mercier Foiled Eye Colour is an innovative, wet-dry baked powder formula in polished shades that add an unexpected edge to smoldering eyes. Apply dry for a brillant shimmer effect or wet for a gleaming metallic look. Concentrated combinations of pearl and pigment provide light-catching colour with a dazzling finish. Long-lasting, silky powder applies smoothly, evenly, and blends effortlessly.
- V.I.P. Gold - gold leaf foil
- V.I.P. Silver - aluminum silver foil

Dual Eye Colour Brush - Laura Mercier Dual Eye Colour Brush is a double-ended brush with a blend of natural and high quality synthetic fibers for the application of creme and powder formulas. Creme end has flat bristles with a tapered, oval tip for precise application. Powder end had medium - length, rounded natural hairs blended with white, synthetic fibers. Perfectly sized and shaped to cover the eyelid with minimal strokes.

Lip Colour - Creme - Laura Mercier Lip Colour - Creme now changes the way you feel about lipstick in one sweep in the newest revolutionary lip colour formula. The wide range of shades and finishes enhances your lips' appearance, protects them from the elements, provides hydration, and cares for the lips like skincare. Lip Colour Complex is a unique blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and plumping ingredients to boost the performance of the lip colour. Offers Vitamins A & E to act as powerful anti-oxidants to soften, soothe, and condition lips for plumper, smoother, and healthier-looking lips. Long-lasting coverage with a modern sheen. Colour is refreshed each time lips are pressed together. Application is always fresh and flawless.
- Pink Label - delicate baby pink

Lip Colour - Shimmer - Laura Mercier Lip Colour - Shimmer now changes the way you feel about lipstick in one sweep in the newest revoloutionary lip colour formula. The wide range of shades and finishes enhances your lips' appearance, protects them from the elements, provides hydration, and cares for the lips like skincare. Lip Colour Complex is a unique blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and plumping ingredients to boost the performance of the lip colour. Offers Vitamins A & E to act as powerful anti-oxidants to soften, soothe, and condition lips for plumper, smoother, adn healthier-looking lips. Long-lasting coverage with a modern sheen. Colour is refreshed each time lips are pressed together. Apllication is always fresh and flawless.
- Designer Beige - warm nude shimmer

Lip Glace - Laura Mercier Lip Glace is a high-shine, perfectly pigmented lip gloss with rich, long-lasting colour and brillant shine that creates the appearance of fuller lips. Any skin tone is virtually enhanced by creating a subtle contrast in texture. Contains the Laura Mercier Lip Complex which hydrates and protects lips leaving a wonderfully smooth surface. Lip Complex is a unique blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and plumping ingredients to boost the performance of Lip Glace. Non-sticky gloss formula plumps and conditions lips. Lays down evenly without feathering or bleeding. Adds a glamorous touch without looking too heavy. Available in a variety of coverages (sheer, medium, and full) and finishes (shine, sheen, and shimmer).
- After Hours - soft pale pink with reflective gold pearl

Full Faux Eyelashes - Laura Mercier Full Faux Eyelashes are uniquely designed eyelashes that precisely cover cover the entire lash line, creating all-over volume and length. Full lashes are perfectly shaped and arranged to give a striking effect to the entire face. Offers a defined, yet natural appearance. Comfortable, flexible lash band provides extended wear. Store lashes on box insert to maintain shape. Great for three to five uses. To ensure extended use, do not apply mascara on top of faux eyelashes.

This collection is amazing, it has my name written all over it. I really think that this is my favorite collection of the season so far and is one of the few in at least a season that is just 100% amazing for me. I want to get both of the Foil Eye Colour and the Dual End Brush for application. I want both of the Lip Colours and most of all I want the After Hours Lip Glace, it resembles a lighter version of my beloved Sophia Rose gloss from Vincent Longo (that I have a very hard time finding at the moment). i am really looking forward to my next trip to the Laura Mercier counter.

photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Bath and Body Works Twilight Woods

The next movie in the Twilight series, entitled New Moon, will be coming into theaters within the next few days. For many of us, this means a huge continuation of the Twilight hype. Even the beauty industry is not immune to hyping popular movies and hoping that both teenage girls and ladies everywhere will purchase the products just because the name or image reminds them of this series of books. Now, I cannot say for sure that the new Bath and Body Works scents, Twilight Woods, is named after the series or is just trying to pick up some of the hype surrounding the movies. However, it is quite a concidence that this fragrance came out right in the very beginning of the month that New Moon is scheduled to be released. I am putting this fragrance under the category of clever marketing ploy...

Let's look at this scent a little closer. Regardless of the marketing ploy, this is a new scent that Bath and Body Works is releasing in their Signature Collection for the Holiday shopping season and is sure to be one that they are banking on being a hit. This fragrance is available in both body products and home fragrance and appeals to me more as a home fragrance item since it appears to be on the woodier and spicer side of the fragrance families.

Here is the fragrance description from the Bath and Body Works website, "Master perfumers have blended apricot nectar, mimosa petals, and Tuscan cypress to create this hypnotic fragrance inspired by a romantic walk in enchanted woods." The top notes are - Juicy Berry, Sparkling Mandarin, hint of Coconut. The middle notes are - Creamy Frangipani, Soft Mimosa, Wet Honeysuckle, Wild Freesia, Apricot Nectar. The base notes are Oud Wood, Skin Musk Captive, Vanilla Milk, Warm Woods.

I thought that I would hate this, but to my shock and awe, I liked it from the moment that I put it on in the store and grew to love it more as the day wore on. The fragrance is much more oriental and floral than I originally assumed that it would be and grew softer and creamier as the vanilla notes came out with further wear.

This fragrance comes in all of the usual Bath and Body Works products but also is availabe in two new limited edition items. The first is the Shower Mousse, a creamy foam infused with jojoba oil to use in the shower and promises to not overdry the skin during cold winter weather. The second is the Silk Radiance Body lotion, which is hopefully a re-release of their old Silk Body Lotion that I loved in years past. However, based on the description, I can see that it has next to nothing in common with the old lotion, since it delivers shimmer and contains shea butter, Vitamin E, and Aloe instead of silk proteins. With the exception of the shimmer, I imagine that I would like this product.

I haven't gotten a chance to pick up anything from this collection yet becuase the last time that I was in Bath and Body Works, I restrained myself and kept all of my shopping to gift buying only. Next time, I wouldn't be quite so restrained...the shower mousse and other body products are coming home with me. Amusingly, I actually didn't love the home fragrance in this scent because I thought that it was much woodier and stronger than the body products.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Friday, November 13, 2009

Chanel Collection Noirs Obscurs

Chanel has now jumped on the trend bandwagon that was started by MAC's Style Black about two months ago. They have released a collection called Noirs Obscurs, a collection that is based fully around the trend of black makeup shades. I don't think that this is their Holiday collection since I see nothing in the description that has any reference to Holidays or sparkle. Chanel states that, "Ultra-modern makeup shades - edgy, yet elegant iterations of the colour black - for eyes, lips, and fingertips."

Here is the collection...

Quatuor Boutons de Chanel - Shade combinations ranging from matte to frost to satin for multiple looks, contrasting or complementary. Apply dry for subtle shadowing. Slightly moistened applicator gives a more intense shade. Organic polymer derivatives ensure smudge-proof long wear, particularly in high temperature or humidity. A sophisticated eye shadow quartet of strikingly deep shades - intense green, mahogany, midnight blue, and dark violet - for myriad dramatic effects.
- Les Folies Noires - intense green/mahogany/midnight blue/dark violet

Inimitable Noir Obscur - In a single stroke, Inimitable Mascara does it all. A sophisticated formula and unique brush design combine to lengthen, plump, and curl, delivering lush, long-wearing colour so precisely that each lash, even the finest, is perfectly defined and separated. The mascara that delivers it all - volume, length, curl, and precise separation - now coats lashes in the lushness of black, taken to the deep, dramatic extreme.
- Extreme Black 05 - deep dramatic black

Exceptionnel de Chanel Noir Obscur - Chanel gives lashes the fullest advantage with captivating volume and voluptuous curves for a deeply glamorous, intense effect. High-shine, smudge-proof formula and an innovative six-sided application brush ensure dramatic results, with clump-free separation. Volumizing and curling mascara takes lashes to the extreme with the ultimate shade of black.
- Extreme Black 05 - deep dramatic black

Le Crayon Yeux - Eye contour crayon outlines and accents dramatically. Creates a clear, precise line around eyes, enhancing their expression. Also gives a gentle shadow to lids when delicately blended with sponge applicator. Extremely smooth texture with finely dispersed pigments for even, long-lasting wear. Formula enriched with Vitamin E is ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers. An ultra-smooth kohl liner to emphasize a dramatic eye look, in limited-edition Demoniac, a provocative red-tinged black.
- Demoniac - red-tinged black

Rouge Allure - It combines fabulously wearable, lustrous colour and sensational comfort and is subtly etched with the world-renowned Chanel logo. New, limited-edition renderings of the iconic lipstick in dark, seductively rich hues.
- Maniac - deep red
- Hysteria - deep plum
- Obscure - deep brown red

Aqualumiere Gloss - Brush on the exquisite, water-light look of this new ingenious gloss and discover perfect comfort in a sheer wach of colour. The limited-edition shade of this water-light gloss - Furious, a glittery noir - delivers a sheer wash of strikingly deep, high-shine colour.
- Furious - glittery black

Le Vernis - Brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris. State-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. Unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action for easy application. Nails shine with the must-have, black-imbued shades of the season.
- Diabolic - black red

I find this collection to be very close in many aspects to Style Black. I feel that Style Black was a bit more on the edgy side nd this one is more tame. However, an arguement can't even really be made for this collection being more mainstream or easier to wear than the MAC one since black makeup (especially lip products) have never been considered conservative or very easy to wear. I guess that I like this collection because it might be easier for me to update my look by working one or two products from here into it. I love the Eye Shadow Quad and the newest shade of Le Vernis, I could make either of those work with my current makeup products. I am curious about the eyeliner shade and how a black red shade of liner would look when applied. I will have to get to the counter to play with that one. As with Style Black, none of the lip colours are for me so I will pass on those.

On a side note, I said in the beginning of the post that I wasn't sure if this is the Holiday collection or not. I have an answer to that question, it's not so Chanel will be releasing a another collection very soon if this one wasn't so appealing to you.

photo courtesy of Chanel

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Kat Von D Saint and Sinner Fragrances

As I have discussed in the past, I normally do not go for celebrity fragrances (with very few exceptions) and tend to find them overrated and low quality. However, once in a while, a celebrity releases a fragrance that makes me sit up and take notice. Honestly, I am on the fench about whether to qualify these new Kat Von D fragrances under celebrity fragrances because she already has a makeup collection out and these could be seen as an addition to the makeup line instead of just another item to slap her name on. Maybe it might be better if I didn't even look at them from a celebrity fragrance point of view. On the flipside to that, she is using her name recognition from her L.A. Ink show to launch both the makeup line and the perfumes so it could be looked at as a celebrity fragrance. I think that it tends to be on the celebrity fragrance side because she is in the ad herself and uses her name to promote the new fragrances. Ok enough with my soap box...let's discuss the two new fragrances.

Kat has released two fragrances, one is named Saint and the other is named Sinner. It doesn't take a genius to figure out which one will be the lighter of the two and which one will be heavier. The Sinner fragrance looks like it was designed for Kat herself and the Saint one was designed for someone like me.

First, let's look at the Sinner fragrance. Here is what Sephora has to say about it, "Introducing Sinner, created by makeup artist Kat Von D, exclusively for Sephora. Light, delicate top notes of orange blossom, refreshing mandarin, and fleshy plum create a provacative, sultry heart. Rich jasmine blends seamlessly with a white-flower bouquet, beautifully tainted by the spicy wamrth of cinnamon, an herb assocaited with ancient rituals of pleasure. A dark, mysterious back of earthy vetiver, patchouli, and woods enveloped in creamy vanilla and sensual musk lingers on the skin." This one is not for me, the cinnamon just kills it. Next...

The other fragrance, Saint, holds more promise for me than Sinner. "Introducing Saint, created by makeup artist Kat Von D, exclusively for Sephora. The sweet nectar of Mirabelle Plum and sparkling juicy mandarin create an addictive, mouth-watering top. At the heart, exotic, heady Tiare Flower and sweet, tempting caramel are adorned with the velvety floralcy of jasmine, the queen of the night, as she emits her spellbinding fragrance into the sky. Sensual vanilla and creamy musk combine with the wamrth of sandalwood for a comforting drydown".

I smelled both of the fragrances the last time that I was at Sephora and Saint was much more to my liking. The spice note in Sinner was so strong that I could not even bring myself to spray it on my wrist to test it out. Saint is much lighter and more on the floral side and would work for in the Spring and Summer months. I haven't bought either of them yet since I heard rumors that a solid perfume ring was upcoming and now that it is arrived, I am glad that I waited. The ring is a large black rose and quite frankly, I like the ring better than either of the two fragrances.

Want the Saint ring, maybe I will purchase the Saint fragrance too. Nothing with the word "Sinner" in it will every work out for me. Also, thinking it over, I consider this a celebrity fragrance, these scents would be nothing without Kat Von D's name on them.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Smashbox Holiday 2009 Collection - Wish

The newest collection for the season from Smashbox is appropriately named Wish. First reason - Christmas is all about wishes and second reason is that I usually end up making quite a wish list everytime that I get on the Smashbox website. Bascially, this collection is made up of several differnt sets of products, there is nothing that is sold loose this time. Proceeds from the sale of these collection will be going to charity (yet another reason why Wish is fantastic choice of a name for the collection).

Here is the overall description from Smashbox, "Discover the beauty of giving and getting with this dream-come-true array of vibrant shadows, creamy liners, and bold lip colors that inspire optimisim and hope. With every WISH purchase, $1 will be donated to Children's Miracle Network, a non-profit that grants the wish of life to millions of sick or injured kids by providing care and investing in life-saving research. Help Smashbox make miracles happen this holiday".

The collection products...

Eye Wish Palette - A too-good-to-be-true mega eye palette with 12 vibrant shadows, 4 sultry liners, and a mini Photo Finish Lid Primer in a shimmering raspberry mirrored travel case. Includes an exclusive Get The Look Book packed with 13 step-by-step party perfect new looks. Contains the following shades: matte nude pink, champagne, pale gold, silver, amethyst, matte deep nude, true gold, soft smoke, cabernet, emerald, raspberry, deep slate, deep wine, bronze, black, navy blue, warm beige (primer shade)

Wish For A Flawless Complexion Set - Give the gift of gorgeous skin with this limited-edition set of our best-selling complexion perfector. Includes both full and travel sizes for flawless skin anytime, anywhere. Includes full and travel size of Photo Finish Foundation Primer.

Wish For The Perfect Tools Set - Brush up on your tis'-the-season beauty with this all-you-need tool kit. Think five purse size brushes - all exclusive to this kit - housed in a shimmering raspberry travel case that protects brushes and keeps them clean. Includes the following: Travel Angled Blush Brush, Travel Blending Brush, Travel Crease Brush, Travel Shadow Liner Brush, and Travel Angled Precision Liner Brush

Wish For The Perfect Pout Set - Smile a little bright with this limited-edition set of 6 gorgeous glosses showcasing best-selling and new-for-holiday shades, including two bonus full-size glosses for the first time ever. Includes the following: Lip Enhancing Glosses in Pout (full-size), Lustre (full-size), Tease, Candy, Aura, and Radiant.

Wish For The Stars Set - Transport your makeup must-haves to a whole new level with this limited-edition set of Smashbox superstars in convenient travel sizes. Perfect for stuffing overnight bags (and stockings)!. Contains the following: Mini Fusion Soft Lights in Dusk, Lash DNA Mascara in Jet Black, and Lip Enhancing Gloss in Illume.

Wish For The Perfect Palette Set - Give the gift of beauty! Create hundreds of looks with this unbelievable array for face, eyes, cheeks, and lips all packed in a portable travel case. 96 shades in all! Includes a step-by-step Get The Look Book. Includes the following: 64 Eye Shadows, 8 Cream Eye Liners, 6 Brow Tech Powders, 1 Brow Wax, 8 Lip Glosses, 2 Blushes, 1 Complexion Brightener, 1 Bronzer, 1 Highlighter, 4 Mini Brushes (Shadow, Liner, Brow, and Lip).

Best of Smashbox Sampler Kit - Now's your chance to try the most crave-worthy Smashbox products without having to break the bank. This portable pack of pretty includes 10 travel-sized samples of our top sellers in a zip-up makeup bag. See for yourself what the buzz is all about. Includes the following: Mini Artifical Light in Glow, Mini Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 + Dermaxyl, Mini Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light, Mini O-Gloss Intuitive Lip Gloss, Mini Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, Cream Eye Liner Duo (full size!) in Caviar/Midnight Brown, Mini Eye Shadow Trio in Headshot, Mini Baked Fusion Soft Lights in Stardust, 2 Mini Lip Enhancing Glosses in Pout and Afterglow.

Love it all! I must get the Lip Gloss set, I have never had a lip gloss from this company but I have heard them raved about and this looks like a great way to try them all out. I also want the super sized palette and the Best of Sampler kits. This is a fantastic collection to both give and get.

photo courtesy of Smashbox

Monday, November 9, 2009

Lippmann Collection Holiday 2009 Collection

The past few posts that I have done for Holiday Collections all have to do with makeup lines, gifts, or body products lines. Now it's time to try something different. I'm not really a nail polish person unless it comes to the Lippmann collection line of polishes, I own more polishes from this line than the rest of the nail polish lines put together.

Two new shades were released for this season and they just simply SCREAM Holiday. Shimmer and glitter abound for Lippmann Collection this Holiday season and they will get your nails the notice that they deserve.

The first shade is called Party in a Bottle and it is one of the most attention getting shades that I have ever seen from this polish company. This shade is full of multicolored chunks of glitter. This polish looks quite high-maintence and could really be hard to apply and get even on the nail. This isn't a shade that I would pick out for myself but it already sold out on the Lippmann collection website so I guess that this shade is a pick for many ladies out there.

The second shade is much more to my loving. First of all, it is called Wicked Game after the Chris Isaack song that I adore. The shade is described as a "swirling lavender gray" and has a an iridescent finish. I love this shade and not just for the name of it. Recently I have come to love lavender polishes and I also love that it has a silver grey finish to it to make it holiday worthy. Amusingly, this polish is not sold out online so I guess my thoughts on these shades are in the minority.

photo courtesy of Lippmann Collection

Sunday, November 8, 2009

MAC Magic, Mirth, and Mischief - Part 4

As MAC keeps releasing more parts of this collection for Holiday, I will keep bringing them to you. I am not totally sure if all their Holiday products will be under the mantle of this collection or if others will be released. Once I know for sure, you will too. This new little group of products in this collection is a group of gifts that are sure to please anyone who is a MAC fan.

This little collection is called Mischief Makers and here is the description from the MAC website, "The much-anticipated MAC assortment of perfect holiday delights are back - full of miniature mirth, they're up to something! Most wanted looks in Lipglass, Lustreglass, Pigments, and Glitter, in six glam-y giftable versions."

Here are the new sets...

5 Sexy Shenanigans Soft Mini Lipglass/Lustreglass - Five soft shades of Lipglass/Lustreglass presented in a magical silver cube giftbox. A series of circular perforations echoing our holiday dot pattern allow you a glimpse of the sparkling wonders within. Brings on the shine in favorite shades of Elle, Poetic License, and Cruise Control Lipglass, and Ensign and Morning Glory Lustreglass.
- Cruise Control - pastel pink with white pearl
- Elle - white pink with pearl
- Morning Glory - pale lavender with high level pearl
- Poetic License - clean coral rose
- Ensign - peachy pink with gold pearl

5 Models Misbehaving Deep Mini Lipglass/Lustreglass - Five deep shades of Lipglass/Lustreglass presented in a magical silver cube giftbox. A series of circular perforations echoing our holiday dot pattern allow you a glimpse of the sparkling wonders within. Brings on the shine in favorite shades of Pinkular, Magnetique, and Gitane Lipglass and Angel Wing and Instant Gold Lustreglass.
- Magnetique - frosted violet fushcia
- Instant Gold - lustre-shined light neutral gold
- Angel Wing - deep plum with golden pearl
- Pinkular - bronzed copper
- Gitane - burnt red-orange pearl

5 Frisky Business Bright Mini Lipglass/Lustreglass - Five bright shades of Lipglass/Lustreglass presented in a magical silver cube giftbox. A series of circular perforations echoing our holiday dot pattern allow you a glimpse of the sparkling wonders within. Brings on the shine in favorite shades of Silly Girl, Totally It, and Beaute Lipglass and Pinkarat and Wonderstruck Lustreglass.
- Beaute - bright clean coral with pearl
- Totally It - sheer bright pink with intense pink pearl
- Wonderstruck - lustred-up clean pink coral
- Silly Girl - pastel peach with multicoloured pearl
- Pinkarat - soft-toned pink with gold pearl
5 Haute Highjinks Warm Mini Pigment/Glitter - Five warm shades of Pigment/Glitter presented in a magical silver cube giftbox. A series of circular perforations echoing our holiday dot pattern allow you a glimpse of the sparkling wonders within. Features Jardin Aires, Rushmetal, Copperized, Museum Bronze Pigments, and Reflects Gold Glitter.
- Jardin Aires - tan with gold pearl
- Rushmetal - rich copper sparkle
- Reflects Gold - very fine particle white glitter that flashes gold
- Museum Bronze - rich taupe with gold pearl
- Copperized - olive green with gold pearl

5 Sexpot Smoky Mini Pigment/Glitter - Five smoky shades of Pigment/Glitter presented in a magical silver cube giftbox. A series of circular perforations echoing our holiday dot pattern allow you a glimpse of the sparkling wonders within. Features Naked, Sunnydaze, Chocolate Brown, and Dark Soul Pigments, and Reflects Antique Gold Glitter.
- Chocolate Brown - chocolate copper/bronze
- Sunnydaze - taupe with silver pearl
- Naked - fleshy beige with golden copper pearl
- Dark Soul - charcoal black smoked with gold
- Reflects Antique Gold - sparkling taupe

5 Cool Capers Mini Pigment/Glitter - Five warm shades of Pigment/Glitter presented in a magical silver cube giftbox. A series of circular perforation echoing our holiday dot pattern allow you a glimpse of the sparkling wonders within. Features Kitschmas, Fushcia, Grape, Deep Blue Green Pigments, and Reflects Transparent Teal Glitter.
- Fushcia - bright fushcia pink
- Reflects Transpart Teal - sparkling white with turquoise
- Kitschmas - shimmering pink/mauve pearl
- Grape - deep purple with pink pearl
- Deep Blue Green - rich deep bluish green

These sets are ok, just ok. I don't love any of them except for the Smoky Eyes set. I like that it allows me to get the Pigments that aren't available at my local MAC counter but I'm not a fan of anything else in the collection. Most likely will be passing on all but the Smoky Eyes Set.

photo courtesy of MAC

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Modern Organic Products Lemongrass Lift

One staple of my morning hair routine is using Modern Organic Product's Lemongrass Lift. Now I can just see the confused looking forming on peoples' face. Aren't I the person who is always straightening and smoothing her curly hair to be poker straight. Well yes...that is true. But think of it like this, all the products that I use are extremely hydrating and can begin to weigh my hair down very easily. And after I use the iron, my hair can get even flatter if I don't do something about it. So my solution is to use a volumizer to begin my hair routine and just add an extra step in the morning.

The volumizer that I am currently use if from Modern Organic Products (or MOP for short) and is called Lemongrass Lift. This line prides itself on using natural and certified organic ingredients in every single one of its product formulations. Here is the product description, "Dispenses in a weightless mist to bodify from roots to ends, helping to achieve voluptuous and radiant hair. Provides thermal protection for heat styling without the consequences. Focus light misting action at root or apply throughout hair and blow dry". This product contains cider vinegar and wheat proteins to provide thermal protection and styling support. This product has a bit of citrus and vinegar scent to it which is intially a drawback but the scent goes away very quickly after styling.

I just give my hair two sprays on each side of my head, right at the roots. I use it when my hair is still wet and it is the first product of my styling routine. It has really helped with combating some of the flatness associated with deeply hydrating products while not drying out my hair anymore than it already is. I bought this product at least a year ago when the line was still carried at Bath and Body Works. the same bottle has lasted me for well over a year so I am very happy with it in that regard. I will have some problems finding it now since Bath and Body stopped carrying this line but at least I can order it from the website.

I am proof that sometimes a product that isn't recommended for your hair type sometime gives you great results.

photo courtesy of Modern Organic Products

Friday, November 6, 2009

Prescriptives Holiday 2009 Collection - Lustre

This is most likely that last major collection that Prescriptives will be offering since their parent company is said to be stopping distribution of their products this coming January. About two months ago, I wouldn't have cared at all but since looking at their Fall 2009 Collection, I became interested in the brand and went to the counter for the first time. And I promptly fell in love with several items and ended up walking away with almost $100 worth of new makeup. Am I happy that I decided to finally try this brand? Yes. Am I unhappy that I will not be able to get this brand much longer? Oh yeah.

The company is releasing this last Holiday Collection, called Lustre, and I am happy to note that they are planning on going out with a bang. There was no sadness at the counter that I visited, actually their sales associate was superexcited for me to look at everything that they had. Here is the description of the last major collection, "This season, Lustre adds a touch of gold to your holidays. Eyes dazzle in luxurious shimmering color, while cheeks and lips glimmer in luminous, gold accented shades. the look in glamourous, elegant, and simply radiant."

Let's have a look...

Lustre Baked Eye Color Quad Warm - Eyes shimmer in lustrous color with four high-pigment pearlized shades from the limited-edition Lustre Baked Eye Color Quad in a Warm palette. Each eye shade is "baked" on a terracotta plate for a creamier texture and pure pearl finish. Wear each shade alone or blend together for a multi-dimensional jewel-toned eye look.
- Golden White/Goldshimmer/Copper/Bronze

Lustre Baked Eye Color Quad Cool - Eyes shimmer in lustrous color with four high-pigment pearlized shades from the limited-edition Luster Baked Eye Color Quad in a Cool palette. Each eye shade is "baked" on a terracotta plate for a creamier texture and pure pearl finish. Wear each shade alone or blend together for a multi-dimensional jewel-toned eye look.
- Pink Pearl/Metallic/Rose Gold/Spiced

Lustre Shimmer Cheek Color - Limited-edition Lustre Shimmer Cheek Color gives skin a luminous, subtle shimmer and a sheer hint of color with soft golden highlights. Infused with Vitamin E.
- Warm Lustre - shimmery sand
- Cool Lustre - golden plum

Liquid Powder - Bestselling magic Liquid Powder is now available in a limited-edition Rose Gold shade! This ultra-lucent, cooling powder adds radiance and soft-shimmer effects all over the face. Sets and enhances foundation while light-diffusing pigments add luminosity for flawless-looking skin.
- Rose Gold - pinkish gold shimmer

Colorscope Lip Color - Drench your lips in brillant color and leave them looking luscious all day. The moisture-rich formula of Colorscope Lip Color delivers extraordinary shine and comfort for your lips you'll love at first sight. Lips are soft and moisturized, plus, you can customize your look with a cream, shimmer, or sparkle finish.
- Bronze Lustre - soft pink copper (shimmer)
- Berry Lustre - raspberry shimmer (shimmer)

Moonbeam Reflective Gloss - Take lips to a whole new dimension of chic with Moonbeam Reflective Gloss. This revolutionary gloss utilizes new pigment technology that actually enhances light's reflective qualities, creating a super shiny shimmering lip look without feeling sticky or tacky. Moisturizing properties condition, soothe, and help heal dry, chapped lips.
- Rose Gold - golden rose
- Ruby - ruby

Moonbeam Reflective Eye Liner - The amazing, light-reflective shimmer of Moonbeam Reflective Lip Gloss and Moonbeam Reflective Eye Color is now in an Eye Pencil. This new technology looks and feels different from other eye pencils, as light-reflecting pearls add a new dimension of shimmer. Moonbeam Reflective Eye Liner and can both line and shade the eye for a beautiful effect.
- Beaming Brown - bronze
- Beaming Black - deep pewter black

Why did I have to get hooked on this line now?! This collection is awesome, I looked at every piece of it when I visited the counter. I haven't picked anything up yet since I had an agenda when I was there and I actually managed to stick to my list (for the most part). I will be going back for the Luster Eye Quad in Cool, the sales associate had it on and it is stunning. I also want the Liquid Powder in the new shade. I already love the Moonbeam Gloss and the Rose Gold shade is quite pretty, so that is being added to my shopping list. I only briefly looked at the Moonbeam Liners, not realizing that they were anything other than regular eye liners, I must go back and check those out and see the reflective qualities that they possess.

photo courtesy of Prescriptives