Dior Vernis #206 Pied de Poule

It all started innocently enough with a request from my boss for me to attend a meeting. Soon enough, I learned that the meeting would include upper management.  Looking at my mani of Tom Ford Black Cherry, I suddenly felt the need to buy the most neutral polish I knew of on the market right now. Shortly after work that very day, I brought home Dior's Pied de Poule.

I'm not exactly sure what the official color description is for Pied de Poule, but I'd call it a taupey greige. It's a brown, but has a healthy dose of grey in it.  Pied de Poule is new for Fall 2014, and not my normal cup of tea. Actually, it sort of reminds me of a very light chai latte if I'm being honest.

Pied de Poule is as appropriate for the office as my bright lime and sunflower yellow polishes are not. It's soft, sophisticated, and unabashedly neutral. I could call it slightly boring, but it's just what I needed to cleanse the palette and be totally appropriate.

I have three coats plus a topcoat on my nails in this shot. Sorry for the strange little box, but those darned Dior caps are like mirrors!

That meeting, by the way? I aced it.  Thanks, Pied de Poule!

And I liked it so much that I fixed the one chipped nail and took it for a second spin for another seriously important career meeting. As we all know, I'm not exactly monogamous with my nail polish.

Burberry Nail Lacquers in Antique Gold & Dark Bottle Green

Today I have a double dose of nail goodness for your Saturday morning pleasure. I haven't been doing as many nail posts lately simply because I have a number of LE Fall items to get reviews out on ASAP.

Burberry's Fall 2014 color collection included six total nail shades. Of those, one (Oxblood), has made two prior appearances on this blog. I chose two of the five new shades, passing on Elderberry because I've bought so many dark purples as of late, Ink Blue because I have multiple dark blues, and Teal Blue because of the warnings from amazing blogger Color Me Loud who ran into formula and staining issues (seriously, go check out her swatches. Amazing!).

That left me with two new loves: Antique Gold (#445) and Dark Bottle Green (#423). Both retail for $22, which is somewhat affordable compared to Dior, Chanel, and Tom Ford. I've made it a point to seek out varying formulas and colors from Burberry. Their formula has come a long way since I bemoaned it with Oxblood.

First up, Antique Gold. I actually pre-ordered (and subsequently cancelled) this from Saks. It's a thin, metallic formula, but self-levels well. That huge dent visible on my nail is actually my current nailbed. If I had longer nails, I'd have cut it off.

A metallic formula is by its very nature less forgiving than my usual cremes. That is three thin coats, and NO topcoat on my nails here. I'll admit to a quick swatch 'n run with these shades because I wanted to get through my fall picks. I honestly don't have anything quite like the brassy (in a good way) Antique Gold. I can see myself wearing this a lot when it gets just a bit cooler. I can still get away without a coat most days, so I'm not in the mood for this yet.


And then there's Dark Bottle Green. My swatches look much darker than the promo photos, but my swatches aren't in the sun or in direct light. I have three coats, no topcoat on my nails here.

I didn't do the best cleanup job here; my apologies. In my defense, I was running out of natural light and needed to get this swatch completed since my bosses likely would've made the "smelly diaper face" when confronted with green nails in a conservative workplace. (For the record, the only dark green I've smuggled through the workplace is Chanel Mysterious, which could pass for something other than green in many lights.)

I don't have a comparison swatch, but when I brought this home I immediately thought of Button London British Racing Green. The Butter London shade is about 1/8-1/4 shade lighter, with a pronounced silver shimmer giving it a lighter appearance. I'd call them fraternal twinsies. If you have one, the other isn't necessarily required.

I didn't get a chance to try these out for wear time, but I've been getting 1-2 days out of Burberry polishes as of late.  I really find these shades to be a great addition to the line, and highly recommend them for fall.

Jason Wu for Lancome Mini Precision Cheek Brush

Today marks the end of my little string of Lancome reviews. I fully anticipate my next ones will be the next group of Lip Lovers that I have purchased.

I fell in love with the Jason Wu for Lancome Mini Precision Cheek Brush ($20). Why? I'm a sucker for mini brushes that perform like their full-sized counterparts but can live comfortably in any makeup bag.

I know I'm a bit slow on this review, but I like to give all brushes a real test before I review them.

The Mini Precision Cheek Brush is the travel version of the Lancome Precision Cheek Brush #7.  I've found the mini to be perfectly sized for any makeup bag, and use it for both blush touch-ups and for all-over powder touch-ups. I actually prefer it for all-over powder because the bristles are so tightly packed. When I tested this with a number of blushes, I had a hard time not picking up too much powder.

This item sold quickly online, but I noticed it at a few counters over the past couple of weeks.

Lancome Fall 2014 French Idole Vernis in Love Amethyste Brune

Today I'm happy to share with you my selection from one of the more underrated collections from this fall: Lancome's Fall 2014 French Idole Collection. I chose just one item- Vernis in Love #387, Amethyste Brune.

I really enjoy this shade. It and Tom Ford Bordeaux Lust have been the most frequently spotted shades on my nails as of late. Formula-wise, it's incredibly thin but quick-drying. I built up four very thin coats plus Seche Vite topcoat on my nails in this shot.

These photos don't really do the shade justice. It has such a lovely shimmer and is the perfect fall purple.  I know I've been featuring a lot of Lancome lately, but I've been exploring the brand this year after falling for Lip Lovers (more reviews coming, believe it or not).

Chantecaille Cheek Shade in Bliss

Today, I bring you another review that I've taken my sweet time with. Chantecaille Cheek Shade in Bliss ($38, LE) is the brand's special release in celebration of their 15th anniversary collection. I didn't pick up the gorgeous eyeshadow trio, but I did fall head over stilettos for this stunning blush.  Let's just take a moment to enjoy the beauty eye candy.

Bliss, like other Chantecaille blushes, is rather small, weighing in at just 2.5g. If you're anything like me, I've only ever hit pan on one blush before. So, I don't mind the small pebble-like blush.

Although it's not meant to be ergonomically pleasing, this beauty nestles into the palm of your hand just right.

Not that it has anything to do with the blush, but I just wanted to share this cheerful little box:

Now, let's get back to Bliss. It's an incredible shade, and the packaging truly reflects that.

It appears to be a light pink, innocent rosy shade. That rose on the pan is apropos.

In the sun, you can't help but stop and stare. Bliss glimmers without any noticeable shimmer or glitter. It also looks peachy in this full sun shot. It's breathtaking.

Using flash brings out more of the cool pink undertones- and gives you an idea of the super secret shimmer.

But take it inside with the same camera and same flash and it appears a bit warmer. Bliss is quite the chameleon, no?

In case you couldn't tell, I am in love with this stunner and couldn't stop photographing.

Now, let's talk pigmentation and wear. Bliss is the perfect light blush for me. If you're looking for a dark shade, take one last longing look at the stunning rose and keep on walking. This is probably too light for anyone darker than medium complexion. Although it's not even in the same galaxy, I'd throw it in the same universe as Benefit Dandelion. If Dandelion is flattering on your skin tone, you'll love Bliss.

I find that Bliss merely enhances my skin. I wish I could find the site, but another blogger called it  "good genes". I don't claim that phrase, but I agree with her (and wish I could remember who it was; I searched for a good 15 minutes!). Bliss makes my cheeks look luminous from within and healthy. It's my new go-to, and never too much.

In order to make Bliss show up, I had to swatch way too heavy. These swatches were done with a dense eyeshadow brush to pack on pigmentation. For reference, my skin is in the neighborhood of NW10-NW15, Bobbi Brown Alabaster, Burberry 02/202, NARS Mont Blanc.

Direct sun swatch:

Outside swatch, no direct sun:

Bottom line, this is love. It lasts all day, makes my cheeks look perfect, and is never too much. Why can't all blushes be like this?

I purchased mine at my local Chantecaille counter. Although it's hard to find online, (pst, check the brand's website) they're still at counters.

Yves Saint Laurent Palette Fetiche

My mama should've warned me: there's just something about leather.

I wasn't going to do a long review on this palette since it appeared to have long-since sold out, but I just noticed that YSL's US site seems to indicate that another round of palettes is coming soon. As a good blogger, I should've featured it on this site long before now, but I wanted to actually try this out for more than just a few swatches before reviewing it. At this price point, it demands some careful consideration.

The Palette Fetiche ($60) is the star of the Fall 2014 Leather Fetiche collection. It's also my first purchase from the reformulated YSL palettes. I'm a huge fan. These weigh in at a total 0.18oz for the 5 shadows.

This palette is different than the other YSL palettes with its cover. The lovely leather cover sets the tone for this perfectly fall palette.

The 5 shades in this palette are perfect for fall. I've been sitting on it until recently. These palettes are a complete look in one lovely package:

There are 5 incredible shades:

#1 is a shimmering camel meant to be used as a base shade. I love it all over the lid.
#2 is a breathtaking champagne meant to be used as a highlighter. I love it in that role, or as an all-over shade when I want an angelic eye
#3 is the center glittering dark brown with copper sparkle shade. It's perfect in the crease, or blended on the lid as part of a smoky eye
#4 is a denim blue with underlying sparkle.
#5 is a dark brown that makes a perfect liner.

I find these to be lovely, and quite blendable. There is little fallout, and the shades last all day with primer. They're pigmented, but are appropriate for many occasions.

To truly appreciate these shades, you have to see them swatched.

Swatched, in the direct sun:

Swatched, on a sunny day, without the direct sun:

Swatched, outside (no direct light- cooler light):

Swatched, with flash:

Overall, I find this to be a perfect palette for fall. It may appear to be yet another neutral palette at first glance, but it's special. I highly recommend it if you can find it. I've made so many varying looks, from light-handed to work-appropriate to smoky. It's rare to find one palette that can do it all- but this one can.

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Nude Dip

Let me preface this entire post by stating up front that I normally don't review LE items that are sold out, but I felt like I owed these swatches to everyone since I did go through hoops to get it. Some caveats: No, I don't know where you can you purchase one. I purchased mine through my normal Tom Ford SAs. And no, I'm not looking to sell mine. With that said, please enjoy Tom Ford Eye Color Quad Nude Dip.

I've purchased most of the must-have palettes for this season (this, YSL's Leather Quint, Armani Duo, one of the Chanel quads), and after playing with the coveted Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Nude Dip, I find it both the easiest and the hardest to work with. I'll explain why in a bit.

First, the basics: the Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Nude Dip ($79) contains four neutral shades for a total weight of 0.21oz/6g. It was released in very limited quantities as part of the Fall 2014 color collection and sold out essentially instantly. From what I've read, it's still available outside of the United States, but you're on your own for that.

This formula is workable both wet or dry. The four shadows are housed in the traditional Tom Ford brown casing with gold accents. This palette, like others, comes with its own dustbag.

Nude Dip has 4 nude shades: a champagne, rose gold, taupe, and mid-toned brown. They're all lovely and blendable.

This shot, with flash turned on, shows just how metallic these shades are:

Pigmentation and wear time aren't a problem with this palette, like any other Tom Ford product.

Swatched, in direct sun:

Swatched, outside (indirect light):

Swatched, outside (no flash):

Swatched, with flash:

I find Nude Dip to be problematic not because of the colors. It's a beautifully edited set of neutrals. I don't find it to be problematic due to the formula- it's amazing. I just struggle with the palette as-is at this pricepoint.

Nude Dip would seem to be perfect for work, but it's too shiny/metallic for conservative workplaces. It makes a beautiful neutral eye, but I can only find a few looks from it- not allowing the versatility that I demand from a pricey palette.

I do reach for this when I need a quick neutral eye, and like the formula. I'll keep working with it, but at the highest end of the price spectrum, I shouldn't have to work with it. I have a feeling I'll continue to warm up to it over time.

Tom Ford Black Cherry Nail Lacquer

It should be no surprise that I'm starting my review of the Tom Ford Fall 2014 items that I purchased with Black Cherry, the lone nail lacquer in the collection.  It was Tom Ford's nail lacquers that first introduced me to the brand. The line retails for $32 each and contains 12ml of polish.

I have three coats plus Seche Vite topcoat on my nails here:

Black Cherry is a darkened red plum that appears black. It's a classic vamp and beautiful for fall. This is such a classy shade and one lovely enough that I'm considering a pro manicure to really get the most out of it. I adore this shade, and it's just warm enough to not look harsh.

Like other Tom Ford Nail Lacquers, this is a glossy shade with incredible wear time. Tom Ford's nail range contains some gel ingredients (per some of their SAs), hence the amazing wear. When I tested it, I felt both way out of season but also incredibly chic. I'll be posting a comparison post with some of my favorite dark shades in the next few days so you can really see the difference.

Black Cherry is currently available at Tom Ford counters, and online at the usual retailers. Unlike Nude Dip and the blush duos, this doesn't seem to be selling out.

I'll have the other pieces of the collection that I purchased soon- the weather has been exceptionally cloudy and un-swatch-friendly over the past week or so. The few times that the sun has been out, I've been at work!

Giorgio Rouge d'Armani Sheers Hydrating Lip Color 624 Dark Plum/Spinel

Today I have my final initial color selection from Giorgio Armani Beauty's Fall 2014 Fade to Grey Collection. This is my first lipstick from the line, and I'm still honestly playing with the color. Rouge d'Armani Sheer Lipstick #624 is listed online as Spinel, but my box calls it Dark Plum. Again, what's the deal with multiple shade names?

Rouge d'Armani Sheer lipsticks retail for $34 and contain 3.8g/0.13oz of product.

Since this is the first Armani lipstick that I've bought, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the packaging. Armani lipstick tubes are nicely weighty. They're not a perfect tube, but the shape fits nicely in one's hand:

There are two colors of Armani lipstick tubes. Rouge d'Armani Sheers are in black casing for easy identification.

Let's talk about the formula for a moment. Rouge d'Armani Sheers are the lighter lipstick in the line. It's comparable to Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine. As such, it's both shiny and sheer. It's as shiny as the Chanel lipsticks, and they both are far more shiny than Burberry Lip Mists.

One of the reasons why I chose #624 was because I've yet to figure out how to wear a lovely purple lipstick.

I love the Armani logo stamped on the lipstick. #624 is a bit of a difficult shade to accurately capture, so I turned on the flash to try to show the iridescence.

I really enjoy this shade, but there's one big negative that I couldn't capture on any swatch: this shade shows every imperfection. Make sure that you exfoliate prior!

Swatched in direct sun, with one pass on the left and three on the right. It's gloriously shiny and amazing:

Outside, no direct sun. This is where the purple and blue tones really pop:

Inside, with flash turned on- the warm, mauve tones surface here.

I'm going to scare you and show a full swatch of this shade. Please bear with me, as this is a lovely shade. It just (in my opinion) requires a bit of tweaking to be workable in real life situations.

Outside, in direct sun:

Outside, no direct sun:

It's a lovely shade, so I wanted to make this work.  Luckily, all it took was a bit of blotting. It's like it's a totally new shade! #624 becomes a lovely mauve with purple undertones. When I tested it, it lasted about three hours- until I started eating/drinking. That's pretty standard for me.

Back in the direct sun, with the original lipstick blotted:

Outside, no direct sun:

Much better!  And work-friendly.

It's completely wearable and on-trend for fall. I'm going to keep exploring this range. I purchased my lipstick in-store at Neiman Marcus, the only local store with the Fall 2014 collection currently in-store. However, it's available at all of the usual places online.