Laura Mercier Fall 2009 - Scarlet Passion Collection

Scarlet Passion is the newest collection from Laura Mercier that is debuting in stores this fall. I am in love with the name of this collection and if the products are true to the name, I can see this going straight to the top of my shopping list. This fall has been amazing so far since I recently found out my love of red lipstick and now want to collect as many shades of it as possible.


Here is the description of the collection from Laura Mercier, "Inspired by past imperial dynasties and the lavish arts from China, Russia, and Mongolia, Laura Mercier introduces her Scarlet Passion Collection. Lips are the focus with Lip Velvet and Satin Lip Colour in reds of all shades: raspberry, scarlet, crimson, and aubergine. Laura's Cheek Colour Duo softly illuminates cheeks with a whisper light of nude pink. Eye Colours in shimmering shades of gold and bronze add a wash of colour to the lids, while a sleek stroke of inky black Eye Liner gives eyes a dramatic finish. This regal, polished, and sophisticated collection is perfect for Fall".

Here is the collection...

Luster Eye Colour - Laura Mercier Luster Eye Colour is a luxuriously smooth eye shadow that imparts pure dynamic iridescences with a sophisticated frost finish providing amazing adherence for a freshly applied look throughout the day. Long-wearing and creases resistant. Microionized pigments deliver deep colour in the release of one stroke. Offers true colour and brillance. Ultra-refined for a soft, luxurious feel.
- Gilded Gold - golden peach shimmer
- Bronze Copper - warm bronze shimmer

Fine Point Eye Liner Brush - Laura Mercier Fine Point Eye Liner Brush is a narrow exact point brush made of high quality synthetic fiber to be used in conjunction with the Brillant Eye Liner. Unique point lets you determine the width of the line. Increase pressure to widen the definition.

Flat Eye Liner Brush - Long - Laura Mercier Flat Eye Liner Brush contains synthetic, firm bristles narrowing to a thin, flat line to ensure the most exact placement of Eye Liner. Laura created the techinique of lining the eyes by dotting eye colour across the lash line with this synthetic brush; brush upward to soften the line. High quality synthetic fiber. Designed to precisely line eyes with Eye Liner.

Eye Liner - Laura Mercier Eye Liner is an easy-to-use, mistake-proof eye liner that delivers long-lasting pure colour. Long-wearing, smudge-resistant and colour-true. Eye Liner adds brightness and life to the eye with its light-reflective pigments. Easy-to-use product that can line eyes from the most subtle, natural definition to the most graphic, sexy looks. Use with the Flat Eye Liner Brush to prefect Laura's "tight line" technique. Apply as a natural, thin line to a thicker, more dramatic look. Used wet, the velvet matte finish and buildable pigment allows you to create infinite looks.
- Black Ebony - deep black
- Mahogany Brown - deep brown

Satin Lip Colour - Laura Mercier Satin Lip Colour is the first semi-matte lipstick to combine long-wear and comfort in a non-drying formula. Lips go from satiny to matte within minutes with Softisan, a lightweight "elastic" seal that perfectly adheres to lips to set and lock in highly pigmented colour and moisturize without feathering. Wild Mango Butter intensely hydrates lips. Volulips and Laura Mercier's exclusive Lip Colour Complex plump, soothe, and condition lips. One swipe leaves lips feeling incredibly soft eith medium to full coverage in a satiny finish.
- Cherrywood - rich warm scarlet
- Currant - deep rosy plum
- Duchess Rose - warm rosy pink
- Sangria - deep blue red

Lip Velvet - Laura Mercier Lip Velvet is a deeply voluptuous formula that cushions lips in lush, lasting moisture and a layer of intense, long-wearing colour. Contains unique blend of moisturizing, anti-aging, anti-oxidant, and plumping ingredients that boosts the performance of the colour in the Laura Mercier Lip Complex. Lips are soothed in this highly pigmented formula. Rich, creamy texture glides on easily. Results in a demi-matte finish and sensual glow.
- Cassis - deep mulberry
- Pink Royale - cool raspberry pink
- Scarlet Passion - rich warm scarlet

Lip Pencil - Laura Mercier Lip Pencil is a perfectly textured lip pencil designed to outline, define, and enchance the natural shape of the lip. Firm enough to draw a precise thin line, yet soft enough to blend. Creamy formula glides on smoothly and comfortably. Prolongs wear of all lip colours by applying lip pencil first - helps prevent lip colour from bleeding, feathering, or collecting in the corner.
- Redwood - medium brown red

Cheek Colour Duo - Laura Mercier Limited Edition Cheek Colour Duo is the perfect pair of whisper-light pink and nude cheek colours in one compact to softly accent the contours of the face. Oil-free with light-as-air texture. Natural, buildable, and never cakey formula. Infused with vitamins and natural botanicals to condition and nourish the skin. Long-wearing, remains colour-true all day. Vitamins C & E and Coffee Fruit provide anti-oxidant protection. Chamomile soothes, and aloe leaves skin feeling silky and maintains moisture balance. Light-diffusing qualities allow for a mistake-proof and flawless application.
- Whisper - soft petal pink with pink pearl/delicate warm nude with gold pearl

Wow...I am being totally serious when I say that I want everything in this collection except for the lip liner. All the red lip shades get me really excited and hopefully they would work on my pink toned skin. I am a bit nervous in that they are described as being a warmer hue but I will be test driving shortly in order to determine whether or not I will be adding them to my ever-growing collection of red lip shades. I love both of the new eye shadow shades but I bet that I already own shades that are very similar so unless they are very special, I might pass on them. I want both new eye liner shades and the brushes to try and perfect Laura's noted technique.

Red and I are friends this fall...



photo courtesy of Laura Mercier

Oscar Blandi Shampoo d'Alternanza

I came across this shampoo several years ago when I went to Sephora in search of a good clarifying shampoo. I had been using the Back to Basics formula for the past few months and it was a nice everyday shampoo but failed miserably at clarifying and getting all of the deep conditioner and product residue out of my hair. Needless to say, I needed something much stronger and both the Sephora associates and the Makeup Alley Reviews said that this product would fit the bill. So I decided to take the plunge. And I am very glad that I did.

Here is the description of the product from the Sephora website, "Over time, hair becomes accustomed to products that are used on a regular basis, resulting in build-up. Shampoo d'Alternanza serves as an alternate shampoo for removing hair build-up deposited by cleansers, conditioners, styling aids, or other external conditions such as chlorine or salt water. The unique formula also provides ample nourishment, naturally hydrates hair, and adds new dimension to the hair shaft. Derived from plant extracts, vitamins, and wheat proteins. Shampoo d'Alternanza not only rids the hair of residual build-up, but does so without stripping hair of its vital nutrients".

First thing, Sephora should have known better than to write this misleading description. Hair is dead, it cannot become "used to" any product. Product builds up on the hair shaft and that is that. Otherwise, I do think that this is a great shampoo. I use it once every two weeks and so far, the bottle has lasted me for ages. It doesn'y overdry my hair but it still manages to clean everything excess out of my hair.

I once had someone say something to me about using a deep cleansing shampoo on my dry hair. This is why I do it, when product builds ups then my products can't penetrate correctly. We all know that. However, products that are designed to hydrate or defrizz hair tend to build up much faster than those that are not so clarifying shampoo is even more vital for users of these types of products. Also, when the conditioners can't pentrate correctly, they don't hydrate well enough so hair is actually drier. So yes, clarifying shampoos are also recommended for those with dry hair. You will want to follow it up with a deep conditioner to reap the highest amount of benefits.

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC Flirt With Fall

MAC's Flirt With Fall is new line that contains only full sets of fake eyelashes. I don't really do very well with the fake eyelashes, so I already know that this is collection that I will be passing on. But we will look at it anyway. Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "We're dramatically lashing out with the help of a pre-eminent authority on the subject: Academy Award nominated Hollywood makeup artist, Christina Smith, who's developed this innovative collection of glamorous Silver Screen lash looks just for MAC".

Here are the offerings...

43 Lash - Wispy bundles and natural style length provide an everyday flirty fringe.

44 Lash - A unique combination of separate bundles at inner corner and dramatic winged outer corner combine for a full and fabulous effect.

45 Lash - Half-lash featuring bundles of long lashes. Highlights the outer corner of the eye to create a look that's wispy and dramatic.

46 Lash - Full with short lashes. Adds instant definition and depth to the lashline.

47 Lash - Full lash featuring full extra-long side swept hairs. With its fullness at the base, this lash provides a unique edgy look.

48 Lash - Longer wispy bundles with an even edge create a flirty fringe the verges on the dramatic.

There are some nice lashes in this collection but really nothing is for me so I think I will be passing on the whole thing. This collection would be great so something who is good with applying fakes though.

photo courtesy of MAC

MAC Nail Trend F/W '09

MAC has teamed up with famed nail artist Jin Soon to create an completely nail polish based line for this fall. I have only purchased one MAC polish ever (Love & Friendship from A Rose Romance) and so I have had very little experience with this line. I liked the polish and the wear that I got from it but I just never really think to include MAC in the lines of polish that I buy frequently. And honestly, unless MAC has a nail polish right out in front of my face at the counter, I usually tend to get distracted by the million other items that they offer.

But let's see if this collection can change that. Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "More than a colour statement, an of-the-moment appraoch that dazzles with innovation and style. How to do it? Enter Jin Soon, much-sought-after nail guru who has worked the shows, collaborating with us to create six nail colours exclusively for MAC".

Here are the new shades...

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!

- Cool Reserve - dirty grey lavender (Cream)

- Beyond Jealous - blackened blue green (Cream)

- For Fun - rich clean purple (Cream)

- Dance All Night - brick red (Cream)

- Dry Martini - khaki olive green (Cream)

- Rich, Dark, Delicious - rich blackened brown (Cream)

Underlacquer - A revoluntionary colour-free high gloss base coat that helps bond MAC lacquer to the nail. Special protective formula works to guard against chipping and peeling while simultaneously protecting the nail. Loaded with conditioners to moisturize, strengthen, and rejuvenate the natural nail.

Overlacquer - A fast drying high gloss top coat that amplifies MAC Lacquer's high gloss finish while providing a protective coating against everyday wear and tear. Formulated with UV protection, helps reduce sun-related fading and discolouration. Colourless. Instantly guards your nail and manicure!

I would like to get both the Underlacquer and the Overlacquer, I know that I would get lots of use out of both products. From the nail polish shades, I like Cool Reserve, For Fun, and Dance All Night. Maybe I will be adding a couple more polishes to my collection now...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

Essie Fall 2009 Collection

So far in the past month, we have been looking at all types of new makeup for fall but we haven't yet gotten to any of the new nail polish trends and shades. So far, it is looking like both matte finishes and deeper shades will be very popular. The first collection that I looked at was that of Essie. This collection contains six shades that are named after clothing items that are normally worn in the cooler weather months. Essie offers the shades individually and in a kit for those who love all the shades.

Here are the colors...

Angora Cardi - With this deep, dusty rose on your fingertips and toes, the grey days of fall won't have anything on your cheeky disposition.

Bright Tights - To keep the optimism alive this season, try adding this electric orange burst to your wardrobe. The pop of color is vibrant and exciting.

Chinchilly - With the runways saturated in every classical neutral shade this season, try this chic and versatile sleek granite grey to stand out in the crowd.

Midnight Cami - Elegance and sophistication are everywhere. Try this shimmering twilight blue to express your sultry side.

Mink Muffs - Classy and refined, this smoky plush taupe is just as soft, silky and chic as your favorite pair of mink muffs.

Pink Parka - This piping pink hue is the season's must-have amp of color - fashion never shined so bright.

Out of this collection, I only like Chinchilly and Midnight Cami. Of course, I will get my hopes up for Midnight Cami to be a Ciel de Nuit dupe and will end up horribly disappointed. But no matter, I still like the shade and Chinchilly so they are worthy of purchase. I am not really a fan of wearing brighter shades in fall and since I never really used the bright shades even in the summer, these have no appeal for me. The other two I just don't like at all so the same applies. So I guess I would only be getting two shades out of this collection.

photo courtesy of Essie

Kenzo KenzoAmour Florale

KenzoAmour Florale is a new fragrance that has just been released for the Fall season. Normally, new fragrances for fall are deeper and heavier and have a tendency to spiceness and stronger florals. However, once every few seasons, a fragrance comes out that breaks the mold and feels to many as though it has been released in the wrong season. In this case, we are talking about KenzoAmour Florale, a fragrance is light, clean, and floral.

Here is the description of the fragrance from the Sephora website, "Begin a journey of love with Kenzo KenzoAmour Florale. In Asia, the light is written in flowers that whisper their solar freshness onto your skin. This scent's gently dazzling impression begins with a luminous, airy top. The essence reveals its luminous, floral heart and comes to completion with a clear, senstive base. The hours pass by gracefully, given away by changing light, enticing you to fall in love. Inspired by the sensuality of the female body and the sense of taking off, of being in flight, the bottle reveals itself with renewed transparency. Suffused in light, it is softly brushed by a poetic white mist".

The notes of the fragrances are: neroli, grapefruit-blackcurrant, cardamom, frangipani blossom, rosebud, gardenia, white musk, cedar wood.

This actually sounds like a fragrance that I would not only purchase, but somehow end up reaching for every single day. This sounds like it will be light and fresh with just the littlest bit of floral, as to not offend even the most sensitive of noses. The bottle is a work of art itself and would look fantastic setting out on a bureau or nightstand.

KenzoAmour Florale...breaking the fall fragrance mold.

photo courtesy of Sephora

MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics - Richard Phillips

The third of the new collections from MAC comes from the painter Richard Phillips. This artist is known for making provacative, seven foot tall paintings of men and women from photographs. His paintings are full of color and imagery and he has made a painting of Jimmy Choo shoes and has contributed to the TV show Gossip Girl. His collection is my favorite of the three becuase it contains more neutrals than the others and is generally more wearable for myself.

Here is the description of the collection from MAC, "Racy, hyper-glam images revved-up in a modern take on vintage magazine pages, transformed into a supervixen collection of colour for eyes, lips, and cheeks. Paint it bigger-than-life with style and sensuality".

Here is his collection...

Eye Shadow x 4: Photo Realism - A Limited Edition palette of four eye shadows in various complementary finishes as seen by artist Richard Phillips. Reflects the artistic mood of the Make-Up Art Cosmetics colour collection.

- Photo Realism - gold shimmer with gold pearl

- Fresh Approach - cool mint green

- Image Maker - dirty grey green

- Grey Range - deep blue green

Eye Shadow x 4: In The Gallery - A Limited Edition palette of four eye shadows in various complementary finishes as seen by artist Richard Phillips. Reflects the artistic mood of the Make-Up Art Cosmetics colour collection.

- Lightfall - pale pink

- Look at the Eyes - light violet

- In the Gallery - dirty blue pink

- Private Viewing - deep brown plum

Eye Shadow x 4: Notoriety - A Limited Edition palette of four eye shadows in various complementary finishes as seen by artist Richard Phillips. Reflects the artistic mood of the Make-Up Art Cosmetics colour collection.

- Skintone 1 - light white pink

- Skintone 2 - dirty gold

- Notoriety - dirty brown with gold pearl

- Rich and Earthy - rich coral bronze

Plush Lash - A mascara formulated to instantly plump up lashes for extreme voluptuous effect. Works fast. Builds volume smoothly and evenly from root to tip. Delivers a silky, flexible, full fan of lashes. Fluid formula lightly coats lashes one layer at a time without smearing, smudging, or clumping. Goes on via an innovative, specially patented wand with a v-shaped groove that prunes the bristles on one side while leaving the otehr side full and lush. The short bristles coax the lashes upward to an extraordinarily sophisticated yet flirtatious curl, while the other side separates and combs the lashes root-to-top creating a long, well-defined glamour lash. Volumizing, lengthening, curling, lifting. This mascara features everything you want, with all the top mascara no's: no clumping, spiking, smudging, or flaking.

- Plushblack - black

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

- Front Lit - light white yellow (Frost)

- High Strung - deep pink silver (Frost)

- Lovin It - cool neutral with yellow undertone (Lustre)

- Hold the Pose - brown plum with gold pearl (Lustre)

- Full Body - deep red plum (Lustre)

Tinted Lipglass - A unique lip gloss available in a wide variety of colours that can 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 colour. 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.

- New Spirit - light yellow coral (Frost)

- Personal Taste - dirty rose with pink and gold pearl (Frost)

- Young Thing - yellow neutral with gold pearl (Frost)

- On Display - purple with gold pearl (Frost)

Powder Blush - Colour for the cheeks and face. Various formulas. Different looks.

- The Perfect Cheek - dirty pale pink (Matte)

- Notable - dirty brick brown red (Satin)

This is by far my favorite of the three collections, I am lemming a bunch of products from this collection and am planning a MAC trip within the week. For starters, I am in love with the Eye Shadow quads especailly In the Gallery and Notoriety. I can see myself getting tons of use from both palettes. I am curious about the High Strung shade of Lipstick, I can see myself either really loving it or really hating it. The Personal Taste Lipglass is high up on my list of things to buy, this one sounds completely amazing. And to finish out the list, I want to get the Powder Blush in The Perfect Cheek. So happy with this collection!

photo courtesy of Nordstrom