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.

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in B*tch Perfect

As I noted last week, I'm obsessing over pinky nude lips as of late. I'm happy to share with you today one of my new favorites- and my first (but undoubtedly not my last) purchase from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty.

Can we just take a second to appreciate that glorious starring from the rose gold tube gleaming in the sun? It's downright angelic!

Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipsticks retail for $32, contain 3.5g/0.12 oz, and are made in Italy. Here's a shot of the box:

Normally I'd reach for a bold shade, but with the almost universal love for B*tch Perfect I went out on a limb. It's a perfect rosy nude, although it's lighter than some of my photos would indicate.

This shot makes it look far more pink than it is, but it's the most accurate shot of the rose gold tube.

The tube itself is weighty, embossed with CT on the cap, and just oozes luxury. In the sea of dark lipstick tubes usually rattling about in my bag (NARS, Tom Ford, Chanel), this stands out. I very much appreciate the unique tube. Again, just check out the sun starring- incredible!

One of the reasons I've shied away from nudes in the past is that my highly pigmented lips overwhelm them, or they look unnatural. B*tch Perfect is perfect on me, and is full coverage with a swipe and a half.

Unlike the lighter NARS Audacious lipsticks (reviews to come), B*tch Perfect doesn't require lip exfoliation. I really like the formula- it's easy to work with, creamy but not too slippery, and lasts about 3-4 hours  (unless you're eating or drinking). In short, it's everything you'd want from a $32 lipstick.

Let me share a few swatches with you:

Only one skin swatch for you- in the sun. It looks lovely here.

B*tch Perfect is such a standout on the lips, so I have a few shots for you.

This is the closest to how it wears in the office, and everywhere but in the sun. It's just a perfectly beautiful nude:

In the sun, the peach comes out:

Overall, this is love. I've had it with me on a daily basis since I purchased. I resisted Charlotte Tilbury beauty for a few weeks after launch, and probably won't pick up anything until actual counters launch. Still, the quality is there and this is one of my new favorite lipsticks.

Truffle Clarity Pouch

I've been making an effort lately to streamline my bags. Although I adore my Michael Kors Hamiltons, smaller bags like my Balenciaga City and Twiggy have been back in heavy rotation as of late. And if I'm streamlining my bags, it's time to streamline my makeup bags.

Enter the Truffle Clarity Pouch.

TSA-Approved for frequent fliers, this is an incredibly well-made (and stylish) clear pouch.

Unlike many other clear pouches, you can really see the quality here. The stitching is heavy and materials substantial in your hand. These come in two sizes; this is the smaller of the two. There are several other styles on the site (onetruffle.com) which I keep eyeing and can't wait to try eventually.

As I mentioned, this is the smaller of the two and passes TSA requirements. I showed you what it looked like filled above, but here's what was actually inside:

That's quite a bit, right? That's plenty to bring with you on a daily basis, and can easily handle all of your liquids when traveling. I've had my Truffle Clarity Pouch for about a week and have purposely been using it very rigorously so I could speak to durability. The clear vinyl looks perfect, and you'd swear that nobody had used it.

Bottom line: these are a bit pricey for a makeup bag ($32 for this and up), but they're just wonderful. I keep eyeing the Privacy Clutch because it's oh-so-chic.

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 Nail Lacquer- Bordeaux Lust

This is my most recent Tom Ford polish purchase. I'm not sure why I waited so long, but I adore Bordeaux Lust. I've got 3 coats plus a topcoat on my nails here. Please excuse the awful clean-up job.

It's a perfect wine red along the lines of Chanel Vamp. It's so lovely for fall. Stay tuned for more Tom Ford tomorrow- I'm finally going to finish my mini-reviews of the rest of my purchases from the fall collection.

Mini Review: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Fluid SPF 15

Today I'd like to share the tinted moisturizer that served me well all of this summer. It's still available online, and I highly recommend trying it. Consider this a mini review and me starting to clean up some of the summer photos still lingering on my computer.

Although this was a summer product, It's still in rotation as the final bits of summer heat hang around: Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Fluid ($45, 1oz). On another note, I'm planning a quick post soon to share my current foundation rotation.

This is a lovely plastic squeeze tube:

Color-wise, it initially appears that it's too dark for my super-light skin (This is No 10, the lightest shade):

Sheered out, it's still a bit dark, but it impairs a lovely, glowing finish. It's like a mini tan in a bottle. It's also more appropriate when I'm a little darker. (Think: self-tanner.)

I like the overall glow that this imparts more than the self-tanner that I used last summer (Bobbi Brown Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer), and it's far less yellow- a major complaint that I had all summer. Finish is lightweight, and coverage is buildable.

There's a faint scent, but it's not unpleasant. This was my go-to during the hot and humid months, and for those "no-makeup" days.