Giorgio Armani Summer 2011 Blushing Fabric #4, #5, and #37 Sheer Lipstick

So today I found out the only place in New York City that has the Armani summer collection is at the Armani store on 55th-56th Street and 5th Avenue. Normally I go to my MA, but since I'm leaving the country in a few days, I'm under a bit of pressure to get them now. 


Formula: If you're familiar with Face Fabric foundation, imagine the texture and feel, but in a blush. It's basically a silicone based gel formula. You literally need the size of a pinhead on your finger to use on both cheeks, because it's pure pigment. They're so easy to blend out and sheer, but they do set pretty quickly. Once it's on your face, they last a long time. ;) Last year I purchased Blushing Fabric #1 and #3 and I reach for these quite often. 


Blushing Fabric #4: The best way to describe it in terms of color is...cinnamon. It's a slightly burned terracotta kind of shade? Uhm, let's just stick with cinnamon. This particular one will be a learning curve for me, because it seems like if I apply too much of this on, it can be easily seen as a sunburned kind of look. I know I can pull it off, but when I return to the USA, I'll have to talk to my MA on how to use it. 


Blushing Fabric #5: It's a pinky purple color and it's really a gorgeous shade. sigh. I know I'll be using this one often. I know this one will sell out quickly because it's a fool-proof color. 


Sheer lipstick #37: The the best way to describe it is...imagine a very soft orange cream color (like ice cream), but add in a hint of beige with a beautiful sparkle. On me it lightens up my natural lip color and on my hand it looks kind of ordinary (as in you can find another color in your stash that looks similar). But the effect and shine on your lips is incredible. SO incredible. It's soft enough that it doesn't scream orange, but it's definitely not a boring clean peach color either. Lighter skintones will adore this one. On me it's a light orange-beige. sigh. I wasn't even planning to buy a lipstick, but I may have to try the others, because they look so beautiful. 


Onto the swatches. I rushed to swatch them so they are a bit uneven, but you can get the idea:

From left to right:


Blushing Fabric #4


Blushing Fabric #5


Sheer lipstick #37

*accurate lighting

Makeup Storage and Organization +

I've decided to make a special post on my stash and how it's organized.

Introduction:

Eyeshadows:

Lip stuff:

Blush:

Face stuff:

Conclusion:

The drawer information here. (the top three drawers are the short medium one, bottom one is tall medium drawer)

Bins are seen here. (4"x8"x3")

and my shout out to MakeupNeverSleeps.

Cle de Peau extra silky lipstick in Pink Opal #130 +

It's about that time that I revisited Cle de Peau. Once upon a time yours truly had a Cle de Peau extra silky in #111, but my mom claimed it. I never bothered to buy another one because of other things I wanted at the time...until now.

Design: It's a long, slim tube that's somewhat similar to Dior's Serum de Rogue, in where you twist the bottom so that the lipstick pushes up. My gripe with this is that you can twist up, but not twist down. Granted it takes a few clicks for the lipstick to push up a good amount, but it's still something to be noted. 

Formula: It's like a lipgloss and lipstick in one. To me, they're definitely more on the gloss side. Or better yet, they're like a lipgloss in lipstick form. They're weightless in feel, and the texture is so beautiful on your lips. If you're a person who likes Chantecaille lipchics, but a bit more slip and more lightweight in formula, then the extra silky lipsticks are designed for you. I will say since they're are very glossy in feel, the lasting power isn't as long as your standard lipstick, but the formula totally makes up for it. I will advise because of the softness of this lipstick, do NOT leave it in your car on a warm day, let alone hot. I can see this melting pretty easily. 


Color: So apparently the name is pink opal, but the color is nothing pink whatsoever. But then whenever does the name of the lip item actually represent the actual color? I would consider it a darker peach color. When I saw it in the tube, I didn't think it would cover my pigmented lips, plus the formula you would think it's sheer. Of course, this color definitely shows up true to color on my lips. wooohoo !


Price and size: $52 for .07 oz or 2 grams.

From left to right:


Dior Tokyo
Cle de Peau #130
Chantecaille Camellia


*with flash

From left to right:

Dior Tokyo

Cle de Peau #130

Chantecaille Camellia

*without flash

               

 Is this a must have? The color itself may not be something *unique*, but the formula is definitely awesome and underrated. I want a couple more. yum.

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility and Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7

I've gotten requests as to how Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility compares to Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7. They're both very nice highlighters, but there are some differences. For the sake of this review and to make typing easier Sea of Tranquility will be (ST) and #7 will just be #7. 

Packaging: Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminator comes in this gorgeous frosted glass packaging with black flowers on the glass. Definitely pretty and luxurious. The advantage of this is that you can see how much is left in the bottle. #7 is in the standard Armani Fluid Sheer opaque packaging. Minimalist in appearance and slightly shorter in height. With #7 is when you lift the lid, the pump doesn't come off. At times ST when you lift the lid, the pump can come off and if you're not careful, you can spill some of the illuminator. The downside to #7 is that you can't see how much you have left. Ok, so both overall have their small flaw, but the design of the bottle and packaging are pretty solid. 

Formula and Finish: ST layered on it has a nice pearlized finish on your face. Sheered out, the frost is less apparent, and it has a soft sheen. It has a soft smell, like a fresh garden after it rains. I'm not good with smell descriptions. It's a neutral pink with a very slight peach to it. #7 when layered is a cooler pink, and has a milky finish. When sheered out it's a super soft cool milky pink. It's an awesome highlighter, and not as opaque as ST. I can't detect a smell with #7, but it could be just my nose acting up. Fluid sheers have the claim that it's oil free, which is an advantage for us combo to oily skintypes. The Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminators didn't come with a list of ingredients so I don't know if it has oil or not. 

Size and price: #7 is 30mL for $59. ST is 30 mL for approx $70 (the reason for this approximation is the conversion from GBP to USD).

Keep in mind I layered it on so you can see the color/finish difference, applied both with fingers.


Left to Right:

Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility

Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer #7

natural lighting. man, my arm looks so WHITE. 

Indoor lighting, with flash; slightly overexposed lighting.

Indoor lighting, I fixed the ISO so it's not overexposed.

Fluid Sheer #7 ingredients, as listed on the box. Rouge Bunny Rouge illuminators didn't come with an ingredient list, well at least mine didn't. 

Are these worth buying: Yes! They're both different, very nice highlighters with different finishes. I wouldn't say one is better than the other, because that's not the case. :)

A Special Thank You ...

I've been getting some questions in reference to who I visit at counters, or why I'm all about my Makeup Artists (MAs). There's a lot to be said about the overall experience at a makeup counter. Whether it's something horrible where you're given misinformation, or not being treated with dignity/respect, or the associate isn't helpful at all. Worst case scenario, just flat out rude and you leave the location with sadness, frustration, and just not feeling happy. Reading PinkSith's experience at YSL, versus her experience at Armani has prompted me to make a post about why I'm all about my Makeup Artists. 

Given what I do for a living (yes, I work in customer service), if I get asked a question I don't know the answer to, I'm given the fury of a billion suns from people. There are some people who get upset if the associate doesn't have an answer, and I get it...we as customers want the sales associate to have an answer for everything. Even if the associate doesn't know the answer to everything, at least be polite and if I ask for help, please do assist me.

I'm normally a quiet shopper, as in I usually don't like to be bothered and I just buy what I like, because I hate being pushed into a sale. Plus I'd rather not disappoint myself with a MA or Sales Associate that can't answer my questions. Luckily for me, I've met my MAs who found me, as in they approached me when I first met them. They're brilliant at recommendations and can actually answer my questions and (gasp) they don't force me to buy anything. Last but not least, they have the same passion for makeup as myself. What more can a makeup junkie like me ask for? Oh yea, they're all pretty hot. ahahaha

So if you're ever in New York City, please feel free to visit my dream (makeup) team: 

David--SpaceNK at Bloomingdale's at 59th and Lexington: Most of my buys at SpaceNK are based on his recommendations. Normally I can pick what looks good on me, but David has helped me broaden my perspective on seeing other colors that look awesome on me as well. I just want to say thank you for doing my makeovers and color matching me in several foundations and being right the first time (who knew that was actually possible)? You're always the first person I ask for advice on makeup in general and being honest if something looks nice on me, or if something looks like crap. You're honestly one of the few people who can make me laugh about anything and for asking me how I'm doing, not because you feel like you have to, but because you care. I finally found skincare that works thanks to you. :) No matter how busy your counter is, you always make the time for me, even if you have like 20 other ladies asking you for a makeover. :)

 

Dustin--Le Metier de Beaute at Bergdorf Goodman: To me, you are the face of Le Metier de Beaute. Your charisma and charm have a special place in my heart. The first time I ever entered into Bergdorf Goodman, I felt like I wasn't special or good enough to be in there, but when I entered the cosmetics floor, you approached me and made me feel comfortable. You're always giving me fun ideas of how to mix colors and being innovative with my Le Metier products. As a result, I'm a Le Metier fan. Your skills and knowledge are unparalleled and Le Metier should be thanking their lucky stars to have you. This blog wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for Dustin's idea to start blogging. Thanks for letting me snoop around your counter and giving me awesome makeovers too, because I really need to break out of my neutral eyeshadow shell.

Joey--Giorgio Armani at Bloomingdale's at 59th and Lexington: You're usually the only associate at that counter handling 498345892 ladies at the same time and making all of them feel special. I honestly don't know how you do it; I wish my readers can watch you at work because I'm always awe-struck because you can handle all those people at the same time. Yet when I sit down in that chair, I always feel special, let alone after my makeover...I'm always feeling glamorous: minimalist when it comes to makeup approach, yet brilliant results. I've finally found a true nude lipstick that's actually FLATTERING. I would like to know when will be the day that I can come over and play with your makeup brushes. I know you probably have a billion Shu Uemura brushes.

Tracy--SpaceNK at 59th and Lexington: When we first met, you were working at the Soho location. As you know I normally go to David, but the Soho location has Chantecaille, yet you were still willing to help, knowing that I normally go to someone else. I know if someone else would have helped me, the person wouldn't have been inclined to help, because I am normally David's customer. I've been at the Soho location and I've never been pleased with the people there, yet you approached me and said hi. :) Thank you for being so easy going and showing me what works and what doesn't. Granted I haven't known you as long as my other guys, our "relationship" is still developing. Now that you're working at the 59th and Lex location, I'm so looking forward to have you give me a makeover.

The manager at Blue Mercury at 75th Street and Third Avenue: I've known you before you worked at Blue Mercury and I've known you the longest (in comparison to the people mentioned above). You are my heart and you've gone above and beyond my expectations, and because of it I'm so picky with who I go to now. You're my twin in more ways than one. When it comes to colors that look flattering on you, it also looks awesome on me ;D. I finally got to see you today and it has been a long time since I last saw you. You're sense of humor really amuses me and I can't help but smile. Because of you, I know the concept of highlighters, cream blushes, and bronzer. Thank you for reminding me why I love makeup in the first place.  I'm so happy that you're doing well. :)

So I just wanted to give you all a special thank you, because without you, I wouldn't have this blog talking about awesome makeup. If it wasn't for these people, I would probably be only buying stuff online, and who wants to do that? I'm all about going to a counter to play and leaving happy. Thank you for making me feel special and for making my experience at your counter a special one each time. :D

-the black panties

By Terry Rose de Rose Sheer Liquid Blush in Amber Rose (#3)

So in light of the warmer weather (well, not so much where I live), but it's slowly transitioning into spring/summer...I'm already thinking of what I'll be wearing during the summer months. 

When I think of summer, I think of luminous anything. The pretty luminous foundation, the corals, the bronzes, golds...well you know, anything really warm. Basically I've been trying to embrace my inner summer. I hate the summer months and I've never been a luminous kind of girl, but 2011 will be the year for me to venture out of the box when it comes to makeup. So this is my inspiration photo for this summer.

Packaging: My small gripe still exists, when you lift the lid, to remove the pump, it literally doesn't take much arm force. So if you twist the lid, the pump may come out without realizing it...and that can mean disaster. although it's not as bad as my Lumiere Veloutee foundation, but it's still to be noted.


Formula and Finish: By Terry liquid blushes are designed to be a highlighter and blush in one. These liquid blushes definitely fit the bill for that effect, as they have a high sheen and some sparkle. The overall effect they give is this really wet look. You know those photoshoots where the person looks really moist, dewy...yea, that kind of effect. You really need a tiny bit of it; one pump will be more than enough for both cheeks. The best way to apply these is with a synthetic brush (in my experience). The reason because if you just slap on the color with your fingers, it can go on a bit uneven if you're not careful. When first applied, the sheen may scare you, but when it dries, it looks a lot better. These will be so awesome when you go out at night. yummy.

Color: So this color looks so different in different lighting...the best description is a pink bronze/amber color. It's a gorgeous color in of itself and when you move your arm, the sheen is so awesome. sigh.

Scent: yes, it does have the By Terry signature rose scent. The strength of this scent is a lot more potent in these than some of her other products.

Price and size: $54. 15 mL, or .6 oz

Onto the photos:

I did 2 layers on my arm. The photo is a bit overexposed, but you can see the amber aspect to the color, as well as the highlighting effect it gives. 

Here's a better picture in terms of lighting. For some reason it looks slightly mauve, when it's not.

If you zoom in on the photo towards the left, you can see why fingers isn't quite my favorite method to apply these. When I apply this on my face, I put some on the back of my hand, then quickly use a synthetic brush to apply even it out. These do set pretty quickly.

Look at the sheen :D

Is this worth buying?: If you're not into luminous items, then this isn't for you, but otherwise, YES! This will be one of my go to items for the summer. :D

Le Metier de Beaute Mystique creme fresh tint

YAY! I finally got my hands on one of the new creme fresh tints that Le Metier de Beaute has released. They released three new shades: Coral Nymph, Ginger Lily, and Mystique. Right now they're only sold at Nordstroms, but Bergdorf Goodman will have them soon. I didn't get the two other shades, because they look really warm, maybe too warm for yours truly.

Color: Mystique is a very cool, bubblegum-like pink (it does have some lavender to it). It's a gorgeous shade, but I can see how some people will steer clear from it, because it is a very cool pink. The online swatch it looks like a straight lavender, but of course, their color representations are a bit off. In the pot it has a very fine silver and pink micro shimmer and applied on my arm and cheek. The actual amount is not as much as Armani Blushing Fabric #1, but it's definitely apparent. Just putting it out there in case shimmer is a factor in buying. Either way, it's such a pretty color for the springtime. :)

Formula: These are slightly creamier than your Bobbi Brown pot rouges. Ok, the reason why I'm even comparing these is because the swatch I have for comparison is a Bobbi Brown pot rouge. I shouldn't even compare the two because the creme fresh tint is such a nicer product. What makes the creme fresh tints so amazing is how blendable they are. I just glide my finger across the color and it just blends so well. Blending these are so effortless. Ok so a main question is "do they stay dewy? do they dry down?" Well, if you layer it on, it will stay dewy like in the photo below. If you blend it a bit with your finger, it does dry down. I adore the formula and it's long lasting, but not drying at all. I can't get over how nice it feels against my fingers. sigh, so delectable.

Size and Price: 5 grams (.17 oz), for $28

Is this worth buying?: I like the color myself, so I think it's worth the purchase. I can say it's a very cool pink, so it may not be for everyone. If you feel like the color isn't for you, Poppy would probably be a better pick since it's warmer (and a more universally flattering color). I'll do a review for Poppy in the near future.

Onto the photos!

From left to right:

Bobbi Brown Pink Raspberry Pot Rouge (2 swipes)

Le Metier de Beaute Mystique (2 swipes)

*note that Mystique has a sparkle that the camera didn't pick up. My Canon has been on strike (anti-sparkle) phase as of recent.

Shu Uemura Smoky Layers false eyelashes

A commonly overlooked item when it comes to makeup are false eyelashes. I'm sure some of us have never tried a pair for varying reasons...it took me a while to wear them in my teens because I didn't know how to apply them. The other reason being I was afraid that I would lose my natural eyelashes if I applied them wrong (well I was like 15 when I thought this...forgive me) ahaha. 

My first experience with false eyelashes was probably when I was 17 or 18 at a MAC makeover. It felt really weird and heavy. After that my eyes got used to their weight...although MAC lashes serve its purpose, I just wasn't won over. I couldn't explain why at the time, but I was like "meh" to the idea of false lashes.

When I first got into Shu Uemura, I knew they were known for their false eyelashes and eyelash curler. The associate who helped me at the time recommended the Smoky Layers. I thought "wow these are really pretty".  I just saw them in the box and bought them. I found out why I think they're so pretty:

There's two rows of lashes. The "bottom" row of lashes are longer and slightly curled. The lashes individually are thinner than MACs, so they look more like your natural lashes. The top row is shorter, but curl up a bit more. It gives your lashes awesome volume and drama without being too crazy over the top. It gives a beautiful feathery effect that I just adore. 

On occasion I'll use just accent lashes, but if I want go all out on lashes, I reach for these. They are my signature lashes and they are quite the attention grabber. :D

Price: $28, sold here. I know that they're more expensive than your standard pair of MAC lashes, but a splurge won't hurt anyone, especially these :D <3

Pics seen below:

A side view of the lashes. You can see here what makes them look SO COOL. 

That's a part of my face...excuse the red eye, but that's an idea of how it looks on your eyes. This picture was taken from far away, so you can't see the detail ;(

Le Metier de Beaute Petit Poudrier Imperial Gardens Palette: Gift with Purchase

In three days, you can pre-order your Bergdorf Goodman makeup goodies for their Gift Card Event. 

It's from April 6th-10th

Spend $150 and get a $25 Gift Card
Spend $500 and get a $100 Gift Card
Spend $1000+ and get a $250 Gift Card

There are some Gift with Purchases (GWPs) being offered from different lines, but I'll be discussing Le Metier de Beaute's GWP :D ! I got the Le Metier de Beaute GWP as a gift (free) for the sole purpose to give my review and to show you the colors. From the mailer I got you have to spend $125 at Le Metier de Beaute to be entitled for the GWP, but to get the Gift Card, you have to spend $150. 

The palette is Imperial Gardens--it's a beautiful lip and cheek palette. It's about the size of a business card. It contains 4 lip colors, and a blush color. It's a beautiful palette. The texture of the lip colors are like the lip kaleidoscope palettes.

To those of you who know me, I'm anti lip palettes...why you ask? Because it can get messy over time. The bigger the lip palette is, the messier it looks and it's so off putting. Luckily for me, this palette isn't overly big so even if it does get messy (I'm a klutz), it's pretty easy to clean. 

Colors -- Clockwise from top left:  There's a purple with a tinge of brown lip color with golden sparkles, which I personally like by itself, but it can be mixed with other colors. Then there's this gorgeous shimmery red that has some pink to it, with pretty golden sparkles. Definitely my favorite lip color out of the bunch.  Then you have this creamy peachy pink with very subtle shimmer that barely shows up, it has pink and almost a red sparkle to it, definitely unique. Then the last color is this light brown-champagne shade, with multi-dimensional sparkles. 

As for the blush color. This is the definite winner. The GWP is honestly worth it just for the blush. It's so beautiful and I have yet to see a color like this in cream form. It's like a dusty pink-mauve color. I'm seriously INFATUATED. I'm dead serious...Seriously, really, infatuated. I think you can use the blush as a lip color too, but I haven't tried it on my lips. Just stating a potential option. :)

Dear Le Metier de Beaute: Please make this cream blush a permanent color in your collection. I seriously hope you're reading this and taking it into consideration.

I will apologize upfront because I have serious limited arm movement, therefore difficulty to swatch the colors evenly. I will say the light brown champagne shade was hard to apply since it was the last color for me to swatch. Plus I didn't have the best applicator on me. I do hope you guys get the idea of how awesome it is.

Onto the pictures and swatches:

Left to Right:

The cream blush

Then the four lip colors from top left, clockwise.

*To note, the purple color looks more brown in photos than in person.

Is it worth getting?: For a Gift with Purchase, I think it's very versatile and just straight up beautiful. The cream blush...wow, just WOW.

To make your Le Metier de Beaute order, here's their phone number: 212-872-8612