Chanel summer make-up 2011

Oh how I do like summer collections. And especially if Chanel comes out with a product called Mimosa! (Bellini next year?) Here's what I got:




I was desperate to get my hands on the nail colours - but to be honest, they're not worth the hype. Mimosa is a tremendously happy colour but it's difficult to apply, hence the rather sloppy manicure. Morning Rose is cute, it makes me think of candy, but I prefer Chanel's Pêche Nacrée from the spring collection (see pictures below to compare). And Beige Pétale is nothing special - so far I've used it once, applying just one coat to the nails (and no base/top coat) for a barely-there look when I didn't have the time to do a colourful manicure.



Summer collection: Beige Pétale, Morning Rose, Mimosa




Mimosa (summer), Morning Rose (summer), Pêche Nacrée (spring collection)

The blush-bronzers are really pretty and my favourite of the collection. I originally picked up the pink one, but then went back for the coral one. These give a soft glow to the cheeks and are perfect for summer.



Bronze Rose, Bronze Corail


Officially, I'm not into lip glosses anymore and especially not Chanel glosses because the two I had about six years ago leaked and I had to throw them out. But there was one gloss in this collection that I kept on picking up and admiring - always the same one - so I finally gave in. Glossimer 277 (Pensée) is non-glittery, it only has tiny gold sparkles (none of the outrageous blue, red, silver glitter). It is so pretty...  



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MAC's To the Beach: Haul and Review

I never thought I would say this... but I am a bit disappointed with this collection. It's mainly because of one product not living up to my high expectations: Marine Life highlight powder.

Here are the three powders that I got. I photographed the swatches in different lighting to give a better idea of the colours. Hipness is quite a bright pink blush with only a hint of shimmer (even though it's a Frost). It's pretty, it's girly. I was surprised with Get-Away Bronze blush; it also has a frost finish (but it's more visible) and I immediately adored the colour. I applied these over MAC's NC30 Studio Sculpt foundation.



L to R: Hipness, Get-Away Bronze, Marine Life



* * *


Marine Life is really quite pink. I've tested it as a blush, this on one cheek and Hipness on the other. At first I couldn't tell much of a difference - they're similar - but when I took my mirror outside and looked again, I noticed that Marine Life is more pink and more pigmented. Hipness is smoother, more of a coral tone and suits my skintone better. I don't think you will need to get both. Also, if you're looking for a pink blush, there are better ones out there.

Here are more swatches (of Marine Life only): I dipped my brush in the light pink (left in picture), then the darker pink (middle), and finally all together (right). These swatches are not as golden-shimmery as the first one above, do you see? It's because...




... the gold on the seahorse is only on the surface! It disappears very quickly, leaving only the two pink tones. I find that it loses all its charm and I am so disappointed (sigh). I got a back-up of Marine Life because it looked so gorgeous untouched; I can tell you now that I will never touch it - it must stay perfect! (what for? don't ask - I'm a bit of a collector.)


Before and after



* * *

The nail lacquer in Scorcher is probably my favourite product (of the haul). I'm not sure how to describe the colour - sort of light red/orange meets pink?? Does that make coral? Anyway, it's cheerful. I applied two coats and it's more pink than it looks in the photo.





* * *

To conclude... I thought this was going to be a fabulous collection (I do like the green packaging) and I had high hopes for Marine Life... but I'm disappointed. Pret-a-Papier turned out to be so much better - maybe because I wasn't expecting it to be that great?

Will you still get Marine Life?

P.S. If you haven't voted on my Mini yet, please do so - every opinion counts! I'm still undecided!Source URL: http://plasticsurgerycelebrities.blogspot.com/search/label/Haul
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The great big MAC Pret-a-Papier haul and review

This is one of those times when I think, "It's a good thing my husband doesn't read my blog!"... because I ended up getting quite a few things from MAC (and not just what's in the photo!). Here is the Pret-a-Papier collection.




Let's start.
I adore blush. Especially in pink, coral and sometimes also bronze (but not plum, for example). So no surprise here that I had to get both Instant Chic (a pink coral sheertone) and Light over Dark, which is a two-toned mineralize blush. Light over Dark could be used as eyeshadow, too, by the way.


In the swatch, Instant Chic is on the left. It swatched nicely but it's quite sheer when applied to the cheeks with a brush (as you will see in a different swatch). It's a pretty colour. Quite matte.

Then we have Light over Dark. In the middle, the light colour on top, the darker colour on the bottom, and swirled together is the colour on the right. You need to apply this with a light hand because it is well pigmented. I like the colour - perfect for those sunny summer days - and the shimmer that you always get with the mineralize blushes.





Here is another swatch, this time applied with a brush (131) over Studio Sculpt foundation in NC30. In the photo below, Instant Chic looks plum. The colour in the photo above is more accurate.








* * *


I got two (lustre) lipsticks, both perfect for spring/summer. Dressmaker, Dressmaker is a beautiful, soft pink coral that blends in nicely with the rest of the face and make-up (if you know what I mean); I love it. Made to Order is a deeper coral. It's absolutely wearable. They're both incredibly pretty.


Made to Order (L) and Dressmaker, Dressmaker (R)



* * *


I only got one eyeshadow, Tissueweight (frost). It is a... pink beige, perhaps? It would make a good highlighter, depending on your skintone. It is not as pink as it looks in this photo.




I swatched Tissueweight with some like colours (all from MAC). It's like a pinkier version of Shroom.


L to R: Tissueweight, Jest, Naked Lunch, Shroom



* * *


I also got the Paint Pot in coral crepe. This is brighter than I thought. I tried sheering it out but this is about as sheer as it will get (without using anything to dilute it or anything).




Here it is again (referring to the swatches below). The lighting is different.

Top picture: swatched on its own again. It actually makes a pretty blush!

Middle: combined with Tissueweight eyeshadow. Not really a combination I like.

Bottom: combined with Mythology eyeshadow. Now this is pretty! First I swatched Mythology on its own. It's hardly visible but to be fair, it's without a base. Below it, I applied it over coral crepe and look how nice that is. It goes well with Smut, for example.








* * *

I decided to get the chromagraphic pencil after I read it was safe for the waterline. It's very soft and easy to blend. I tried NW15/NW20 but for me it was too light on the waterline and obvious - just like those white pencils that have always been on the market. I got NW25/NC30 and it looks more natural.





* * *

The nail lacquer, Originality, is a frosty gold. When I first saw it, I got excited because I thought it was similar to Mercenary (Style Warriors collection). But Mercenary is a deeper bronze, which - to be honest - I prefer to the much more golden Originality.

I did not get the other nail lacquer from this collection - I thought it was just a blah brown, rather ugly.

Top row: Originality.
Bottom row: Originality and Mercenary. (Thumb: Mercenary)




And that's it!

Sorry this was such a long post but I hope that was useful. Do let me know what you plan on getting and then how you like them when you get them!

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A teaser: Pret-a-Papier haul

Here's an overview of what I got from MAC's Pret-a-Papier collection. Lipsticks, paint pot, blush, nail lacquer, eyeshadow and chromagraphic pencil.


The post will be up tomorrow, after I've done better swatches in daylight!  
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Stunning mineral illuminating powders with pearl powder and diamonds...

This post is actually part two of the Haul.

I wasn't planning on getting Laura Mercier's mineral illuminating powders - I didn't even know about them, to be honest - but once I'd tried them, I had to get them. There are two colours to choose from and I first got Starlight. Then I went back and got Candlelight, too. I adore these!



Starlight (L) and Candlelight (R)

Starlight is the lighter shade and it's described as a 'golden nude' on their website. It has a beautiful, soft shimmer that's supposed to give a natural, healthy glow. The ingredients are really glam: pearl powder, diamonds, emeralds and other precious / semi-precious stones!

It's definitely not for using all over the face but it's pretty as a highlighter. If you look at the swatches below, you'll see that Starlight is the most subtle because it blends in better with my skintone. MAC pigment Naked is rather pink and Vanilla is very white with a strong and visible sheen.


(from L to R) Starlight, MAC pigment Naked, MAC pigment Vanilla


In daylight (no direct sunlight)



In sunlight - sparkles are visible



In artificial light - also sparkly



Candlelight is more of a pink tone. It would add a nice bit of colour and shimmer to a beauty powder or light blush on the cheeks. It might even work as a blush on its own but I haven't tried that yet. Or as eyeshadow, actually. These powders are basically like MAC's pigments.


I swatched Candlelight alongside some random colours on a different day in different lighting (still outside). Candlelight ended up in the middle. Naked pigment is on the left and Soft and Gentle Mineralize Skinfinish on the right.



L to R: MAC pigment Naked, Candlelight, Soft and Gentle MSF


The one last thing that I got is the new Secret Finish - Mattifying. It comes in a small tube and the consistency is slightly strange; it's described as a liquid-gel that instantly absorbs excess oil and removes shine for hours. It's primarily for touch-ups.


I've only used this once so far but noticed that you have to be careful with the application. Don't try to rub the product in because that will 'push' the make-up around and possibly 'dilute' it. Better to spread it out on the back of your hand first, then just tap it into the skin. 


Whew. I think that's enough Laura Mercier for a while. Coming soon is MAC - the new collections that I wrote about in my wishlist. Yay! 
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Haul: Aveda, Laura Mercier, OPI

My husband didn't change his mind, of course, so I had to return his shirts today. Got that money back - and headed straight for the beauty department. Here is what I got - and I'm keeping everything.

Aveda
I got bath salts called Soothing Aqua Therapy. It's supposed to refresh, hydrate and relax. I've never tried any bath products from Aveda before so this will be interesting. I also got samples (yay!) of their smooth infusion shampoo and conditioner. 








OPI
I got their nail and cuticle replenishing oil. I've been using this on and off for years. Apply to cuticles at night before you go to bed and you will wake up with nicer looking nails. Mine look absolutely terrible at the moment. 








Laura Mercier
I think Laura Mercier does great powders so I picked up a couple of those and a brow definer. 


First, the brow definer. It is a wax/gel in a pot, applied with a brush, that keeps hairs in place. It comes in three colours and I got it in Fair, the lightest colour.





It's not as dark as it looks in the first photo. Here's another pic, taken outside. 





Now for the swatch.  
After taking the picture on the left (below), I thought I was done so I started to rub it off. Then I noticed that I couldn't get it off. It had virtually stained my skin and it only came off with soap. Great for summer. 





The secret brightening powder is a very light powder made specifically to set concealer. This is an incredible powder, it's light, doesn't crease and is supposed to lighten the eye area with its tiny flecks of shimmer. In her book "Make-up Masterclass" (review coming soon) make-up artist Jemma Kidd lists her favourite loose powder as being this one.





It comes in two colours and I actually use #2, an off-white. But I wasn't concentrating (too busy looking at other products) and ended up with #1, which is very white. I can still use this so I won't bother returning it but don't you hate it when that happens? 


Anyway, the white one reminds me of MAC's Prep and Prime transparent finishing powder, except the MAC one is matte and Laura Mercier's is not. 



Secret brightening powder 2 and 1


What else... I got two mineral finishing powders. I won't go into that now. I tested it and wrote about it here.


There will be a separate post on the mineral illuminating powders because they are so amazing. 


Have you tried any of these products? 
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MAC Liberty of London haul

Another haul: MAC this time. My decision to reserve the following products was based solely on product photos (not even swatches) I'd seen online (because I was going to be away for the launch). And I must say, even if I had seen the testers beforehand, I would have bought exactly the same products.








Eyeshadows: Birds & Berries, Bough Grey
Beauty powder: Shell Pearl
Lipstick: Coral Hip
Nail lacquer: Blue India

My favourite is the beauty powder (partly just because I love the colour and partly because I love the different packaging). I use it as blush and it gives a beautiful light pink sheen on the cheeks, much lighter (less pigmented, less sheen) than a mineralize blush. I am so tempted to get a back-up...Source URL: http://plasticsurgerycelebrities.blogspot.com/search/label/Haul
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L'Occitane haul

Having children around means that you have to be a good role model. This is an extensive topic... but here I just want to limit it to... washing hands :-)

I went to L'Occitane and found some lovely hand soap. The two on the right were on my shopping list: liquid soap in verbena and lavender. These will look good in the guest bathroom. But the white bottle was unexpected. This acacia flower-scented 'hand and body cleansing mousse' smells yummy and is a foam soap that comes out of the pump light and fluffy. I got three of these!








I had to get some tubes of hand cream as well. I love these.





And I was given some samples: shampoo, conditioner, face cream, body cream and eau de toilette. Oh how I love getting samples - it's almost half the fun of going shopping for cosmetics.








I was particularly happy to get this sample: a small tube of hand cream!






It's very boring that MAC doesn't have any samples whatsoever, don't you think?Source URL: http://plasticsurgerycelebrities.blogspot.com/search/label/Haul
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Mini haul: Laura Mercier and Clinique

I would describe my skin type as normal most of the time; not particularly sensitive, nor too dry or too oily. I have relatively good skin - I get spots only on rare occasions. My t-zone tends to get a bit shiny but if I use skincare for combination skin, it's usually not enough and my skin feels tight.

Lately I have really been struggling with oiliness on my forehead, though. To be honest I have always regarded skincare and make-up rather separately, and not really considered: skincare + makeup = effect?

Well, I think it's time to change that. Since my day cream ran out, I've been using one moisturiser for day and night: Resilience Lift Extreme for dry skin from Estée Lauder. This is my first jar of the stuff and I like it. It smells wonderful (passion fruit) and is anti-ageing, which is reassuring. It has SPF 15, which is important for during the day. It's fine to use at night as well because the sun protection isn't activated unless you go out.




But I think it's too rich as a day cream, for me at least. It doesn't matter which foundation or powder I use, my forehead starts to shine after just two hours!

So I went out and got Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel. I'm planning on using this oil-free gel only on my forehead.




I'm still looking for the perfect loose powder, as well, so I got two. Both are from Laura Mercier: Mineral Finishing Powder in #1 and Loose Setting Powder in Translucent.





I used to have the loose setting powder and liked it so this is a repeat purchase. I'm going to give it another try.

The mineral finishing powder is new to me and there are so many positive reviews out there, I had to get it!

As any effective experiment should be conducted, I will only test one variable at a time! So I shall be starting with the mineral powder first.Source URL: http://plasticsurgerycelebrities.blogspot.com/search/label/Haul
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Kérastase haul: Nutritive & Noctogenist

I noticed last night that my shampoo bottle was (sort of) nearly empty so I, quite enthusiastically, went out to buy some more today! You know, I wanted a back up, just in case.

For about two years now I have been loyal to Kérastase. (Try as I might, I can never stay faithful to one make-up brand so that says something.)

I have tried green (for damaged hair), pink (for coloured hair), orange (for unruly hair) and blue (night treatment). I recently bought a hair treatment from the white Nutritive series - which by the way smells wonderful - and as a happy customer, I decided to go for a 'matching' shampoo.

This is what I got. The Bain Satin Dosage Gluco-Active 2: Complete Nutrition Shampoo.





It caught my eye because it was the only giant Kérastase product with a pump in the shop. So I decided it was good value, as you get (500 ml, which is) double the usual amount.

And then I went to pay.

Uh, not quite.

I conveniently remembered that I like leave-in treatments for during the day. And oh! look what happened to be on the shelf! The Nectar Thermique: Nourishing care with heat-styling protective agent.





And a little oomph for whilst we sleep, as well. The Noctogenist Sérum Nuit: Overnight Softening Treatment.





There's nothing like the promise of waking up to silky hair.Source URL: http://plasticsurgerycelebrities.blogspot.com/search/label/Haul
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