Shu Uemura Fall 2010 Collection - Florescent Fall Mode

My last fall collection! This season, I am going off the term "Save the best for last" since this column is about the newest Shu Uemura collection. Since this collection cannot be purchased in the United States anymore, I was hestitant as to whether or not I wanted to write about it since it will need to be ordered from Shu Uemura directly. But I decided that with how beautiful their makeup is, shipping and handling is a small price to pay for beauty.

"131st Shu Uemura Mode makeup "Florescent" created by international Artistic Director Kakuyasu Uchiide blooms transcendent elegance that exists only in a woman. Deeply colored petals of the flower symbolize eternal elegance, gracefulness, and tenderness; the intrinsic beauty of a woman. Soft and velvety texture of petals is gentle and beloved, like a warm embrace".

Here is the collection...

Graceful Bloom Palette - This limited edition eye & cheek palette contains floral shades formulated with 100% natural pigments and mineral pigments. Complete with four pressed eye shadows, two cream eye shadows/eye liners, and a cream cheek blush as well as two applicator brushes. Bloom your regard with dramatic colors and enhance your natural glow with cream cheek blush. Inspired by the elegance of full bloom flowers, this palette features a chic floral gradation of purple shades with an accent of green tints. Let your imagination bloom with endless feminine look possibilities.

Dreamy Petal Palette - This limited edition eye & cheel palette contains floral shades formulated with 100% natural pigments and mineral pigments. Complete with four pressed eye shadows, two cream eye shadows/eye liners, and a cream cheek blush as well as two applicator brushes. Bloom your regard with dramatic color and enhance your natural glow with cream cheek blush. The fusion of warm tones brings out the gentle affectation of flowers and illuminates your eyes with its sunny sparkling metallic gold. Let you imagination bloom with endless feminine look possibilities.

Partial Floral Feather - Partial eye lashes with red and purple feathers to accentuate your floral eye makeup as if petals were fluttering down your lashes.

I love these palettes, I must have both of them! The false lashes aren't quite my cup of tea but the palettes are just too pretty to be imagined.

Well that's the end of fall... Time for the holidays!

photo courtesy of Shu Uemura

Giorgio Armani Fall 2010 Collection - Night Viper

Well, we are beginning to hit the end of the fall collections and soon will be going into the holidays. I have very few collections left to look at but there is still some fall items to come. Today is the Fall 2010 collection from Giorgio Armani, named Night Viper. Based on the title, I am picturing deep shades for eyes and lots of cool tones and purple. The Armani website states, "Inspired by the deep blue tones of the night, Giorgio Armani explores for fall a new landscape of shades - night viper. From cool blue to sophisticated pink tones and warm crimson berry. The new nocturnal chic".

Let's check it out...

Eyes To Kill Palette - Dress the eye in bold, intense, seductive, smoky tones...the true Armani signature. The Eyes To Kill Eye Shadow Palettes comes in four bold shades to fully arm the Armani eye. Each palette includes a deadly deep eye liner in the center, a gaze luminescent highlighter, and a daring eye shadow wrapped around the rim.

- 7 - center: pure mauve (satin finish)/middle: ink black (satin finish)/exterior: aubergine purple (metallic finish)

Eyes To Kill Mascara - Dress the eye with powerful, plush, voluminous lashes. Fine, fluid Microfil technology creates intensely captivating lash texture. Micro-waxes combined with a fineness agent allow for smooth and easy application, revealing weightless volume and length.

- #5 Blue Gray Night - blue gray

Rouge d'Armani Lipstick - Exceptional long-wear formula results in up to 8 hours of intense color. Experience comfort and shine, without fading and feathering. Soft texture leaves lips feeling continously hydrated. Lipstick packaged in an elegant black lacquered case with an exclusive magnetic closure. Sealed with a click.

- 602 - soft pink

- 603 - black purple

- 604 - deep ruby

Blending Blush Duo - Following the Giorgio Armani beauty heritage in blending and layering, our renowned Micro-fil cream texture allows the blending blush duos to morph into fluid color on contact with the skin. The result is soft, flushed color and subtle highlighting that sculpts the face. The new shade for this season is a blend of shimmering pale and dark raspberry.

I want the Rouge d'Armani Lipstick in 604 (dark ruby), I want to try a deeper red shade than most of the brighter reds that I have bought at MAC the past few weeks. And since I did end up splurging on Heartless from Venomous Villians, I now want to try a deeper red shade. The other product that I want to try out from this collection is the new shade in the Eyes to Kill product line.

Off side, I think that the name Night Viper is my favorite name of the fall collections and a favorite collection name in quite a long time.

photo courtesy of Giorgio Armani

LUSH Halloween Body Products

This year, the LUSH Halloween products are a bit different than years past. Normally, they release the traditional Ghost Shower Gel and Great Pumpkin soap. However, this year the decided to make a little collection based on the celebration of the Day of the Dead. I'm a bit torn by this decision, I was looking forward to Ghost Shower Gel but I always love brand new LUSH products.

Let's check them out!

Calavera Ballistic - Sadly, there isn't any tequila in this brightly coloured bomb but we were sure to fill it up with marigold petals and zesty lime oil to make your bath time festive! Celebrate the season with a burst of citrus and massive swirls of oranges, pinks, and greens to lift your spirits out of this world!

Lady Catrina Soap - Now we know the shape is a bit unconventional, but we dare you to resist this brightly coloured, fruit laden hat of spectacular citrus suds! Lady Catrina's sweet scent comes from Agave nectar, which we're thrilled to use because it's a vegan alternative to honey. And no, you can't wear it. Well you could but you'd look awfully silly when it rains!

Calacas Jelly - Why have just one vibrantly coloured jelly, when you could have three? We were inspired by the colourful flags that are hung across windows and door frames during Day of the Dead, and couldn't possibly resist creating our own rainbow of jellies. The colour you receive in your order is a surprise! All have the same zesty fragrance.

I want the Lady Catrina soap soooo bad! I also want to get one of the new Jellies and maybe get the Calavera Ballistic as well. I am a sucker for LUSH...

photo courtesy of LUSH

Guerlain Fall 2010 Collection - 68 Champs - Elysees

This collection from Guerlain is 100% pure French beauty, I love it! The collection is named 68 Champs - Elysees and after hearing the name, I just visions of fantastic French women in my head. The Nordstrom website states, "68 Champs - Elysees, a collection that pays tribute to the French glamour and joie de vivre that is the root of the Guerlain spirit. The new Fall Color Collection, boasting rich eye shadows and new lip colors for the must-have look of the season". I love it!

Here is the new collection...

Eye Shadow Palette - A trend-setter one day and a sleek sophisticate the next, a woman's style changes with her mood. Transform your look with one palette, six colors - the possibilities are endless. This new Guerlain eye shadow palette caters to your every whim, offering a range of iridescent, matte, and satin shadows. Each palette bears the name of a Guerlain boutigue in Paris. Choose your address!

- 2 Place Vendome - white satin/gray-taupe satin/golden taupe shimmer/almost-black charcoal/sapphire satin

- 29 Rue de Sevres - shimmery barely-white pink/warm gray satin/deep brown taupe/blue-gray satin/shimmery sky blue

- 68 Champs Elysees - shimmery white/matte gray taupe/cool dark brown satin/blue-gray satin/shimmery royal purple

- 10 Rue de Francs Bourgeois - matte yellow beige/warm sand/red-brown/dark warm brown/shimmery orange gold

- 93 Rue de Passy - matte dusty pink/dusty violet/dusty gray purple/dusty mauve/shimmery pale pink

Kiss Kiss Gloss Serum - Guerlain's new Kiss Kiss Gloss Serum brillantly combines the art of lip care with the magic of colors. This extreme-shine formula, combined with anti-aging active ingredients, helps lips look and stay more beautiful by smoothing wrinkles and fine lines. Instantly and day after day, lips are beautiful, smoothed, plumped, and rejuventated.

- Myrrhe - sheer peach pink

- Cuir - brown-orange red

- Grenat - mauve rose

- Ambre - peach pink that is more on the pink side

- Baie de Rose - bright pink

- Violine - plum

- Tonka - warm peach rose

- Vermillion - sour cherry

Le Rouge G de Guerlain Lipstick - Guerlain called on one of the most talented jewelers from the Palace Vendome in Paris, Lorenz Baumer, to create an object of mystery and seduction: Rouge G de Guerlain. At first click, the case reveals a stunning mirror, a promise of your own personal luxury, and then an exceptional lipstick nestled within the case. Rouge G de Guerlain surpasses mere beauty with a breathtaking formula. A precious ruby powder interacts with daylight to reveal spectacular radiance unachieved to date. At the first contact, lips are immediately defined, smoothed, plumped, and hydrated.

- 13 Giny - medium warm mauve

- 14 Gillian - warm mauve pink

- 68 Gigi - medium fushcia

- 69 Gwen - deep wine

Blush 4 Eclats - Blush 4 Eclats is the ultimate in sculpting blushers. Its cleverly beveled brush is designed to achieve the perfect color effect. By brushing over the palette from left to right, the brush picks up the lighter shades and applies them to the top of the cheekbones. The darker shades naturally cover the lower cheeks to add depth and structure to the contours of the face.

- 07 Caresse de l'Aube - peachy pink

'Kiss Kiss' Gloss - Lips get drenched in sheer, pearly, or sparkly color with the new Kiss Kiss gloss! Its revolutionary nonsticky formula keeps lips moisturized while water-resistant and magnifying esters ensure long-lasting effects with a boost of volume. Its flat, smooth brush provides accurate application. Available in three different formulas: Petal Effect gives sheer coverage, Pearl Effect gets a boost of pearly essence, and Gloss Effect provides a subtle sparkling finish.

- 847 Peche Charnel - peach

- 848 Brown Sugar - pink brown

- 823 Poppy Star - bright cherry red

Those eye shadow palettes! I am simply in love with them and they are my favorite product of this collection (as they always tend to be). 2 Place Vendome is my favorite of the line but I still would love to own them all. 93 Rue de Passy is my second favorite of the group. I am going to pass up on the blush until I can get to Saks and have the makeup artists show me how to use the colorings in the pan. Lip wise, I want shades from all three formulas. From the new Gloss Serum, I love Grenat, Ambre, and Violine. From the Rouge G de Guerlain, I want Gillian and Gwen. The last item that I want to get is the Brown Sugar shade from 'Kiss Kiss' Gloss.

I am simply in love with this collection, this is one the best that I have seen this fall. I am feeling so Parisian right now...

photo courtesy of Nordstrom

C.O. Bigelow Classic Mentha Lip Shines

I believe that there is no one in the country who hasn't tried a C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine. This line started out with only the Original Formula being available. But after the fantastic sales of this lip gloss, the line expanded to include colored formulas, organic formulas, and special edition flavors for every single new season. Needless to day, I have tons of these lip glosses, from every single collection and season. I have dubbed the clear glosses as the classic Menthas since these are the most widely available and I believe are the still the best sellers from the Mentha Lip line.

First, we are going to look at the first and original formula. "This lip preparation is the ultimate three-in-one moisturizer. Combines high gloss, incredible moisture, and long-lasting breath freshening with a refreshing, minty, cooling sensation. Can be worn under or over lip color". The next formula that was available in this collection is the Ultra Mentha Lip Shine. This is a pumped up verison of the original that doubles as both a lip gloss and a lip plumper. "We super-infused our classic Mentha with more intense flavor and longer lasting breath-freshening to create the ultimate balm. It provides the same glossy high shine with an even greater refreshing, cooler sensation. Made with 100% natural mint flavor".

The lip gloss is also available in Spearmint, which is my personal favorite of the line. "Our spearmint-infused lip balm provides a glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected while Spearmint gives breath long-lasting freshness". The Spearmint is one of the top sellers and is a personal favorite of mine and several of my friends.

The next two lip glosses are mixtures of mint and other herbs. The first is the Cinnamint Mentha, which is the only one that I have tried from this group. "Our Cinnamon and Mint-infused lip balm provides a glossy high shine with a refreshing cooling sensation. Lips stay moist and protected while Cinnamon and Peppermint give breath long-lasting freshness". The second lip gloss in this category in the Vanilla Mint Mentha. This one is my second favorite flavor, right after the Spearmint. "This lip preparation is the ultimate three-in-one lip moisturizer. Combines high gloss, incredible moisture, and long-lasting breath freshness with a creamy and minty, cooling sensation. Can be worn under or over lip color. Developed by Bigelow chemists".

The last product in this collection is a lip balm instead of the lip gloss and balm combination.
The SPF 15 Mentha Lip Balm Stick is a no shine, no gloss formula and therefore makes this the best selling product for men from the C.O. Bigelow Mentha Lip line. "Our SPF 15, mint-infused lip balm soothes and shields lips with shea butter, leaving behind a smooth, matte finish. Lips stay moist and protected while peppermint oil give breath long-lasting freshness".

These lip products are great purchases for yourself or for little gift for family and friends. I have purchased all the above products with the exception of the Cinnamint (since I hate cinnamon) and will continue to purchase them as long as I am able to.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Make Up For Ever Fall 2010 Collection - Moulin Rouge Collection

We have already looked at the Gold Icon Collection, now it is time for us to look at the second collection, the one inspired by the Moulin Rouge. I love this collection already, I am so easy to please when it comes to Parisian inspired collection. "Teaming up with the glamorous Parisian dancers of Moulin Rouge, Make Up For Ever has created yet another collection of bold must-have shades. Aptly named, this exclusive assortment of red-heavy products will create a dramatic, sexy look worthy of an oh la la".

Colors for "four bad-ass chicks at the Moulin Rouge" (can't forget this song!)...

Rouge Artist Intense - A highly pigmented, long-lasting lipstick that delivers rich color in one stroke. Formulated with 50% more pigment than the traditional lipstick, Rouge Artist Intense gives an immediate true-to-color result. A blend of three natural waxes, the creamy texture glides on effortlessly for a long-lasting hold. The extensive color and texture range provides unlimited creativity. Available in 3 finishes - matte, pearly, and satin - for varying effects.

- 43 Moulin Rouge - satin vibrant red

Glossy Full - A gel-textured lip gloss. Make Up For Ever Glossy Full Couleur has a light, non-sticky texture that is long-lasting and leaves lips ultra shiny. Lips will remain supple and mentholated fragrance reinforces the iced, frosty effect of the gloss.

- 43 Moulin Rouge - vibrant red

Strass - Round crystals that add a sparkling, jeweled effect. Formulated for use on the entire face, Strass provides sparkle and drama to any look. It can be used on the lash line as an alternate liner or applied on the face to create an artistic design. Add Strass to dress up and add some fun to any occasion!

- 43 Moulin Rouge - red/black/crystal

Eyelashes - Strip - Intensify and add depth to your eyes with these high-drama, professional-quality lashes. Create spectacular effects for evening parties, photo shoots, or just for fun.

- 243 Moulin Rouge - extreme criss-cross flairs with red glitter strip

I love it all except the false lashes - I could never pull them off. Even though I think this collection is beautiful, I doubt that I could pull off the same look as the dancers at the Moulin Rouge. The only product that I know that I will purchase is the new Moulin Rouge Lipstick, I don't know that I would get much use of the gloss or the Strass.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Make Up For Ever Fall 2010 Collection - Gold Icon Collection

Make Up For Ever has released two new collections this fall for Sephora. The first one is named Gold Icon and the other one is named Moulin Rouge. We are looking at Gold Icon today and Moulin Rouge in a bit. About Gold Icon, Sephora states the following, "This is no fool's gold. The Gold Icon Collection from Make Up For Ever is the read deal. Get instant glamour with their assortment of all-over gold-hued powders, accent eyes with foiled kohl liner for a metallic highlight, or cover your lids with luminous gold shadow". I have only used the HD collection from Make Up For Ever but I love it so I have high expectations for these products.

Here is the collection...

Metal Powder - A 100%-mineral loose powder with a brillant metallic finish. Formulated with bronze powder covered in silica, Metal Powder creates luminosity and shine. Its extra-fine, soft, and silky texture glides on effortlessly and gives an intense result. You can customize your application by applying it dry for a metallic finish or wet for a liquid-metal result.

- Sunflower Gold 1 - yellow gold shimmer

- Maize Gold 2 - coppery gold shimmer
- Honey Gold 3 - tannish gold shimmer

- Olive Gold 4 - green olive gold shimmer

Kohl Pencil - Soft, smooth, and easy to apply, this creamy Kohl Pencil can be used to achieve diverse looks, from dramatic to subtle. Specifically adapted to the sensitive and thin skin surrounding and inside the eye, the formula is a particularly gentle blend of vegetable lipids, vitamin E, mango seed oil, hydrogenated cotton seed oil, and jojoba oil to keep the skin around the eyes hydrated. Suitable for even the most sensitive eyes.

- Black with Metal Highlights 6 - black with gold flecks

- Metal Gold 7 - metallic gold

Diamond Powder - Diamond Powder combines both the pearly iridescense of Star Powder and the brightness of Glitter. It is almost entirely composed of pure synthetic mother-of-pearl. The particles are finer and literally radiate extreme brillance as soon as they are applied.

- Gold 16 - yellow gold shimmer

I want to try the Kohl Pencils in both of the new shades but especially the Black with Metal Highlights. I am thinking that I am going to need to treat application of the Metal Powder as I would use a MAC Pigment, I might be wrong on this one though. From the new Metal Powders, I like Sunflower Gold and Maize Gold. I am loving all of these gold shades in this collection!

photo courtesy of Sephora