FYI and the Holidays :)

As the year is rapidly coming to a close, I'll be away for a month, which means I won't be blogging during this time. Some priorities have risen and with that said, just a few things:

I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season, whether it's with friends/family/loved ones. I'll be with my family during some of this time. 

I made a little Christmas wishlist (feel free to post your wishlist too i'd like to see what pretties you'd like to have ! :D)

Le Metier de Beaute Antiquité Poupée
makeup brushes (this is always my wishlist year round lol)

Guerlain Le Fumes 

By Terry eye serum

By Terry Black Pearl cream eyeshadow

I also wanted to share my By Terry story...

I had the opportunity to meet Terry de Gunzberg herself a week ago at her event hosted by SpaceNK. I didn't take pictures since I couldn't be there the entire time. Anyway, I had an artist who did my makeup (which by the way, was amazing). Terry was customizing everyone's skincare and what makeup for the person to have applied. Of course I'm in the far corner of the room having a fan girl moment seeing her. Out of nowhere she shows up and asked to do my lipstick. I don't know what kind of face I made, but I'm sure I lit up like a Christmas tree. 

She picked out 204 (Narcotic Sienna). She said I had a beautiful face and amazing lips and other awesome compliments. She changed the blush color since she used a red lipstick and applied #2 loose powder. Some of the guest artists were watching Terry work her magic on me, and needless to say I was so star struck. She can seriously work a lipbrush. She didn't spend much time on the other clients, just basically walking around just looking at the makeovers, but not really applying anyones makeup. She probably knew how much I loved her makeup line and how excited I was to see her.

I had to leave and I thanked her for her time. I also said I was so flattered...(which wasn't what I meant to say, because I was that star struck -- ha ha). Anyway, she said it was a pleasure doing my makeup. I just hope somewhere she knows that she made me SO happy. I have a whole new love for Terry as she's pleasant, humble, and just overall awesome. I'll discuss the contents of the seminar in a future review.

But this is what I was sitting next to during my makeover. I just wanted to take all of it and walk home ahahaha

And for fun times, what I've gotten to celebrate my birthday so far: 

Suqqu Holiday quads EX-05 and EX-06 (thank you to my Saint/Angel/Santa/Makeup Fairy for making this possible)

By Terry Glowing Rose (#2) Voile Poudre Eclat

By Terry Pearly Rye (#2) eyeshadow

By Terry Narcotic Sienna (#204) lipstick

By Terry Cover Expert foundation (Lumiere Veloutee's replacement)

Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge Concealer.

 

Thank you for your understanding (me being missing in action).

-theblackpanties

Antiquité Poupée Part II:

photo courtesy of Dustin Lujan. Model is wearing Antiquité Poupée over Noir e/l as a base.

With the reviews out there on Dustin's Antiquité Poupée kaleidoscope, there are some people who are wondering how it will look like on certain skintones. I was at Bergdorf Goodman wondering with Dustin who would be my model for his kaleidoscope. 

And then a gorgeous blonde magically appeared...out of nowhere. I was like "oooo". Dustin asked her to be my model. I was too scared to ask her since she's so pretty. I ogled at her gorgeous blue eyes and blonde hair. And so it happened...Dustin was working his magic. It can be applied as a soft daytime look for the office or a first date...

model is wearing champagne base under the kaleidoscope

and then it happened: I was looking at the escalator and she descended like the angel from the heavens that's known as magical bunny land. She has beautiful long, curly jet black hair, with super soft perfect skin, pouty lips, her expressive eyes and gorgeous smile arrived...yes, I'm sure you're all thinking of the perfect woman, and that woman is my bunny. Our schedules were aligned with the stars yesterday (which is literally once in a few centuries).

the bunny hopped around for a few minutes with glee as she saw the kaleidoscope, rubbed it against her bunny hands all over the taupe shade. . . and then . . .

she floated to the chair and sat down. I had to disappear to feed the angel some Diet Pepsi...when I came back she was all done up :D. As we all know, Bunny is one who loves all colors.

bunny is wearing the kaleidoscope over Noir e/l.

look at that sheen !! she's wearing Bali l/s & Kona l/s in the center, topped with clear gloss

sultry bunny :)

 

 and then the bunny magically appears on 58th Street. :) 

 

and these were taken with my phone :D  

and there you have it :D I hope this helps seeing how it looks in person.

To pre-order your kaleidoscope, you can contact the Le Metier de Beaute counter at 212-872-8612.

Thank you N. and Bunny for being my models for Dustin's kaleidoscope :) 

for other reviews, check out Messy Wands and Product Doctor

Hourglass Fresco Femme Rouge Velvet Crème Lipstick:

I have a love/hate relationship with Hourglass Cosmetics. For a long time I disliked their lipsticks...part of it is my fault...I tested rancid testers at a Sephora a year ago, not knowing they were rancid. But aside from lipsticks, I'm not a fan of their face products (cheek stain, foundation, tinted moisturizer). It's a small brand, and it has potential. I do like texture of their eyeshadows, but the downside is that there aren't many colors to choose from. Given that Gina Brooke is a part of the Hourglass family, I hope there will be more products the company will release in the future.

but I digress...

so back to the lipstick story, I finally got to test them again recently at Bergdorfs and tried out a few of the colors, and realized that the formula wasn't as horrid as my experience at Sephora. I then realized that the testers at Sephora were bad. Ok, so I left with Fresco and Nocturnal. ok maybe I left with a gloss too (typical lip junkie that I am).


One of the colors I left with was Fresco...a pretty soft cool pink, the "my lips but better" lipcolor. I left with Nocturnal (which I may review at a later date).


Packaging: One of the big pluses about the lipstick is the design. The lipsticks are refillable, which is pretty cool, so you're not constantly throwing out the entire tube, plus the refill prices are cheaper. *score* ! It's a dark brown casing with Hourglass written in gold along the side of the lid. The one thing I've noticed is that the lid doesn't "click" shut. Not a big deal, as long as the lid doesn't come off in my bag. A big win overall for the packaging because it is refillable.


Formula/texture: They're definitely creamy and give some moisture to the lips. Imagine Chantecaille lipchics but not so balmy feel. So for those of you who dislike the super balm sensation, but still want moisture, then these definitely fit the bill. They're definitely not as long lasting as I'd like, but at the same time moisturizing lipsticks aren't the longest lasting. For the fall/winter months I imagine a lot of people reaching for these lipsticks. They fade into a nice stain as well (awesome bonus). I will caution for those who rock a red lipstick, to be aware that these may be a bit too "runny", as in it might feather because it's too moisturizing. 


Color: It's a cool rose-pink (when swatched). (I can't think of a better description right now). It's a "my lips but better" color for some people. When applied on my lips, it's a warm pink. Weird, eh? Either way it's a nice soft "safe" lipcolor to wear. Is it a unique shade per se? Not really, but needless to say it's a lovely color for those days that you just want to enhance your natural lipcolor.


Price and size: $30 for the lipstick, $24 for the refills.

onto the photos: ;D

L to R: GA #99, Hourglass Fresco, Chantecaille Tea Rose (no flash)

L to R: GA #99, Hourglass Fresco, Chantecaille Tea Rose (flash)

GA 99 and Tea Rose are clearer rose-pinks, but the difference is minimal. edit: (when swatched), but when applied, GA 99 and Tea Rose are accurate in swatches when applied on the lips. Fresco on the other hand is definitely warmer in undertone on my lips.
 

Antiquité Poupée: Holiday 2011 Kaleidoscope +

So I'm sure most people have been wondering (myself included) what Dustin Lujan and Le Métier de Beauté have up their sleeves for this holiday. Luckily for me, I got to see what Dustin got to create for this years holiday kaleidoscope :D 

Packaging: This year's holiday kaleidoscope will come in a pretty golden box.

Dusty Rose: it's a light warm pink shade, which is used as an all over wash as a base. I actually like this one as a cheek highlighter as well. It's like a warm pink champagne shade. 

Burlap Sorrel: This one is a cool silvery, semi taupe color. It's pretty because it has this duochrome effect. In the pan it looks like a warm neutral, but when applied on your eyes/skin, it's definitely cooler in undertone than what you'd expect. I can't explain it, I'll let the photos speak for itself. 

Tarnished Russet: This color...well, when I saw it, I told Dustin myself "ewwww, what were you thinking!?!?" It looks so scary and ugly in the pan, and even swatched by itself it's not appealing. AT ALL. It's a deep red terracotta color, ugly on its own, but layered with the other shades, it definitely warms up the eye a bit. It's an interesting effect to say the least, and it makes sense as to why Dustin added the color in the kaleidoscope. 

Ember Ash: This one has to be my favorite, because it's a dark blue silver. It's dark, but not too dark for it to be overpowering, or too dark that you will go overboard packing on the color and looking bruised. Imagine a pewter color, with some blue thrown into it. Kinda cool if you ask me. :) 

Onto the photos ;D

Dusty Rose

Burlap Sorrel

Tarnished Russett

Ember Ash

how the colors look layered on my hand. I couldn't get a good photo :|

I like the colors since I'm a lover of silvery pinks, and this definitely fits the bill. 

When it will be released? Sometime in December and it will only be sold at Bergdorf Goodman. Yes, I'll be buying one for as a birthday & Xmas gift to myself <3 :D

Chikuhodo Z-5 Eyeshadow Brush

I'm sorry for not being able to blog as often, as I've been really busy as of late, and it's still busy, and will be busy until after Christmas this year.

So a little over a week or so, I got my much anticipated Chikuhodo Z-5 brush. For those who aren't familiar with Chikuhodo brushes, the few that I do own are from Z series, and here's my review on the Z-8 from earlier this year.

So back to the Z-5:

Initial thoughts: at first I was a bit, um...not happy at a first glance because it's wider and a bit larger than what i was accustomed to. When i felt the hairs against my fingers and did quick swiping motions with the brush against my arm, I thought the brush was a bit too soft for my liking, as I like stiffer eyeshadow brushes so the eyeshadow can stay on my lids. I was a bit let down when I first had it in my hands. Then I turned the brush for its profile, and I was like "hmmm".

Hair: 100% grey squirrel. Yes it's insanely soft, and as we know already from the Z-8, is that the hair comes to a very fine point. The brush itself is tapered and the hairs itself are tapered.  

Ferrule and handle: it's black, long and the brush is very light weight. When you pick up the brush itself, you think to yourself, "this is lighter than it looks". The ferrule is sturdy (as in the metal base isn't loose). The handle itself is black lacquered (wood). 

Application: So I tried it with eyeshadow and it just went on seamlessly. Usually I have to pat on the color so I don't experience fallout from the brush and from the eyeshadow falling off my lids (even with primer sometimes). You just place the color on the lid and the color stays on your lids. I was like "ooooooo". The brush picks up very little product and very few pats are needed to get the effect you want. 

When you apply eyeshadow on your lids, the color blends (like a gradient) a bit into the crease, like it's doing the job of blending for you by just patting on the color (reason being that the brush is tapered). Adding darker colors to your eyes is great, since it doesn't pack on the color a lot where you applied too much dark eyeshadow. Blending with this brush is just so easy, since the brush does some of the work for you. Color me smitten, because I thought I was going to hate this brush, when I adore it now. Soft brush and no fallout? amazing.

Of course if u have any eyeshadow left on your brush, it easily comes off on a napkin, which means maintaining the brush clean is so easy. Plus the brush is insanely soft. so.so.so.so.so soft. *drool* Definitely a brilliant brush that took me by surprise :) 

Price: 3900 Yen, which is approx $51. I paid a bit more due to fees and shipping, but you get the idea. 

onto the photos :D

L - R: MAC 224, Shu Natural 10, Shu 13G, Chikuhodo Z-5

L - R: MAC 224, Shu Natural 10, Shu 13G, Chikuhodo Z-5

side view of the Z-5. see how its tapered? :D

Makeup Mavens +

Lovesong For My Lipgloss shares with us one of the colours from the much-loved Eyes to Kill Shadow range by Giorgio Armani. Is it a must-have? Certainly!

Open the box of skincare goodies by Paula's Choice with Klara of Mookie On The Bench. Could these products be the ones to help her with her skincare troubles?

Product Doctor tempts us with another Le Metier de Beaute True Color eye shadow called Chameleon which definitely lives up to its name.

Nat of Raspberry Rouge shares with us her September favorites - vampy nails, softly defined eyes and gorgeous red lips made it to her list.

Becca makeup range is well known for their multi-purpose products and Black Panties gives a thumbs up to their colourful and long-lasting Beach Tints.

Suqqu Face Color Palette (EX-01) +

Part of Suqqu Fall 2011's collection also consisted of a face palette, which is a combination of a face and cheek colors. 

Packaging: It comes in a sleek black rectangular box. Inside if you open it, there's the palette with the blush/highlighter with a mirror. What's cool is that behind the mirror, there's 2 brushes. Most palettes from other brands, their applicators are indeed useless. You know what I mean, the scratchy blush brush, the sponge eyeshadow applicator. Anyway, the Suqqu brushes are so soft and they are useable. The downside is that the brush isn't stiff enough to pick up as much color as I'd like personally. I'd use a brush like this for more pigmented colors so that the color won't be so intense on my face.

Texture: the formula is the signature buttery goodness, that it feels like a cream when you touch it with your finger. It's nice to know that Suqqu is consistent with their powder formulas, that it's smooth and so blendable. Pretty straight forward. 

Colors: 

Face colors: Starting from the left, it's a very mid tone soft brown, alone it almost disappears into my skin. I'd use this color to warm up my eyelids as a base for my eyeshadow. Then you have a light beige which is a nice soft highlight, but it's barely there. I'd use this more for my browbone (matte browbone highlight) if I'm doing a strong eye. Then we have a light pink highlight which looks chalky in photos, but on my cheeks it's AWESOME. it's a soft baby pink with subtle sparkle, which is what I would use to highlight my cheekbones. The three colors mixed together it's like the color of my skintone with a subtle shimmer. Even if I'm doing a strong eye and (or) a strong lip, the face colors mixed together are still too subtle to show up on my cheeks. 

The face colors are underwhelming for someone of my skintone, since I have nicer cheek powder highlighters in my stash (Champagne Silk from Le Metier de Beaute and Oscar de la Renta). I feel like the Suqqu palette was designed for someone who is NC25 and lighter. Individually I can use the colors for specific things, but mixed together I am a bit disappointed at how it shows up on my skin.

Cheek colors: the narrow strip is a cute strawberry blush color with some sparkle, and the last (far right) slightly warmer and it has no sparkle. I adore the colors myself, and mixed together the colors are lovely. These colors are the definite winner out of the palette.

Price and Size:  I paid 49 GBP.  Size is 0.43 oz or 12.4 grams.

Is it worth the money?: I like the palette itself, but do I LOVE it? No. I do see myself using the colors, but it's not something I'm that crazy about to use all the time. As for someone who is around my skintone or darker? No. It's definitely a bit sheer. I do think it's worth the money if you're like NC15.

Photos below: 

Face Palette from Left to Right.

Becca Raspberry Beach Tint +

So finally, this is my first post about Becca Cosmetics. I've owned some Becca in the past, but I gave all of my stuff away to a friend of mine. I've always known Becca makes some great things, but some of her products I never quite understood the purpose, or that the product doesn't stand out to me at all (Pressed Shimmer Powder, Shimmering Skin Perfector).

Moving along...

Then they moved to be sold at my local drugstore (Duane Reade), and to be honest, the people that work at a pharmacy aren't knowledgeable about Becca at all, which deterred me from buying it there.

until..

David was offered a job to work for Becca at Henri Bendel's in NYC. The few times I've shopped there, the people aren't that cool. Being a loyal customer to David (yes, because he's that awesome), I go there from time to time and he shows me what is worth having. 

and so here's my first review: Raspberry Beach Tint.

Packaging: it comes in a squeeze tube, and the tube is very small. Functional packaging if you ask me. It's great because it's travel friendly. 

The one main gripe I have about it is the labeling of the actual product. Raspberry isn't actually written on my tube. Sometimes there's a sticker on the tube, but that sticker falls off pretty quickly. The one thing I would like to see is the actual shade written perhaps on the back of the tube. Not a big deal, but if you have several beach tints, it would be easy to differentiate them (not just from the color of the band).

Formula: It's oil & streak free, and water-resistant. The texture is a bit creamy/balmy (perhaps from the vitamin E). It's also preservative and paraben-free. It's such an awesome formula in of itself, but the one thing to keep in mind is to shake the bottle before use so that the pigment comes out evenly. The lasting power on this stuff is amazing, as it lasts at least 10 hours on me with no streaky or weird fading. It's a great formula for a lot of skintypes since it's oil free and water resistant. Granted the tube is small, not a lot of product is needed to apply on your face.

Application: The best method I've found so far is using fingers and dot it on the cheeks, wait a second, then using my fingers to spread on the product. It does take a little bit of work for it for the effect that I like, but it works for me.

Color/Scent: It's a deep raspberry. It's so beautiful on the lips as a soft stain. It deepens your natural lip color without looking garrish or too dark. I'm not one for crazy scents, but this has the smell of raspberry candy. I seriously wanted to take the tester and stick it in my nose so that's all i can smell. Yes, it's that good. (hahaha). The scent and color are big wins for me. mmmm so delish.

Price and Size: $25, 7ml./0.24 fl oz

Worth having?: Yes, if you were to try out Becca, the first thing I would want everyone to try is their beach tints.

 

L to R: GA Blushing Fabric #5, Raspberry Beach Tint, Becca Wild Orchid cream blush (with flash)

L to R: GA Blushing Fabric #5, Raspberry Beach Tint, Becca Wild Orchid cream blush (without flash)

Makeup Mavens +

Christina of Lovesong for my Lipgloss loves her Pokemon.  But in all seriousness, she shows us some products that are worth splurging on all the colors.

Clara of Mookie on the Bench shows her sister that makeup, even blue eyeshadow(!) can be fun and pretty and brings us a gorgeous sleeper in a Catrice eyeshadow. 

Nat of Raspberry Rouge really does find the best deals!  This week, she brings us her latest discount find, Korres Lip Butters, and lets us know why we all need them.  Although, stick form might be best.

Nisha of Product Doctor has found a new My lips but better lipstick, in a sexy black box!  Check out her review of Tom Ford Coco Ravish. 

my blog one year anniversary ...

I realized a few days ago that my blog one year anniversary. My first post is seen here. I've been thinking about how in one year how I've had the pleasure and honor to talk and meet a lot of great people who share the same passion as I do about makeup.

I just wanted to say thank you all for reading what I have to say and review. I hope you all enjoy reading my blog just as much as I enjoy writing and reading responses. 

Here's to another year of makeup goodness *raises tea glass and Chikuhodo brush*

Any ideas of what I should write about next? I know I need to get on the ball with writing about Becca stuff...

-the black panties

Suqqu EX-04 Toukaede Eyeshadow Palette +

So for this fall, Suqqu came out with some new pretties, and of course yours truly had to get her hands on a couple of items...

So with that being said, it so happened the items I wanted were limited edition. *sob*. I've waited since the end of August for my new pretty...

Formula: the eyeshadows are their signature buttery soft goodness. It feels like a cream when you touch it with your fingers. It's nice to have great eyeshadows that just go on evenly and smoothly. If you like Rouge Bunny Rouge eyeshadows in terms of the texture and consistency, then you'll definitely love Suqqus. 

Colors (clockwise): The top left corner is a nice warm champagne shade, definitely the most shimmery out of the bunch. The color itself required a bit more product than usual for it to show up properly. Definitely a good color for a strong brow highlight, but my fav use for this one is the inner corner of my eye. Then we have a golden-peach-apricot kind of color. I'm a bit surprised that Suqqu used warm, summery type of colors for the fall. Anyway, this shade is similar to Sakurakaba. The main difference is that the Toukaede is a bit more shimmer. 

On the bottom left, there's this pigmented cream white shade that's supposed to act like an eyeshadow primer. I have yet to use the white shade by itself (as a base) since I have my own primer. I use it as a base, then apply the shadow on top.The texture is divine, creamy, and definitely opaque. Moving along, then the last shade is a warm satin finish (as in semi-matte) brown. It has a bit of sheen.  

Price: 49 GBP (which is what I paid) and the size is the standard suqqu palette size (although i didn't check the back of my palette to confirm). 

The colors in of themselves may not be unique per se, but what makes them stand out is their texture and how it looks on your eyes. The effect is so lovely, especially because the shimmer isn't too over the top nor overwhelming.

Makeup Mavens +

This week we've got a fabulous selection of posts on skincare, makeup and nails so all bases covered. Add to that brands like Ellis Faas, Chanel, Chantecaille and Le Metier de Beaute.

The Black Panties has a new favourite in her life, in the form of Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation. Read her excellent review to see if it could be your own 'photoshop in a bottle'!

Lovesong For My Lipgloss shares with us her skincare version of a cashmere sweater, Chantecaille Vital Essence. Her comprehensive review explains why it works so well.

Lipstick Luvvies tried out the latest limited edition nail shades, Les Jeans de Chanel, and searched her collection for similar colours. See how she got on and swatches of the trio here.

If you've always wanted to try Liz Earle's famous Cleanse and Polish, check out Raspberry Rouge's Liz Earle Giveaway and you could be a winner!

Mookie on the Bench tempts us with more Chanel, this time sharing her favourite shade of Chanel Le Crayon Yeux, the beautiful Berry.

Product Doctor's post on her bespoke Le Metier EOTD by Dustin featuring the latest Kaleidoscope, Silk Road, once again makes me green with envy (no Le Metier in Europe) and consider moving to New York!

What's In My Makeup Bag +

I was on the phone earlier with a fellow blogger and for a brief moment I had told her that I wish I could have shown her some of my (makeup) goodies. So that inspired me to do a "What's in Panties' Makeup Bag" post: 

Top row:

Paul and Joe lip brush

Sephora lipbrush

By Terry Baume de Rose

Bottom row -- left to right:

Le Metier de Beaute Sweet Creme Lip Creme

Le Metier de Beaute Bondi Beach Sheer Brilliance Lip Gloss

Le Metier de Beaute Fraise Lip Creme

By Terry Lacque de Rose #8

By Terry Bronze Moon Ombre Blackstar

By Terry Blonde Opal Ombre Blackstar

By Terry Touch Expert Advanced Concealer

By Terry Touchee Veloutee

Chantecaille Tea Rose Lip Chic

Becca Fig Beach Tint

--

What's in your makeup bag? I feel mine is pretty predictable...mostly lip stuff

any feedback on what I should add or not have in my makeup bag? I'm always open to suggestions. 

Makeup Mavens +

Searching for a tinted moisturizer? Check out Lipstick Luvvies review on Liz Earle Sheer Skin tint and see how it comapres to Laura Merciers. Liz Earle's might be an even better option for you.

Now that the summer is coming to a close, Lovesong for My Lipgloss has been inspired to create the perfect eye for fall and it's something definitely helpful for autumn makeup looks.

Mookie On The Bench's highlight of the week is Elie Saab's "Le Parfum". The orange blossom and jasmine are the primary notes and even though you may not like florals, don't totally dislike it, because it's soft and seamless effect on the skin.

Check out Product Doctor's blog on meeting Oscar de la Renta for Fashion and her overall thoughts on the Face of Fashion Kaleidoscope. You get to see her lovely face with Oscar de la Renta in an epic photo :) 

Raspberry Rouge discusses Cliniques Black Honey Lipgloss/Lipstick Duo. 10 years ago she thought it was a bit too dark for her liking, go check to see how she feels about it now.

Always hunting for an awesome blush brush? Stop on over to The Black Panties blog to see the differences are between Shu Uemura's #17 and #14 blush brushes, so you can see which one would be a perfect fit for you :)

Ellis Faas Skin Veil Foundation +

As of late I've been wanting to rave about a foundation that I just ADORE. 

Packaging: There are 2 packaging options for this foundation -- one being the signature Ellis Faas bullet pen, which is nice for those who travel. Now there's a relatively new design, which comes in a pump bottle. I originally had the bullet pen form, but when I saw the foundation bottle at SpaceNK, I asked the girls to exchange it for me, and did so without question. 

Bullet pen form: It comes with two cartridges. The major pro for this is that you can carry it with you everywhere. For a New Yorker like me who is always randomly sleeping at other people's houses (ok, get your heads out of the gutter LOL), it's great to have to apply your foundation first thing in the morning. I'm not a big fan of the brush applicator, because I don't use it to apply my foundation directly. As for my personal stash in a logistical stance, the bullet is very tall and for you who like to have your tubes standing vertically, it may not fit in your makeup drawer.

I prefer the bottle for a couple reasons:

1. You can see how much is left, and the pump nozzle is just great. The pump isn't flimsy at all. One pump is probably sufficient for most people for the whole face. The best part about the pump itself is that you can have some control of how far down you can push the pump itself, so you can do 1.5 pumps like myself for the face. It does take some arm strength to control the pump, but I consider it a good exercise.

2. I adore the slightly frosted glass bottle in of itself. The minimalist packaging reminds me of my very first foundation: Shu Uemura Water Perfect foundation.

The packaging for the foundation jar is so solid. The one thing I can forsee (for me personally) is that I can see myself breaking the clear top, but I am a bit aggressive with my makeup. Not a big deal, though.

Coverage and Finish: This is the best part of the foundation -- it's medium, satin-luminous finish. It's beautiful. Imagine Chantecaille Future Skin, but ever so slightly more luminous. The finish looks like your face is well rested, like you had 20 hours of sleep after a nice hydrating mask. It blurs out my pores (yes, even without primer) my skin looks like porcelain. It's my personal bottle of Photoshop. There's no micro glitter. David uses this for weddings because it's photo friendly. The actual formula itself isn't runny, but it isn't as thick, as Future Skin. It's what magic and dreams are made of. I don't need a primer with this foundation. It lasts on your skin for many hours on its own (12 hours to be exact). cue in the angels and parting skies with unicorns flying around your face. 

FYI: people who saw and knew who I was at Fashion Night Out with Oscar de la Renta -- this is the foundation I was wearing. :) 

Shade?: 103 is me and I'm NC25-30.

SPF?: Yes, SPF 15. read on to see the list of ingredients.

Bonus: This stuff doesn't budge in over 100 degree heat. I don't know how it will fare for people who are combo/oily - oily, but it's something to look into. It's unscented for those who are sensitive to fragrance. Plus the formula doesn't accentuate my skin flakies (skin is crazy peeling from a glycolic treatment I'm doing on myself).

Price and size: $65 for the pen form for 14 mL or 0.47 oz. The bottle is $90 for 30ml or 1.01 oz.

Where it's sold: SpaceNK, and recently some of Ellis Faas is sold at Sephora (online), but on Sephora's site I don't see the foundation or concealer, maybe that will change hopefully soon.

FYI nails: Rescue Beauty Lounge Piu Mosso :)

L to R: S103, By Terry Lumiere Veloutee #3 (Natural Beige), Chante Future Skin in Nude (no flash)

L to R: S103, By Terry Lumiere Veloutee #3 (Natural Beige), Chante Future Skin in Nude (flash)

list of ingredients

Oscar de la Renta Ready to Wear Kaleidoscope Swatches +

I finally mustered the courage to swatch my kaleidoscope, and good lord it's so beautiful. That red is seriously going to be my go to shade for this fall.

Being in New York, I see and sometimes meet famous people from time to time, but never have I been humbled by how grounded and down to earth someone is until I met Oscar himself. There's something to be said about how nice and relaxing someone sounds, plus him saying it's a pleasure to sign my kaleidoscope in Spanish. It was a little moment that made me smile.

and random aside: Anna Wintour showed up at the Le Metier de Beaute counter. Can we also say Dustin looked so hot !?!? :D Thanks Dustin for saying that I looked good. :) Wearing a skirt was definitely a bit awkward. lol.

ok onto the swatches:

L to R: Red Chiffon, Champagne Silk, Teal Weed, and Pink Suede (flash)

L to R: Red Chiffon, Champagne Silk, Teal Weed, and Pink Suede (no flash)

Oscar de la Renta The Face of Fashion Project +

Hi all ! So I'm here in the middle of festivities with a fellow friend...

So I got to see and get my Oscar de la Renta Kaleidoscope and I just wanted to show you the photos. I didn't get to have the time to swatch them, since I have to rush back to Bergdorf Goodman to partake in the fun stuff.

Part of the Press Release: 

NEW YORK, September 2011 – Fashion's Night Out is a global initiative created to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry's economy and put the fun back in shopping. This year Le Métier de Beauté is expanding on this mission by celebrating the intersection of beauty and fashion with “The Face of Fashion Project” and renowned designer and color authority Oscar de la Renta.

Oscar de la Renta has designed a limited edition “Ready to Wear” Kaleidoscope palette for Le Métier de Beauté, featuring a bold red gloss and three finely milled powders that can be used on the cheek and eye. The palette evokes the colors and textures of Oscar de la Renta’s fall collection, and will be housed in a custom package inspired by one of his patchwork-embroidered jacquards.

“Color has always been an extremely important part of who I am as a designer. It is wonderful to work with cosmetics because they are such an important part of a woman’s sense of femininity. The colors in my palette are meant to compliment a woman, and enhance her natural beauty. I have chosen shades that are indispensible, like a good red lip, and a neutral highlighter for the cheekbones,” said Oscar de la Renta.

...

The “Ready to Wear” Kaleidoscope features:

·         Red Chiffon Lip Crème Lip Gloss, a seductive scarlet with luxe shine

·         Pink Suede, a shimmering pink-neutral cheek/eye highlighter

·         Champagne Silk, an effervescent mauve-crème eye shadow

·         Teal Tweed, a deep, shimmering teal-navy eye shadow

 The Kaleidoscope comes in a teal suede bag with a little insert that states that quote from Oscar (stated above)

Red Chiffon

Champagne Silk

Teal Weed

Pink Suede

Enjoy everyone! I'll do swatches at a later time. :)