Givnechy Le Rouge #202- Rose Dressing

Every so often, I get a chance to try a product that I never would've picked up in a million years and absolutely fall in love.  Today's post is a prime example of that.  Sephora recently ran a promotion for VIBs that involved receiving three deluxe minis.  One of them was a mini version of Givenchy's Le Rouge Lipstick #202, Rose Dressing.

Confession: I didn't have high expectations, despite a rave review from Temptalia.  She can pull off far more formulas easily than I can based on lip pigmentation.  It literally took one swipe on my lips and I was looking for the nearest Sephora with this in-stock.  It's such a happy color.

At $36, this was (briefly) the most expensive lipstick that I've bought.  The packaging is straight-up luxurious, from the leather-wrapped case to the studded opening.  Normally I'd be hard pressed to find something as luxurious as I find Chanel's plain black lipstick cases, but Givenchy Le Rouge had me falling over my own feet.

Seriously, it's like saying "hello world!" when you whip out a leather lipstick.

Rose Dressing is described as "bright coral pink."  Yes, it's coral.  However, I don't find it as bright as other corals in my stash.  The formula is mostly matte, and as such a bit drying. However, this wore like iron on my lips, lingering even after I tried to wipe it off and apply balm.  I got about eight hours of wear from the color, although the slight glossiness started to wear about hour three.

This color just suited my complexion.  It warmed up my face instantly and made me look awake and happy.  I found it to be a mild coral rather than a bright orange statement lip. The third time that I wore this, it occurred to me: Givenchy Le Rouge #202 gives a look similar to the Rouge Dior Trianon collection for highly pigmented lips without messing with concealer. It's brighter, but still just as soft and ladylike.  Yes, I put that in bold so that nobody would miss it.  Genius!

I couldn't get back to take lip swatches before the weather turned, so you'll have to settle with my hand.

Outside, without flash:

Outside, with flash:

Inside, without flash:

Inside, with flash:

Although I have a number of coral lipsticks that I adore, I can see this going right to the top of the list. It does something magical for my complexion and truly makes me look better than I do without it.  I tried this with several different eye looks to the same end result- I couldn't stop catching my reflection in the mirror because I looked so happy, vibrant, and great. This is truly a game changer for me.  It may not be so for you, but I highly suggest trying it out.  I was blindsided by how wonderful this product is on my lips and just how perfect the color is for me.

Givenchy Le Rouge retails for $36 and is carried exclusively at Sephora.  Go play today, trust me!

NOTD: Dior Spring Ball

Dior Spring Ball was a limited edition release in the Spring 2013 collection. Like the other featured shades, this polish was designed to match the revamped Dior Addict lipstick, Addict Gloss, and newly-formulated Addict Extreme lipsticks.

Spring Ball is a soft peach packed with tons of glitter. I find it soft and ladylike.

I've got three coats on my nails, plus a top coat.  This is a perfect spring polish.

First Look: Lancome Lip Lover

This week. Sephora released Lancome's new Lip Lover line to VIB Rouge customers for a pre-sale.  After reading the very few blog posts reviewing this product, I bought three shades and got a deluxe mini of the fourth shade that piqued my interest.  I picked a range of shades, from both the neutral line and the colorful line.  I'm still waiting on most of the shades to arrive- and then I'll be testing. However, I wanted to show you preliminary swatches ASAP.

My initial selections from the line were: 339- Fuchsia Attitude, 355- Framboise Etolle, 332- Beige Adage, and 357- Bouquet Final. Unfortunately, I split them into multiple orders (I was debating just how many to purchase, formula untried and generally unreviewed.) Only Fuchsia Attitude made the shipping cutoff; the others will be here tomorrow I'd assume.  I have a tracking number for one of the two orders already.

I can't speak to anything but the basics in this post because I only received it after work today and raced to put it on and photograph before the sun went down. However, I know even a brief word might be useful!

Here's a good look at the applicator:

My tube was rather cold, so it's difficult to assess the texture of the gloss in the tube.  I did enjoy the push-button opener.  I find that this formula is glossy without being overly so.  The flash photography gives the impression that the gloss is far glossier than it is.  On the lips, this reads as a somewhat natural lip with a bit of shine.  I love it.

On the lips, it feels very cushiony and moisturizing, but I haven't had it on long enough to test the formula.  I'll be discussing this later when I actually give a proper review.  This post is really meant to give you a first take only.

And now, the real reason I hurried home to put this post together: swatch photos.

First, on my arm-

Outside, without flash:

Outside, with flash:

Inside, with flash:

And a quick shot on the lips:

The few reviews I've read suggest that these dry down to a lovely matte lipstick, the main reason why I picked up so many colors. A gloss/balm/lipstick hybrid? Yes, please!

This was my initial instinct as a shade that I would love- it's a cheery, bold pink with slight blue undertones. In other words, it's perfect for me.

I'll be testing this formula for the rest of the week and weekend; look for a real review for my four selections early next week I'd guess.  I hope that these photos will be useful as you make your decisions.

Lancome Lip Lover is currently a VIB exclusive on Sephora.com; I guess the Rouge pre-sale was for yesterday only. For those of you not VIBs, don't fret.  These products get released to the general public after the pre-sales. I don't have any information as to when that might be. I read on the product listing page that there was also a pre-sale on Lancome's page, so the line is getting ready to launch this line.

February 2014 Empties

Like my monthly favorites, it's been awhile since I've posted my empties.  Not bad considering it was a short month!  Interestingly, these are mostly items I immediately repurchased.

Zoya Remove +: This is my go-to nail polish remover- I should really think about purchasing the 32oz size available online and filling these bottles.  Have already repurchased.

Shiseido Benefiance Creamy Cleanser: I've actually finished a full cleanser!  Look for an in-depth review in the coming weeks.  Have already repurchased.

Philosophy Purity Cleansing Wipes: I can't believe it was a mere 5 months ago that I learned how awesome these are.  I can't live without them now. Have already repurchased.

Kiehl's Sunflower Oil Color Preserving Conditioner: Love it. My hair is softer and the color lasts longer than the Aveda I used to use.  Have already repurchased.

Formula X Top Coat: When I'm not using Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab, this is my go-to as of late. I've already repurchased.

Lorac PRO Mascara: My mascara of the month. I'm working my way through mascara, so I didn't repurchase. I'm open to it, though.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment: 2 minis and a full size.  I've always got a bunch of these around.

Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Liquid Eyeliner: I hit the expiration date on this (6 months), and it was starting to run low.  I've already repurchased and consider it a product I can't be without!

Ulta Exfoliating Cotton Rounds: I used 2 sleeves this month.  This is my nail polish removing workhorse that takes care of glitter easily.


It's only a couple of days into March, but I can tell it's going to be a good empties month as well.  I found it interesting that in February, I essentially went through some of my staples.

MAC Lustre Lipstick- Dreaming Dahlia (Spring 2014)

I used to be a total MAC devotee. I still enjoy some of their products- and swear by my brushes- but the multiple LE releases that require one to be on the site at the moment of release finally turned me off. However, I picked up a couple of pieces recently that I've been loving.

Dreaming Dahlia is a lustre lipstick from the Spring 2014 Fantasy of Flowers Collection, which was launched mid-February. Unlike other recent collections, it seems that there's a decent amount of stock available.  It is described as "sheer red-coral."  I agree. It looks far more vivid in the tube than it does on the lips.

Dreaming Dahlia is packaged in the traditional MAC lipstick tube.

Although the description states that it's a sheer color, it appears to pack quite a punch.  This is quite accurate.  This vivid color is what really sold me on picking it up.

I think Dreaming Dahlia would be a lovely shade for easing into spring, or for those who are a bit afraid of such a cheery, poppy-coral color.  Remember how this is a sheer shade?  I think the color payoff may surprise you.

I swatched this with one pass (left) and two passes (right).  This is a buildable, sheer color.

Outside, without flash:

Outside, with flash:

Inside, without flash:

Inside, with flash:

I find either of the outdoor swatches to be closest to what I experienced in real life.  I find this to be beautiful, and a unique color in my stash.  I enjoy the formula more than I remembered.  This is almost balm-like in how it sits on the lips and is buildable. I can see this becoming a go-to this spring because it's very workable. One swipe on my pigmented lips gives just a hint of color, and two brings my lips into spring.

I tested this over two days.  I got about three hours of wear without eating or drinking.  However, the formula behaved nicely and didn't fall into lines on my lips or call attention to spots I needed to exfoliate.


Bottom Line: I forgot what a great value MAC lipstick are at $16.  I think that this is a universally flattering color for spring, and the buildable formula is a great way for even the color-phobic to ease into spring.  This is a LE shade, but should be readily available via MAC counters and MAC's website.

NOTD: Tom Ford Silver Smoke

Today's NOTD is a stunning polish from Tom Ford.  Silver Smoke is a stunning taupey-pewter polish from the Spring 2012 collection.

I've got three thin coats on my nails, but no topcoat.

When I was photographing it, I was able to get into the last few seconds of direct sunshine in my yard. Wow.  This photo makes me miss the sun, which has been gone for a bit.

Quick Look: Julep March 2014

Although I'll inevitably post full manis/NOTDs of all of these polishes, I received my Julep box on Monday and wanted to share it with you.

Unlike prior months, I essentially stuck to my It Girl box this month.  Here are my choices from the March 2014 Riviera Collection:

L-R:

Princess Grace (It Girl), Lizanne (It Girl), Margaret (It Girl), Tania (Bombshell). 

I wanted Rae, the color of the year, as my other add-on, but it sold out too early in the day for someone with a job like me.

I did a quick swatch on a nail wheel with three coats each:

Quick impressions:

Princess Grace- most dupeable, and the color I was least excited about. It's your standard light peachy creme.
Lizanne- beautiful shimmery emerald gree.  Will be perfect for St. Patrick's Day.
Margaret- Blue with a touch of grey creme- my favorite of the bunch.  I'll probably put this on my nails first.
Tania- Beautiful glitter topcoat that I'll play with.

As I mentioned, I'll be doing full manis sometime this month, but I wanted to give you a quick peek at my selections.

February 2014 Favorites

It's been a few months since I've done one of these!  Here are the products I kept reaching for over and over during February 2014. Look for my empties post tomorrow.

Chanel Les Beiges No 10- This has been a true staple since I bought it last fall. I'm about to need my second compact!  This plus Boi-ing concealer are enough coverage for weekend days when I just need to run to the grocery store and don't want to deal with foundation.

Chanel Le Vernis #609 Coup de Coeur- See my review here. I put this color on my nails straight out of the Nordstrom box, removed it only for some weekend swatching, and promptly put it back on my nails because I love the color.  That's rare for me. From the 17th on, I had less than 36 hours the rest of the month with something else on my nails.

Dior Addict Eau Delice- I used a smaller bottle of this in full the last few months of 2013. After receiving Jimmy Choo Flash for Christmas (which I'd wanted for months), I didn't repurchase Eau Delice.  By February, I was missing it so much that I bought.  I haven't touched anything else since.

Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment- I've just about finished this and am having a hard time wrestling with the fact that I'm hopelessly in love with a $36 lip balm.  This winter has been awful, and this is the only thing that has helped.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Ethereal Glow- Reviewed here, it might be a decent way for me to mourn the demise of Diorshow Shimmer Star #001.

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine #54 Boy- I remembered how much I adore this neutral this month. Look for a longer post in the next month or so as I walk you through some of my permanent-collection items.

Bite Beauty Whipped Cherry Fruit Scrub- The only lip scrub gentle enough for daily use in my world.

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer- It's a perfect match for my skintone.

Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow in Rosewood- See my review here, this is what I've reached for on a daily basis since I purchased it!  Such a perfect neutral. It's a pink shadow without being PINK.

Dior Serum de Rouge #740 Rosewood Serum- I love this formula.  See my review here.  It's another lovely neutral for me.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Magic Marc'er Eyeliner- This is actually a repurchase and was the only eyeliner I used all month.

I notice a huge neutral theme- not surprising because I've been so busy with work and other events!  I've been dependent upon neutral makeup I can work in any number of situations.

What did you love this month?

Giorgio Armani Sheer Blush Beige #10

Today's post is a fair warning to purchase a beautiful product which is going to disappear in the near future.  I first read about this terrible news on the Best Things in Beauty, one of the blogs that I really enjoy.  When I picked up my blush, I confirmed the discontinuation with the brand rep.  It's a shame, because it's such a lovely color.  It really is the perfect blush for everyone.

This is actually my second Sheer Blush #10.  It was the first blush that I ever finished, and I tried numerous others without repurchasing because I assumed it would still be around forever.  The early warning allowed me to rush out and re-buy an old favorite.

If you aren't familiar with this shade, you'll likely be confused by my photos. This product looks totally different, depending on the light. That's one of the lovely aspects of #10. It looks totally different in various lights, and is almost universally flattering. It's not too overpowering on my pale skin, but ladies of medium and dark complexions also love it.

A quick word on the vitals- Armani Sheer Blushes retail for $44 and contain 6g/0.21oz of product.  As of today, Sheer Blush is still available at counters and Armani's website.

Sheer Blush #10 (Beige) is a product that most love. It is extremely versatile and reads well with corals, pinks, and neutrals.

Just to show you how versatile it is, here's a few shots in different lighting. As I mentioned earlier, this reads like a different color in every situation- but always one that flatters.

In direct sun:

Outside, without flash:

Outside, with flash:

Outside, with flash (under porch):

Outside, no flash (under porch):

Outside, with flash (under porch):

Inside, no flash:

Inside, with flash:

I adore delightfully complex and shade-shifting products like this.

One of the reasons why I love this shade is that it doesn't overwhelm my fair skin. I tried to grab a decent amount of product for these swatches.

In direct sun:

Outside, no flash:

Inside, without flash:

Inside, with flash:

It's quite light on me, but does show up on darker complexions- I promise.  I find #10 to be that beautiful shade that you didn't know that you needed. It's a chameleon that makes you look better without looking like you're wearing a bunch of makeup. It's perfect in so many ways that my pictures simply don't do it justice.

I've pulled together a few other bloggers' take on this beautiful shade so that you can see more photos.  Please see The Beauty Look Book, The Best Things in Beauty,  Delicate Hummingbird, J'adore Rougit, The Beauty Junkee, and Lola's Secret Beauty Blog.



Bottom Line: I'll be sad to see this go.  I'm glad I had the opportunity to grab an old favorite; I'm debating whether to grab a backup but since I have so many other blushes I'll leave another out there for someone to purchase.

Chanel Glossimer #169- Jalousie

After today's NOTD and a prior mention to this Chanel Glossimer (one of my first, believe it or not), I thought it was time to give it a proper post of its own.  Chanel Glossimer #169 Jalousie was introduced as a part of the Spring 2012 Collection Roses Ultimes with other knockout shades like Amour.  It has since become a part of the permanent collection, something that I'm grateful for.  Despite my pasty appearance and red hair, this is my go-to when I need some fuchsia hotness on my lips.

First, the brief details.  Chanel's Levres Scintillantes Glossimers retail for $29.50, and this shade is available via Chanel counters and Chanel.com.  Chanel's Glossimers are legendary, although I far prefer Dior's gloss wand to Chanel's:

Jalousie is a bright, glossy fuchsia with somewhat-hidden shimmer.  There is glitter in this shade, but it doesn't read as obvious glitter on the lips. Rather, it reads shimmer from within and simply enhances the glossiness.  Jalousie's glossiness lasts for about 3 hours or one venti latte for me, whichever comes first.  After the glossiness fades, I'm left with a beautiful, vibrant stain on my lips for the rest of the day.  Despite the shocking color, I've been known to wear it in the office, working with the stain for most of my day.  You really don't need a lipstick with this gloss- but I highly recommend a clear lipliner.

Here are some photos of this stunner:

Outside, no flash:

Outside, with flash:

On my lips in natural light:

Inside, no flash:

Inside, with flash:

It's such a stunning, vibrant shade that many people would shy away. However, I find it to be the most wearable hot pink gloss in my collection- and now that I've reminded myself about how much I do love it, it's heavily back in rotation.

I'm using this as a substitute for the LE Addict Gloss introduced by Dior this season- check my original post for an actual, direct comparison.  I prefer to fall in love  with Jalousie because Chanel won't break your heart when you go to replenish.