Givenchy Spring 2009 Collection - Maharani Spring

This spring, Givenchy released a collection that is based on India and the looks of India women. This reminds me a of spring version of last fall’s collection from Lancôme. There is not much different in the colors but I really wasn’t a fan of that one and I doubt that I will be a fan of this one. Here is the description from Sephora, “Inspired by the sensual and refined beauty of Indian women, this precious collection offers touches of bright, joyful oranges and pinks that are evocative of the culture's ornate clothing and makeup. Together, the sultry shades create a seductive look expressed through a soft healthy complexion, sensual lips, and—most of all—intense, magnetic eyes.” The collection itself is called Maharani Spring (Lancôme’s was called Maharani Jewels). I might be a fan of the pinks in this collection but I will be skipping the oranges.

The collection…

Sari Glow Iridescent Blush - Givenchy Sari Glow Iridescent Blush produces a naturally luminous complexion. Its terracotta texture is silky soft with iridescent mother of pearls that add a gleaming pop of color to the skin. The powder is customized with Indian bindies for the ultimate twinkling and color touch.
- 43 Maharani Pink - luminous rosy pink
- 44 Maharani Orange - luminous golden peach

Prismissime 22 Maharani Apricots - Givenchy Prismissime - 22 Maharani Apricots contains a collection of pearly and matte shades for a radiant complexion that looks and feels completely natural.

Prismissime 21 Maharani Pinks - Givenchy Prismissime - 21 Maharani Pinks contains a collection of pearly shades for a radiant complexion that looks and feels completely natural.

Magic Kajal Eye Pencil - Givenchy Magic Kajal Eye Pencil reveals the beauty of eyes with a very intense carbon black shade to apply around the inner rim of the eyelids. Inspired by the kajal used by Indian women, the pencil contains wax and oil—making the texture creamy and generous. The formula is enriched with vitamin E for a smooth application and is long-lasting—allowing your dark, eye-catching look to last all day.
- 1 Magic Black - carbon black

Precious Sari Glittering Eye Shadow - Givenchy Precious Sari Glittering Eye shadow allows you to reproduce the shimmering effect of a mirror-embroidered sari on your eyelids. This glittering gel formula is non-sticky and non-oily, and it creates a fresh sensation when applied to the skin. The unique packaging features precious golden Indian bindies on all four sides.
- 1 Maharani Silver - true silver shimmer
- 2 Maharani Gold - true gold shimmer

Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick - Givenchy Rouge Interdit Satin Lipstick - Spring 2009 is the Maharani version of the brand's emblematic lipstick. Inspired by earthy and henna tones, these shades create naturally lush lips
- 40 Maharani Rose - deep vivid rose
- 41 Maharani Henna - warm brick red

I think I will be passing on this whole collection. It could be pretty for a women with a deeper skin tone but will not work on my super-pale face.

photo courtesy of Sephora

Upcoming MAC Collections

After reading through the Specktra.net blog, I found the list of upcoming MAC collections with their release dates. I am super excited for Sugar Sweet and A Rose Romance.

- MAC Grand Duos - 3/12
- MAC Sugar Sweet - 3/19
- MAC VG6 Special Edition - 3/19
- MAC Colour Ready - 4/2
- MAC A Rose Romance - 4/23
- MAC Double Dazzle - 4/30
- MAC Style Warriors - 5/28
- MAC Naked Honey - 6/11
- MAC Electroflash Anniversary - 7/9

It will be an exciting next few months at the MAC counter…

New Mascara Number 2 - Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Mascara

The second mascara that I decided to try is the one that I was looking forward to the most. And in my experience, when I really look forward to using something, I usually get let down because I build it up to be something so big that no product can ever live up to. I am referring to Givenchy’s Phenomen’eyes, the mascara with the brush that resembles a medieval torture device. This mascara has been lauded and highly criticized at the same time, producing a somewhat a cult like following.

Givenchy has a ton of information available on this product so I have a lot to review and write about. First is Givenchy’s overall description of the mascara, “Its innovative new design and high-precision application method will make all existing mascaras a thing of the past. For many women, applying mascara is still a difficult process. Without a steady hand, it is hard to get precise results. That’s why Givenchy has taken a leaf out of this daring new design offering a brand-new way to apply mascara. Givenchy’s groundbreaking patented spherical brush reaches everywhere. It simplifies application, for perfectly shaped eyes and spectacular panoramic results.”

Here is their description of the ball shaped brush, “The Phenomen’Eyes brush is made of an elastomer that helps it glide over the lashes. Shaped like a perfect sphere, with carefully distributed bristles, it offers precise application of the product and optimal separation of the lashes, with no clumping. Its spherical brush allows for high-precision application with freedom of movement through 360°. It seeks out every single lash, even the most difficult to reach, coating and shaping them from the base to the very tip.”

The description of the texture of the mascara, “The formula is based on water and a cutting-edge polymer. When the mascara is applied, the water evaporates, allowing the polymer to put its shaping, separating and lengthening powers to work in an optimal way. A dense, structured network forms on the lashes, which are shaped into a lasting supple curl with a spectacular panoramic effect. The formula contains D-Panthenol, which fortifies and restructures the lashes from the inside, making them denser and thicker.”

This was the hardest mascara so far that I have ever used. First, the directions said to start at the outside of the eye and sweep it all over the lashes, working your way to the inside of your eyes. The first time that I used it, I started by doing that then took the brush and starting at the inside of the eye, did the exact same thing to the in the opposite direction. Not a good idea - I ended up with about two huge, clumpy lashes. The best way to use this product is to start with the strategy that the company recommends then to take the ball and go over each lash by itself.
The result - huge, perfectly defined lashes!

Of course there are several things about this mascara that I don’t love. The formula is very wet and I feel that it never really dries so it smudges and clumps all the time. Also, it is hard to remove at night and usually takes some scrubbing with the eye makeup remover. Even after the scrubbing, I am still usually left with some traces of black residue under my eyes. This mascara gives a very dramatic effect and I have found that it can overwhelm some of the more minimal makeup looks that I do sometimes. So I alternate this mascara with Awake Stardom Mascara (more on this one later).

The verdict - I love this mascara for dramatic lashes and I feel that the drawbacks are not enough to stop me from loving it. I do recommend to alternate this mascara with another one because it gives a very dramatic effect. This one really didn’t disappoint like I was afraid that it would.
photo courtesy of Sephora

My New Haircut

My dreams of having Twilight hair are definitely over. The longest layer of my hair now only hit’s the top of my shoulders with the shortest reaching just to my chin. In total, I got between 6 and 7 inches off of it. This new style definitely calls for the flat iron and would be horrifying with a curling iron… The daydream was fun while it lasted…

YSL Spring 2009 Collection

The amount of spring collections that we have to look at yet is beginning to dwindle down, but there are still a few more that need to be reviewed. The Spring 2009 collection from YSL is based on bright colors and reminds me of a sunset. I can see this collection being very popular this spring because this is the only collection that I have looked at so far that is embracing the bright tangerine trend that is in all the fashion magazines. Quite unique when reviewed against the others. The description of the collection is, “Contemporary art inspires this year’s Spring Look. An explosion of vivid colours, graphic lines and sensorial textures reveal a strikingly modern interpretation of beauty.”

Here is what is needed to create this look…

Touche Eclat Radiant Touch - Instant highlighter. The best selling must - have take-anywhere pen-brush for adding a touch of light or banishing shadows and signs of fatigue from the eye area, the hollow of the chin, the contour of the lips and the sides of the nose.

Palette d’Artiste Collector Powder for the Complexion - This palette knows all the secrets of dazzling spring beauty. A bronzing powder to warm and sculpt the face; two vivid shades, orange and pink, to enliven the cheeks; and a pale rose highlighter to highlight the rounded parts of the face. Gently mixed around and applied on the cheekbones, they promote an instant healthy glow. Extremely soft and fine, this powder ensures long-lasting comfort.

Palette d’Artiste Collector Powder for the Eyes - This daring quartet has been designed to enhance any eye colour and to endlessly “customize” your look: pale yellow, tender pink or sage-green to dress the eyelids and deep violet to structure and intensify. Perfectly adjustable, easy to apply and mix, they will turn your look into a work of art.

Easy Liner for Eyes Automatic Eyeliner - Easy Liner For Eyes is not only ultra-glamorous, it is also easy to use. Its calligraphic brush offers great precision and its continuous but ultra controlled flow delivers the exact quantity of formula at each application. It guarantees an even line and gives an intense look all day long.
- #2 Easy Brown - mink brown
- #3 Easy Blue - bright blue

Everlong Mascara Lengthening Mascara - Innovation dedicated to seduction. Everlong Mascara is the first mascara that offers a double lengthening effect: instant make up result and long-term lengthening action thanks to the association of a new generation moulded brush with an exclusive complex encouraging lash growth.
- #7 Ever Steel Blue - blue gray

Fard a Levres Rouge Pur Pure Lipstick - Colour with care. Lip colour and care in one, Rouge Pur stays fresh for hours while ensuring hydration and protection to the lips. Available in a sensational range of shades.
- N 144 Silky Apricot - peachy apricot

Gloss Pur Pure Lip Gloss - Pure colour and high shine. YSL's newest lip gloss is everything you need to achieve an ultra-sophisticated every-day look. Based on YSL's top selling lip gloss, Golden Gloss, GLOSS PUR delivers a sparkle-free beautiful and glossy sheen to the lips.
- #3 Pure coral - bright coral

Nail Touch Nail Lacquer - A clever pen brush, incredibly simple to use, to varnish the nails anywhere, anytime and very quickly! In a single click, the nails are adorned with a veil of pearly shine or glossy colour.
- N 6 Coral Touch - bright coral

Mehhhh…I don’t like coral, so really this collection holds little to no appeal for me at all. So, I really doubt that I will be picking up anything from this collection. However, I do like that it is more unique than all pale pinks and beiges that we have been seeing this spring.
photo courtesy of YSL

Stila Spring 2009 Collection - Barbie Loves Stila

I am going to assume that most people reading this remember the Barbie collection that MAC did about two years ago in the spring time. If not, here is a quick recap; very popular, lots of pink, and spawned lots of imitations over the next few months after the release. The latest company to imitate this collection and use Barbie as their muse is Stila. This year is Barbie’s 50th birthday and the company is helping her to celebrate in high style. The collection is called Barbie Loves Stila and I would too if I was her. I loved playing with Barbie when I was young and had amassed quite the collection of them through birthdays, Christmas, and the generosity of my family.

Here is the description from Stila. “A beauty trendsetter and style icon, Barbie has had all eyes on her for 50 years. Now it's your turn to get all dolled up. Each paint can in this cute-as-punch collection features a famed Barbie look from the past five decades and all the beauty essentials needed to make it all yours. And the palette? It literally talks you through every step for scoring classic Barbie-pink eyes. Play time just got prettier.”

The collection is right here…

Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 1959 #1 Ponytail Doll - Stila Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 1959 #1 Ponytail Doll is modeled after the first Barbie doll—with striking red lips and black-rimmed cat eyes, this doll is the epitome of 1950s glamour. The three-pan palette contains eye shadows, a cheek color, and matte red lipstick so you can create the iconic look with just one kit at your fingertips.
- 3 Pan Palette with a deep blue eye shadow with white shimmer, a matte black eye shadow, and a luminous coral cheek color

- Lip Color in Ponytail (matte cherry red)

- Liquid Eye Liner in Black

Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 1971 Malibu Doll - Stila Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 1971 Malibu Doll contains aqua eye shadow and pink lips for a sunny, beach look that symbolizes the fresh, natural beauty of the 1970s. The three-pan palette contains eye shadows, a bronzing powder, and pinky-peach lip glaze so you can create the iconic look with just one kit at your fingertips.
- 3 Pan Palette with a soft shimmering pale pink eye shadow, a sky blue eye shadow with white shimmer, and a golden bronze bronzer

- Lip Glaze in Malibu (pale pinky peach)

- Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 1980 Foxy Doll - Stila Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 1980 Foxy Doll delivers a warm, sultry look that features coral lips and earth-toned shadow—the very look that made this doll the epitome of bold 1980's glamour. The three-pan palette contains eye shadows, a matte-berry cheek powder, and sheer tangerine lip glaze so you can create the iconic look with just one kit at your fingertips.
- 3 Pan Palette with a shimmering soft wheat eye shadow, a shimmering golden brown eye shadow, and a matte soft berry cheek color

- Lip Glaze in Foxy (sheer tangerine)

- Lash Visor Waterproof Mascara in Black

Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 2000 Jewel Doll - Stila Barbie Loves Stila Paint Can - 2000 Jewel Doll delivers a hip, sparkly look featuring shimmery shadows and glossy pink lips—the very look that exemplified "new millennium pretty." The three-pan palette contains eye shadows, a mid-tone blue pink with white shimmer cheek color, and a pale pink lip glaze so you can create the iconic look with just one kit at your fingertips
- 3 Pan Palette with a tan eye shadow with pink shimmer, a brown eye shadow with gold and brown shimmer, and a shimmering pink cheek color

- Lip Glaze in Jewel (shimmering vivid pink)

- Multi-effect Mascara in Black

Barbie Loves Stila Talking Palette - A palette that contains four wet/dry eye shadows and a glitter eyeliner, and it literally talks you through each application step!
- Palette includes shadows in cool pink shimmer (base), bright pink lilac with gold sparkle (lid), deep burgundy pink (crease), and dark purple with blue sparkle (liner).

I love these little Paint Cans, they are the some of the cutest packaging that I have ever seen. I also love that someone can buy one of these as a gift and the recipient gets everything they need to create the look. I really want the 2000 Jewel Doll because it seems to be the only one that will really work with my complexion. However, pale blue eye shadow is in many of these collections and while I that it is Barbie’s signature, it is not mine!

photo courtesy of Sephora

Update To Twilight Hair...

Remember about a month ago when I made a huge fuss about hating my hair and wanting to go for the look in Twilight? Well that actually ended up never happening and my haircut appointment is this week, so depending on how much I get cut off, it might never happen.
The reason that it never really happened? I never got a chance to run out and buy the correct sized curling iron. Also, my flat iron died and I need this to live and style my hair everyday so that had to be replaced before anything else.

I’m still trying to figure out what I will be doing to my hair at my cut, but if by some chance that I can still do that Twilight hair, I will be going out and getting the correct curling iron sometime soon.