MAC Creations Hue: Dejarose

I consider one of the most under-rated fragrance lines to be the Creations Hue line that MAC carried. Many people consider their makeup to be over-rated but I don't know anyone who uses their fragrance line. Most people that I talk to aren't even aware that MAC has a fragrance line to mathc with their collections. The first scent that I bought from them was Creations Hue: Turquatic which is a watery green scent that came out last summer and that I fell in love with at first whiff.

The latest scent that they have brought out in this collection is for the A Rose Romance collection. It is called Creations Hue: Dejarose and it is mind blowing. Here is the description from the MAC website, "Intriguingly romantic; a real scent paradox, Bulgarian, Turkish, and Tea Roses mingle with orchid, lily, jasmine, and peony to create a rosy retro-scent that slips to sex the summer senses, a finale of light and dark roses, patchouli, and amber crystal". This fragrance starts with an explosion of light flowers then turns all rose. After several hours, the roses are still apparent but the base notes are beginning to come through and heat the scent up by several levels.

I love that this fragrance lasts all day and I smell it the next morning if I don't shower that night. The only drawback of these fragrance is that they come in very small bottles but that can be remedied by buying two or more at the same time. I also want to get the Pinkaura fragrance in this collection, which is another floral but with more green notes in it.

Dear readers - go to MAC, check out the makeup but hen move over the little display of fragrances and start spraying them on!

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC A Rose Romance

Well everyone...the big day came around last Thursday. No not my wedding day or graduation from school or anything that would be a big day to normal people. The big even that i am refering to the release of the newest MAC collection, A Rose Romance. I have been waiting for this collection what seems like ages and you better believe that I was at the counter on the release day scoping out all the new goodies. I found this collection to be extremely exciting but I do know that many MAC junkies found it to be somewhat basic (in comparison to other collections). I guess that I am just more of a rose junkie than a MAC junkie.

Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "From cheeks that blush, just a pinch, to soft rosebud shades and refreshingly fragrant fixes, it's a summer rose romance. Rosy pinks, faithful fuschias, and forget-me-not blues...a limited edition collection of colours to pick, persue, and ponder".

Here is the makeup part of the collection, there is a perfume with this collection that excited me so much that it gets its own separate entry.

Eye Shadow - Highly-pigmented powder. Applies evenly, blends well.

- Et tu, Bouquet? - frosted pale pink gold

- Of Summer - frosted light dirty mauve

- Creme de Violet - pink-violet with gold pearl

- Shadowy Lady - blackened plum

- Silverthorn - mid-tone grey with silver pearl

Pigment - Pigment is a highly concentrated loose color powder that contains ingredients that help it adhere to the skin. Create a subtle wash of color or an intense effect. Does not streak or cake. Easy to blend and long-lasting,

- Mutiny - clean sky blue with gold pearl

- Circa Plum - frosty dirty mid-tone lavender

Splashproof Lash - Waterproof, long-wearing, length-defining, lash-thickening and formulated to last. Won't clump, flake, or blot! Takes the splash! Go swim!

- Blacksplash - black

Lipstick - Color plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway. Simmers on the street! What made MAC famous.

- Way to Love - creamy light yellow pink

- A Rose Romance - mid-tone pink with gold pearl

- Odyssey - spiked up plum

Tinted Lipglass - A unique lipglass available in a wide variety of colors that create a high gloss, glass-like finish or a subtle sheen. Designed to be worn on its own, over Lip Pencil or Lipstick, Tinted Lipglass is the perfect product for creating shine that lasts. It's pigmented, very shiny, and can impart subtle or dramatic color. It contains Jojoba Oil to help soften and condition the lips. Tinted Lipglass is packaged in a convenient bottle with a sponge tip applicator that provides a quick, smooth, even application

- Virgin Kiss - sheer pale pink with multi-dimensional pearl

- Steal My Heart - sheer bright pink with multi-dimensional pearl
- Magnetique - frosted violet fuschia

See Thru Lip Color - A light-weight gel stain that deposits long-wearing transparent color on the lips. Provides an ultra sheer look and comfortable application. Refreshing in wear. Makes lips look "just kissed".

- Loving Touch - sheer pearly light pink

- Secret Crush - sheer red berry

- Tender Tryst - sheer pearly plum

Just A Pinch Gel Blush - A creamy gel blush that delivers the perfect pinch of color while remaining transparently sheer. Specially enriched formula helps keep the skin moist and fresh looking. To build color on the lips or cheeks, layer for the ultimate rosy look.

- Just A Pinch - sheer red pink tint

Rose Beauty Powder - Part of the Rose Romance collection, a rose embossed, micronized face powder that brightens and subtly highlights the skin. Ultra-light, silky, and luxurious.

- Summer Rose - soft violet pink with pearl

- Blush of Youth - clean pink with gold pearl

Fix + Rose - Our popular Fix + enhanced with rose water. Formulated from spring water, rich in added minerals, this aromatic mist refreshes, hydrates, and conditions skin while acting as a perfect finishing fix for makeup. Smells great too.

Nail Lacquer - Revolutionary new high gloss formula. Three long-wearing finishes - Cream, Sheer, and Frosted. Visibly different. Provides no-streak, no-chip finish. Contains conditioners and UV protection. Go hi-lacquer!

- Love & Friendship - creamy dirty mid-tone lavender

As I stated earlier, I will be saving the fragrance that comes with this collection for the next post. normally, I make a list of the items that I really want from each collection but this time I already bought everything before writing the entry. So what did i get? I got the eye shadows in Et Tu Bouquet? and Creme de Violet. I also got the Way to Love Lipstick and the Loving Touch See Thru Lip Color. I got the Summer Rose Beauty Powder and the Nail Lacquer. The Summer Rose beauty powder is pigmented enough for me to use it as a blush on my superpale skin but will not work that way for others with deeper skin tones. I had high hopes for the gel blush but I thought that it was too bright for my skin. I was planning on getting at least one of the Lipglasses but the two light colors had too much glitter in (glitter particles not just shimmer) and I really liked the See Thru colors after I tried them on my hand. The only thing that I want that I decided against was the Fix + Rose but if the counter still ahs any left next time I go, I might pick it up.

photo courtesy of MAC

Chanel Summer 2009 - Cote D'Azur Collection

It is now time for the Summer 2009 collection from the legendary House of Chanel. I wasn't really into the Spring collection and the assorted hippee trappings of their latest few looks so lets see if this collection might work out better for me. This collection is called Cote D'Azur Collection and it is descrbied as "Sun-kissed shades set the tone for Summer's vibrant bronzed beauty" on the Bergdorf Goodman website. Bronzy shades again aren't my cup of tea so this might not work out well for me.

Here is the collection...

Soleil Tan de Chanel (4 Facettes Bronzing Powder) - No beach time? SOLEIL TAN DE CHANEL 4 Facettes Bronzing Powder delievers a subtle, natural glow with a quartet of skin warming shades any time, anywhere.

Soleil Tan de Chanel (Precious Bronzing Loose Powder) - Your perfect tan starts here. This lightweight powder formula for face and decollete blends beautifully, without streaking, for a sun-kissed look that is completely natural. Limited Edition.

- Effect Hale - soft copper

Joues Contrast (Powder Blush) - Unique powder blusher imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. As a highlight, gives a healthy glow. Use to accentuate features (cheekbones, eyes forehead, chin) for a professional result. Remarkably silky texture for easy application and subtle shading. Natural hair brush. Accentuate cheekbones for a youthful look. Softer tones around the eyes soften expression and rejuvenate.

- In Love - pink coral

Lumieres Facettes (Iridescent Effects Eyes) - A luminous palette with four pyramids of shimmery colour that can be worn on eyelids individually, in complementary pairs, or in striking contrast.

- Plein Soleil - quartet of pinks and bronzes

Ombre d'Eau (Fluid Iridescent Eye Shadow) - Fluid eye shadow imparts a long-lasting veil of iridescent colour, from subtle to intense. Achieves a cool 'ray of light' effect that lasts hour after beautiful hour. Bi-phase liquid powder shakes to combine for a lightweight colour and feel. Hydro-soluble polymer guarantees a long-lasting result. Soft and light aquatic materials minimize lines and dryness. Shake before use. For intense colour, apply shadow directly to lid and allow it to dry completely. For a more subtle effect, apply shadow to lid, then blend with fingertip before it has dried.

- Seashore - copper rose

- Source - pink gold

Inimitable Mascara (Mascara Multi-Dimensional) - The mascara that delivers it all - volume, length, curl, and precise separation - is now in waterproof. The original ahead-of-the-curve formula and unique brush design deliver exceptionally gorgeous lashes that stay that way, even through inclement weather or time in the pool.

- Noir - black

Ombre Essentialle (Soft Touch Eye Shadow) - An instant CHANEL classic, this ultra-fine powder eye shadow is senuous in feel, foolproof in its application, fabulous in its range of finishes: matte, shimmer, and satin. All shades are complementary and can be blended with one another to lighten, darken, or intensify tone.

- Island - soft beach

- Sand - dark beige

Aqualumiere (Sheer Color Lipshine SPF 15) - Imparts brilliant color with a semi-transparent effect. A brilliant pop of sheer colour and ultra-creamy texture provide an immediate sensation of softness and comfort. Lips are throughly hydrated with a nourishing, soothing, and fortifying action. The formula delivers total protection against outdoor damage. Smooth, lightweight formula imparts ultra-sheer, transparent coverage. Vitamin E provides free radical protection and comfort. Vitamin B helps increase ability of lips to retain moisture. SPF 15 provides UVA/UVB protection.

- Lipari - fresh strawberry

- Ischia - rose violet

- Porto Rotondo - vibrant red

- Monte-Carlo - red coral

- Salina - pink beige

- Panarea - soft brown

Aqualumiere Gloss (High Shine Sheer Concentrate) - New AQUALUMIERE GLOSS High-Shine Sheer Concentrate puts the provocative in pretty with a combination of bold shine and stunning colour that redefines the look of gloss. CHANEL innovation means it's ultra-lightweight in feel - and brushes on for sheer coverage with maximum brillance.

- Candy Glow - pink apricot

- Cherry Blossom - cerise pink

- Tangerine Dream - peach coral

- Ginger Shimmer - copper gold

Le Vernis (Nail Color) - Long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colour. Fashion-forward and basic go-with-everything shades. Brillance 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.

- Orange Fizz - bright coral

- Golden Sand - rich copper

I didn't have high hopes for this collection after seeing the description but I must say that Chanel may have proven me wrong. It seems that many of these shades have a pink tone in them and there is a range of shades (therefore they may actually have something that will work with my pale skin). I actually want a large amount of this collection. To start off, I really want to get the Soleil Tan de Chanel and Lumieres Facettes. I also want the In Love shade of the Joues Contrastes. I want both of the shades of the liquid eye shadow and the Island shade of the powder shadow. Lip wise, I also want quite a bit from this collection. I want the lipstick in Ischia and Saline and the lip glosses in Cherry Blossom and Candy Glow. I haven't be wowed by the past few Chanel collections but this one might be able to turn my recent views on their collections around.

photo courtesy of Bergdorf Goodman

Korres Basil Lemon Shower Gel

I currently own about 200 gallons of shower gel but of course that never stops me from trying new brands and scents. Korres has long been a favorite brand of mine for body products, their Mint Tea shower gel is among one of my favorite products that I have ever used. So I feel completely confident in picking up any product from this line.

This line originated in Greece and here is a quick description of them from the Sephora website, "With roots in the oldest homeopathic pharmacy in Athens, Greece, the history of Korres is as rich as the formulas of the natural products they create. From yogurt to wild rose, watermelon to guava, their roster of ingredients reads more like a grocery list - and also delievers maximum skincare benefits. Using only top quality active plant extracts that enchant the senses and effectively treat the skin, it's no surprise that Korres also chooses to leave out synthetic ingredients like mineral oil and propylene glycol from all their formulas. The same skin-loving active natural ingredients are used in Korres' latest award-winning color collection of wearable, nature inspired shades made from organically grown, botanical ingredients. From powerful (and pamper-full!) skincare and body products to expert makeup with benefits, Korres is a brand that brings beauty back to nature - and brings out the Greek goddess in all of us."

The latest product that I am using from this line is the Basil Lemon shower gel. It is a fantastic mix of the two elements and is super-refreshing. This would be perfect for the summertime. Sephora states that 'Each of these divinely scented, creamy, foaming shower gels contains wheat proteins, aloe, vitamins, and antioxidant enzymes for long lasting hydration and protection." They are also formulated without parabens and strong chemicals so this is a great choice from someone with sensitive skin or who is interested in living a greenr lifestyle. This product also has a matching body milk that I will be seeking out next time that I head into Sephora.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Lilly Pultizer Beachy

Earlier this spring, i talked about the first fragrance that was released by design house Lilly Pultizer. I was on the Sephora website when I realized that they released two more fragrances, in addition to Wink. One is called Beachy and one is called Squeeze. The one that we are going to talk about today is Beachy, we will save Squeeze for another day soon.

The first thing that I noticed about Beachy is that it comes in a beautiful aqua bottle and reminds me of the color of a tropical ocean. Here is the description of the fragrance from Sephora, "Take a vacation with Lilly Pultizer Beachy and discover that Palm Beach isn't just a place, it's a state of mind. Escape to the shore, no matter the season and lose yourself in a world of fun and relaxation. Beachy opens with notes of sliced watermelon, sunny citrus, and marine air accord. The heart blooms into an intoxicating bouquet of jasmine blossom, tiare flower, and lush frangipani. The sun sets on the fragrance with a blend of sea crystals, golden amber, and sweet vanilla. Follow the sun!" This sounds very much like an Island Micheal Kors type of fragrance, which for me is a good thing!

The notes are right here - Watermelon, Citrus, Marine Air Accord, Jasmine, Tiare Flower, Frangipani, Salt Crystals, Amber, Vanilla.

I am a little intrigued by the watermelon note in this fragrance, hopefully this won't turn me into a watermelon Jolly Rancher. I love any fragrace that has marine air in it and the notes of tropical flowers make this fragrance even more exciting for me.

This fragrance is already making me think of mini dresses and beaches. One point in summer beauty's favor!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Essie Neon Collection

One of the first nail polish shades that I ever practically hit the bottom of the bottle on was Essie’s Ballet Slippers. I first saw this color on J. Lo. And fell in love with how delicate and pretty it was and decided to watch for it every time that I went shopping. At the time, it was their best selling shade (and it may still be) so I had a hard time getting my hands on a bottle of it. But when I did, I used that polish almost every single time that I gave myself a manicure.

Their newest collection is for this spring and summer and it is far from the pastels that this company has become known for. But that is not necessarily a bad thing, it is fun to change up one’s look during the warmer months and get ready for warmer weather. And for someone like myself, these colors might for better on toes than on hands, at least to start out with. I tend to a get a bright or dark shade and use it first on toes to build up my comfort level then begin using it in manicures. This collection is called the Neon Collection.

Here are the colors…

- Flirty Fuchsia - flaming 'hot pink' magenta is deep and rich nail polish

- Funky Limelight - brilliant day-glo yellow nail polish has just a hint of lime.
- Perky Purple - Electric boogie violet is a purple nail polish that pops.

- Punchy Pink - Delicious berry icicle is the perfect bright pink nail polish.

As I already said, using these colors in a manicure would be way out of my comfort but I would try them in a pedicure and see how much I liked wearing this much color. I like all of the shades except for the Funky Limelight, yellow is still way too far out of my comfort zone. But I’m thinking that the other shades could work with my new black halter bikini at the beach.

photo courtesy of Essie

MAC Double Dazzle

MAC has released their newest collection, called Double Dazzle to a group of eagerly awaiting fans. This collection was originally scheduled to release on April 30th, but it was released early (most likely due to major demand for the Dazzleglasses). This collection has the lip glosses and has added mascara products to the collection. Lip gloss and mascara? This collection has my name all over it.

Here is the description of the collection from the MAC website, “Summer simplified to the two major L's...Lips and Lashes! Lips take the lead with Dazzleglass: glittering, shimmering, comfortably creamy. Lashes rise to the occasion with glamorous Dazzle Lash. Double your dazzle, you'll outshine everyone!’ I can see this collection being extremely popular this spring.
Here are the products…

Dazzle Lash - A mascara that instantly creates a starburst dazzle effect. The trick lies in a new compact-sized, slightly sculpted brush applicator that singles out and pushes lashes to go bigger, bolder, longer, with a plush, glamorous curve. A rich application that delivers what you want: dazzling long lashes.
- Star Brunette - brown
- Black Dazzle - black

Dazzleglass - Lipcolour that dazzles with light and shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips. Large particle pearls reflect and refract light to mimic the brilliance of quartz and opal crystal. Provides exceptional shine with a crystalline iridescence. Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight and moisturizing. Glides on. Wear alone, or layer over lipstick or Lipglass for dramatic effect. Features our signature M·A·C vanilla aroma.

- Sugarrimmed - milky pink pearl with multipearl
- Goldyrocks - sheer soft yellow with pink and gold pearl
- Moth to Flame - sheer neutral beige with violet pearl
- Smile - light coral with pink and gold pearl
- Steppin’ Out - clean yellow pink with red pearl
- Utterly Posh - mid-tone orange with pink and gold pearl
- Love Alert - raspberry red with red pearl
- Date Night - soft blue purple with pearl
- Funtabulous - purple with violet pearl
- Extra Amps - sheer bright blue pink with blue and pink pearl
- Like Venus - bubblegum pink with red pearl
- Stop! Look! - sheer violet mauve with blue and pink pearl
- Money, Honey - mid-tone rosy mauve with red pearl
- Rags to Riches - plum-pink with teal and red pearl
- Baby Sparks - pale pink with violet pearl
- Bare Necessity - apricot with red and gold pearl
- Girl’s Delight - sheer mid-tone tan with gold pearl
- Get Rich Quick - warm yellow brown

As I said earlier, I predict that this collection will be a major hit and that is most likely why MAC had released it early. I am definitely looking forward to this collection, I have never been able to get my hands on Dazzleglasses, even though Sugarrimmed has been on my wanted list for months now. I also want to get Moth to Flame, Steppin’ Out, Extra Amps, Like Venus, Money Honey, Rags to Riches, and Baby Sparks. I am also interested to see if the different applicator in these glosses changes the texture and the amount that is deposited on the lips. I have never really worked with lip glosses that have brush applicators, I am very used to the traditional doe footed sponge that comes in almost every lip gloss. Oh, and of course, I want the black mascara. I am ready to majorly haul on this collection.

photo courtesy of MAC