Mea Culpa

I apologize for another slack week of blogging. The mayhem of this Winter has continued, and I haven't been able to put up posts as I normally would.  By early next week, new products will be up and hopefully, normal blogging will resume.  I apologize for the lack of consistency, but that's life for ya.

In other news, I came across one of the best makeup blogs last night, called Makeup Magpie.  I absolutely *love* her product shots, comparison/swatch photos and overall taste.  The photos are all very clean, and she uses a lot of different angles to capture the products as true to life as possible.  I was surprised I haven't come across it sooner, but better late than never.  I strongly encourage you all to check out her blog and subscribe/follow.

Thanks again to everyone that took part in my Blog Sale.  I had a load of fun putting it all together and sending out parcels, etc.  I will keep that page up indefinitely, as there are items remaining, as well as some new items I've yet to put up.

xxx ~R

Blog Sale Update

First off, I wanted to thank those that have purchased thus far.  It's been a lot of fun to get everything together and such.  Secondly, I'd like to note that I have added some more items, as of today.  I put up a good amount of nail polishes, including Chanel, Deborah Lippmann, Sephora by OPI, OPI, Essie and Orly.  I've also added an additional Chanel Single Touch Eye Shadow in 53 Khaki.  It's a really pretty green, but green doesn't look good on me, so.

You can click HERE for the direct link, otherwise, the Blog Sale page is located on the upper righthand side of my site.  Thanks again!

xxx ~R

Saturday Night Serenade

This song is from Radiohead's newly released album,"The King of Limbs" (for those who aren't already aware).  "Lotus Flower", albeit quite new, is one of my favorite music videos in the history of music videos.  It's so refreshing.  I could watch him spaz dance all day long.

xxx ~R

My First Blog Sale!!!

I'm very excited to post about my first blog sale.  It's a variety of things, including Chanel lipsticks, NARS, blush/highlighters, MAC MSFs (Lightscapade and Perfect Topping, to be exact), MAC pigments, some eye shadows and so on.  I hope you all find something/anything that you like. Click HERE (or look to the top right of my site) to be directed to the Blog Sale page.  Feel free to comment with any questions, concerns, etc.  Thanks, everyone!!

xxx ~R

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine 54 Boy

The Rouge Coco Shine is the newest formula of sheer lipstick that will be replacing the Aqualumiere range, which is fine by me, because I wasn't at all a fan of those.  I found them to be drying and very lack luster.  So the good news is that we have a brand spankin' new formula on our hands. Behold...

The left is the Rouge Coco packaging, with Rouge Coco Shine on the right. 

You can see that the Rouge Coco Shine is thinner and slightly shorter than the Rouge Coco. 

This particular hand swatch gives you an example of the amazing sheen this lipstick gives off. 

54 Boy is a sheer, slightly warmed pink with incredibly micro, micro-shimmer particles, varying from pink to silver.  The texture is insanely smooth, gliding across the lips upon application.  I actually made an audible "oooohh" sound when first applying.  The scent is the same as the Rouge Cocos, albeit slightly toned down with a smidge less rose.  The lipstick feels very lightweight and silky on the lips, whilst making one's pucker appear more smooth and supple.  The optical illusion of the amazingly fine, super micro-shimmer infusion takes this range to a whole different level of sheer lipstick.  

What I really appreciate about the Rouge Coco Shines is the versatility aspect.  These would work brilliantly to add shine and dimension over a regular lipstick, under a gloss, and obviously, alone.  This particular shade doesn't knock my socks off, as it's basically a "my lips but pinker" shade, but I *needed* to find out what the formula was like, so I pounced when chanel.com alerted me that Boy was available for purchase.  

Speaking of availability, the Rouge Coco Shines won't be released in the U.S. in full until April.  This shade was released at a select number of Nordstrom stores and was sold off Chanel's official site from Feb. 10th through the 14th.  Boy was released as part of a pretty brilliant marketing ploy to give us a taste of what's to come, whilst associating this particular shade with Valentine's Day and the concept of love, in general.  For those who may not be aware, Boy is in reference to Mademoiselle Chanel's long-time love, Captain Arthur Edward "Boy" Capel.  Very clever marketing indeed.  

In conclusion, I'm very impressed with the packaging, texture, finish, and overall quality of the Rouge Coco Shine.  Do I love this particular shade?  No.  But, I definitely like it and will be more than happy to purchase more shades upon their official release.

xxx ~R

Chanel Spring 2011: Rouge Allure Lipstick 85 Coquette

When I first perused this color at the counter a few weeks back, I had mixed emotions on it.  I wasn't terribly impressed by the hand swatch, but I could kind of envision how it would look on, which is what eventually sold me on it.  That, and I saw Sam from Pixiwoo use it in one of her YT vids, which confirmed that I *needed* it.  She's so beautiful and makes me want everything she puts on.  I know I'm not alone in this.  Moving on...

 

I would describe 85 Coquette as a sheer, pinky-coral with a mild infusion of cool-toned micro-shimmer.  It's kind of bright, but not, at the same time.  The sheer aspect of this particular Rouge Allure is what keeps it from turning into something more obvious and intense like Rouge Allure 187 Génial.  This is the perfect color for when you want to liven up the face without having to deal with a high maintenance red or a very pigmented and "in your face" coral.  It feels very relaxed, French and casually sexy.  I realize that I use the term "casually sexy" ad nauseum, but it's just how my "special" brain interprets these types of colors.

I paired 85 Coquette with its corresponding lip liner, Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer 38 Pêche.  They go together smashingly, if I do say so myself.  I think 85 Coquette was one of the more widely overlooked items from Spring 2011, just from what I've seen/read within the online beauty community.  I find this shade to be relatively original, despite the massive insurgence of coral lips over the past year or so.  It's definitely worth a gander at the counter.    

xxx ~R

Chanel Spring 2011: Le Crayon Lèvres Precision Lip Definer 38 Pêche

This was one of the Chanel Spring 2011 items that I initially rejected and later wavered on.  If I waver, I usually end up buying.  It's just the way it always pans out.

38 Pêche is very appropriately (and simply) named, as it's a medium peach with slight pink undertones and small, silver micro-shimmer particles.  When applied, it pulls a little more pink that it appears on the hand swatch, but that's to be expected.  I bought this because 1) I don't own any peach liners and 2) I wanted it to go with Chanel Rouge Allure 85 Coquette.  They compliment each other perfectly.  

For those who don't know about or own any Chanel lip liners, they're very smooth, creamy and long-lasting.  They also come with a pencil sharpener, which is always an added bonus.  I'm semi-confident in saying that this particular shade of Le Crayon Lèvres is a permanent part of the line, but I'm not 100% sure.  It never hurts to call a counter and ask, in the event you want it but don't feel like buying it right away.  I just like to throw out ideas. 

xxx ~R

Saturday Night Serenade

I've been a huge fan of Gwen Stefani for such a long time now.  She seems to get better looking the older she gets, which is very rare for women.  She exudes a lot of joy and confidence, which is probably the key ingredient.  I really love the styling they did in this video, especially with her short leather jacket and high boots get-up when she's strutting it in the tube.  I love the heavy eye makeup for the mirror singing portion of the vid, as well as the signature red lip she's rockin' whilst flopping around on the floor and throwing feathers.  Only Gwen could get away with it.

xxx ~R

Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick 601

As I mentioned in my post about Rouge d'Armani 403, I don't typically wear darker/vampy shades, mostly because I find them harder to pull off (for me).  Regardless, I still lust over deeper shades, just 'cuz.

I would describe Rouge d'Armani 601 as a deep, semi-warm plum with pinky-purple undertones.  I mean, maybe the pink undertone part is arguable, but everything seems to pull pink on me, for whatever reason.  Maybe it's the contrast in my super pale skin to the medium pigmentation of my lips.  I'm not quite sure.  Either way, if you're a fan of deep shades of plum or any other vampy colors, this is definitely one to check out.  The formula is smooth and creamy, and the finish is lovely, leaving behind a subtle shine.  Timeless sexiness. 

xxx ~R

Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick 600

This is probably one of the most original/unique lipsticks I own.  It seems to be in between different colors, and not exactly easy to categorize.

I'm struggling with this one, but I guess the best way can think to describe it would be as a medium, magenta plum.  Or maybe a fuchsia plum?  I suck at this.  It's basically as if one takes a medium plum lipstick and mixes it with something such as MAC Girl About Town and the like.  What's interesting about this color is that it seems to have been designed as a sheer lipstick to function as both a full coverage color and a stain.  It applies significantly more sheerly than some of the other Rouge d'Armani lipsticks, which I think was a smart move.  This could have easily turned garish.  I think it's a pretty color that doesn't cross the line of juvenile and/or tacky.  

xxx ~R

Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick 403

This isn't the type of color I normally go for, but I think everyone needs to own at least one super dark red lipstick.  I say that, because I have no control over myself.  Moving on...

I would describe Rouge d'Armani 403 as a deep, wine red with brown undertones.  It's kind of vampy and dramatic, but isn't so intense that it looks goth or ridiculous.  Given the right face and eye makeup, as well as attire and styling, this could be the finishing touch to a very sexy, yet classic look.  It makes me feel Italian, for some reason.  I know, it doesn't really make sense, but I'm an artist, so it doesn't need to.  *laughs and runs away* :P

xxx ~R

Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick 400

I'm back!!  I'm a little busted up, struggling with the tail bone issue, but nothing kills me more than boredom.  I had most of the shots ready to go up before I fell ill, which has been slowly driving me crazy.  Thank you *so*, so much to everyone that commented, wishing me well.  It cheered me up more than you guys could know.  On to business...

I would describe Rouge d'Armani 400 as a medium, "true" red.  "True" meaning it's mostly neutral with a smidge of blue undertones.  I suppose some people would look at this color and categorize it as definitely cool-toned, but I see I mix when I look at it.  When I compared it against Chanel Rouge Coco 19 Gabrielle, I saw it was obviously cooler in tone (as well as darker), but I still see warmth in the base.  Does it really matter though?  Not really.  It's a very pretty red, with a smooth texture and classic feel.  I assume this would work on most skin tones quite nicely.  

Thanks again for being so thoughtful and kind :)

xxx ~R

Temporary Leave of Absence and a Thank You

Okay, firstly, I'll try really hard not to ramble, but will most likely fail.  Anyway, I woke up Tuesday morning with, what I thought was a normal flu.  It ended up being something closer to Cholera and landed me in the emergency room in less than 24 hrs, which was all kinds of bizarre.  So, what happened was that I fainted a couple times in my house, and the second time it was on tile flooring.  I landed on my tail bone, which is now either sprained or slightly fractured (the E.R. doctor wasn't sure).  They wanted to admit me to the hospital, because even after 6 hours on an IV, my blood pressure was too low for their liking.  However, I refused, becauase I hate hospitals.  As it turns out, something happened to my neck in one of the two fainting episodes, because the whole thing is locked up.  So between the relentless fevers, the tail bone and the neck issues, I'm going to be completely worthless for a little while.  I'm going to my general practitioner later this afternoon, so hopefully I can score some decent narcotics, or at the very least, a donut shaped cushion to sit on.  The ones they sell at pharmacies for hemorrhoids don't work for tail bones, just for the record.

So having said all that weirdness, I won't be able to put up any legitimate posts or reply properly to comments or anything for a little while.  It might be a couple days, it might be more.  I'm really unsure.  But, I just wanted to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone that either follows my blog, leaves comments, or just stumbles across it in a google search, because it really is a lot of fun for me and makes me really happy.  I love going to my stat tracker to see what posts people hit up the most, from what countries, etc.  I find cosmetics trending absolutely fascinating and really appreciate the online beauty community, both as a resource and a hobby.

And since I seem to enjoy littering my blog with music videos, I leave you all with a '90s classic.  It felt appropriate, in a melancholy sort of way.  It was either this one or "Everybody Hurts" from R.E.M, but I thought that would have been too literal. :P



xxxxxx ~R

Chanel Ombres Contraste Eye Shadow Duo 40 Misty-Soft

So, Chanel sucked me into their web, yet again.  After buying one of their Irreelle eye shadow duos a number of years ago and being very disappointed with the pigmentation and overall quality, I vowed I would never buy one again.  The Ombres Contraste duos are completely different, by miles and miles.

I would describe the darkest shade in the duo as a medium-dark, smokey plum with slight brown undertones.  The finish is mostly matte, but there's an almost undetectable luminosity/glow to it.  The texture of the plum shadow is perfect, as it feels buttery smooth with zero fallout.  The lightest shade is a heather, light mauve with silver shimmer.  The texture of this color isn't as amazing as the matte, but it's still pretty good.  

In these photos, I used MAC Painterly Paint Pot as a base on the lid and slightly above the crease.  I then took the plum shadow with the sponge-tip applicator that comes with the duo and applied it to the entire lid and slightly past the crease.  Next, I took the small brush that comes in the compact and smoothed out the edge of the smokey plum shade before the brow bone.  I then applied the light, shimmery mauve color the inner half of the lid with the sponge-tip applicator.  I noticed fall out right away, so I used my finger to work the rest of of the shimmery color into the skin.  I find that with softer powders, the finger can be the best tool to use.  To complete this mindless look, I applied MAC Penulimate Rapid Black pen liner onto the upper lash line, Chanel waterproof liner in 10 Ebene (black) on the lower water line, and Dior Diorshow Iconic mascara on the upper lashes.  Boom.  Done.  

I highly recommend any and all of the Chanel Ombres Contraste eye shadow duos, for a number of reasons. Firstly, the smooth and buttery texture of the matte shades within each duo is near perfection.  The intensity of the the matte shades can be built up or sheered down, depending on the look you're going for or personal preference.  The fact that you can achieve a beautiful and polished look with one small compact, in and of itself, is a huge selling point.  It's the most convenient and easiest smokey eye I've ever done.  I'm all sorts of impressed with this range of eye shadow.  Now I'm eye ballin' the duo in 50 Berry-Rose.  I just can't quit you, Chanel. 

xxx ~R

Saturday Night Serenade

This was back when Brandon wore eye liner and lip gloss. "Hot Fuss" is one of my all-time, favorite albums. I lived in Las Vegas while they were touring this record, and I have fond memories of flying down their non-patrolled highways in excess of 90 mph singing along to to these songs.  Good times.

xxx ~R

Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick 508

I forgot how much I adored this lipstick when I was putting this post together.  It's one of the prettiest pink lipsticks I've ever seen, which I've probably said before, but I really mean it with this one.  And I probably meant it with the others, but whatever.

I would describe Rouge d'Armani 508 as a vivid, neutral-toned candy pink.  It's bright, but not over the top bimbo-esque.  When I think of word association, it makes me think fresh, charming, and playful.  This is the type of color that brightens the whole face, whilst giving off a youthful vibe.  

I suppose similar non-Armani lipsticks would include MAC Viva Glam Gaga and YSL Rouge Volupte 19 Frivolous Pink, although both of those lipsticks are lighter and more cool-toned (and Gaga is technically discontinued).  508 also reminds me a lot of YSL Rouge Pur 146 Romantic Pink, which is now discontinued.    

I bought this lipstick when it first came out last late Spring/early Summer, but I believe they're re-promoting it in their most recent collection.  I don't keep up with Armani as much as I should, but I highly recommend this line of lipstick.  Armani's Fluid Sheers are another amazing product, but that's a whole 'nother topic for another day. 

xxx ~R

Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick 103

Rouge d'Armani lipsticks don't seem to be talked up as much as other brands within the online beauty community, but I think they're a really great lipstick, with really gorgeous colors.

I would describe Rouge d'Armani 103 as a pale, warm baby pink.  For me, it's a "my lips but better" shade, which I think would be the same effect for a lot of people with light-medium skin tones.  This is the type of color that's really easy to wear and goes with anything.  It's a great every day lipstick, if you will.  The finish of this particular shade is slightly glossy, but mostly creamy in texture.  If you like lipsticks similar to Chanel Rouge Allure 36 Darling (discontinued, I believe), MAC Creme Cup, and/or YSL Rouge Volupte 1 Nude Beige...then this is definitely a shade to check out. 

xxx ~R

Armani Rouge d'Armani Lipstick 100

I've been so preoccupied with YSL and Chanel products that I've kind of forgotten about one of my other favorite lipsticks lines, which is the Rouge d'Armani.  This range is Armani's signature lipstick, and it's been out for about a year or so, maybe a little over a year.  From the packaging to the formula, it's all quite impressive.

I would describe Rouge d'Armani 100 as a beige nude with pinky-peach undertones.  It's not all that dissimilar in color to Chanel Rouge Allure 69 Mythic (albeit a tad warmer/peachier), and the finish is a tad different.  This lipstick has a very creamy finish and leaves a subtle shine to the lips.  

The formula of all the Rouge d'Armani lipsticks is fantastic, as they're all very pigmented, creamy and non-drying.  Another bonus is that they're completely scent-free, which I know is a huge selling point with a lot of people.  The packaging is also quite clever, with a magnetic closure.  The color selection is fantastic as well, so I recommend everyone/anyone to check them out. 

xxx ~R

MAC Pretty Please Lipstick

I bought this shade several years ago and ended up giving it away to one of my friends or something, I can't recall the specifics.  I was Back-To-MAC'ing recently and decided to give this shade another go around.  I forgot how pretty it actually was.

Pretty Please is a sheer, soft shell pink with light silver and pink shimmer particles.  It's a Lustre finish, which means it's more sheer with a nice sheen.  It you like the MAC Lip Glass in Oyster Girl, this is basically the lipstick equivalent.  

The issue I have with MAC lipsticks is the tendency they have to dry my lips out.  Oddly, lighter colors such as Pretty Please and other similar shades tend to not irritate or dry out my lips (as much).  So, my current theory is that, the more pigment/dye to the lipstick, the higher likelihood one has of experiencing irritation or parched lips.  This theory is very loosely based, but I'm sticking by it.  

xxx ~R

MAC Saint Germain Lipstick

This particular shade of MAC lipstick has been a permanent shade within the Euro/Asian market, but was released in limited edition collections within the U.S.  It came out a couple times, and everyone lost their marbles over it.  For whatever reasons, it became a huge cult favorite within the online makeup addict community.  It's now a permanent shade for us Americans, which is....great???

I would describe Saint Germain as a bright, pastel Pepto pink.  It's so pastel that the white cast of the base is obvious on the lips.  It's an Amplified Creme finish, which means it's very pigmented and opaque.  

Okay, I'm going to be honest here.  This color looks hideous on most people.  When I put it on to snap shots for this post, I felt like a busted Daytona stripper.  I can't think of anyone that this would look good on, unless it was dabbed on and muted out by a gloss.  I honestly don't know why I even own it.  It must have felt novel at the time or something.  I'm not sure.  

I'm assuming it serves some type of purpose for someone, somewhere in the world, right?  Maybe I'm just old and narrow-minded.  Or I don't recognize "art".  Either way, if you love this lipstick, then more power to you.  Don't let me rain on your parade.  I would like to throw out, however, that YSL Rouge Volupte 19 Frivolous Pink is a much more wearable alternative to this lipstick.     

xxx ~R