Battle of the Nudes: Gosh Darling Dupe 10.30.09

You probably all are sick to death of hearing about Gosh Darling right? Well too bad... it is my far one of my favorite nudes. The reason being that it is so soft and sheer but still imparts the perfect nude lip. It is actually very hard to come by that effect.

But as you all know here in the US you can not get Gosh unless you order it via web or like me hoard it all when you are in the UK I have about 5 tubes of it. Anyway, MAC Close to Real that just recently came out with the trend collection i believe is a close dupe. Texture and formula wise it is near identical, its very soft and sheer, maybe a bit more pigmented then Gosh. The color is a tad more pinker but on the lips it is almost exact.

I am loving Close to real, I would recommend trying it out if you love Gosh Darling or have always wanted to try it!

Gosh on the Left, Close To Real on the Right.

Gosh on the Left, Close To Real on the Right.

You can barely see but Gosh is a bit more beige and C2R is a bit more pink.

On lips.

I am going to London on Nov 9th, you bet I will be picking up about 5 more tubes of Gosh.
Thoughts?

Chanel Du Jour 10.28.09

I used the Saks Friends and Family sale as a sign that it was time to re-purchase my HG foundation, Chanel Vitalumiere and indulge in 2 Chanel Rouge Lacque in Ming and Red Dragon.

Red Dragon and Ming. (With and Without Flash, With flash is more of the true color)

Initial thoughts, Red Dragon is INSANE. Probably, most gorgeous red I have ever laid eyes on.

Ming is nice, although I am not as WOW'd by it as I am by Red Dragon.

The Chanel Lacque's are a mix between a gloss and a lipstick. There is no need to ever wear lipstick if you have this. I wish all my favorite colors came in the formulation. I love it, it is long lasting, not drying and beyond pigmented. It is a gorgeous formula. The above swatches are literally a dab of the product. I think this product will last a long time because you need SO little. Definitely no need to double dip your wand!

The packaging is right up my alley, all black, super luxe and has a good bit of weight to it. It make it feel like a luxury product.

And Obviously, we know I love love love Vitalumiere.

In depth reviews to come.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation Review 10.27.09

I wanted to love it, I really did.

I love NARS.

I love Sheer Foundation.

I love anything to do with being Glowy.

Alas, NARS Sheer glow did not live up to my expectations.

I got a sample of it in Sante Fe, I used it for a couple days. Yes, it felt light, it was a sheer but build-able formula but in all honestly my skin looks very dull and lifeless. Opposite of the promises. I thought it could have something to do with the color, maybe it was too light.

I went to Bloomingdale's to check out the darker color in Punjab I believe? I am not too sure. Anyway, yes, my first match was way too light. The wonderful and lovely MA applied the darker color, which was a perfect match for me with a few moisturizers and the serum. (Which I purchased and previously reviewed! love!) I tried out the right color for a few days and it still was dull and lifeless to me. It was the opposite of glowing, it was MATTE. I even used moisturizer and strobe cream. Unfortunately for me, matte is just something I am not interested in.

For me, this product gets a thumbs down!! However, be aware that I have very very dry skin, this might and probably would work like a DREAM for someone with an oily- normal skin type. I definitely do not recommend this for the drier skin types.

Bummer, however I have found something I LOVE! Actually, 2 things. More on that later!

Anyone else care to share on this?

Mascara Dupe Du Jour 10.27.09

I have a thing about eyelashes...obviously, so it is natural that I am very picky about mascaras. I have been loyal to my YSL Faux Cils for over 4 years now. I have gone through endless tubes of this stuff. It is my favorite by far ever, but at $28 a pop it is quite expensive.

What I love about it? The luxe packaging, the gorgeous smell, the fake eyelash effect it gives. Basically, on the whole it is the best mascara that I have found ever. The only problem is it dries out pretty quickly, hence going through a ton of it.

Recently, I was told that L'Oreal Carbon Voluminous was a dupe. Usually, i would say NO WAY! Nothing could come close to my beloved YSL, but L'Oreal is the parent company of YSL beauty so I figured lets give it a shot. Also, my YSL is beginning to dry out.

And boy, am I glad that I did. It is EXACTLY the same minus the scent. I love the scent but for about $20 less I can live without it. It is exactly the same formula and brush. Usually i find the secret of a good mascara is in the brush!

YSL on Left, L'oreal on Right.
Usually the YSL brush looks like the L'Oreal one but it is beginning to dry out! :(

Has anyone tried L'Oreal Voluminous?

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Du Jour 10.26.09

So I know this is a cult item and have all seen our mothers use this, but I am not sold. I have been using this for two weeks now. I like it, but I do not know if it is really doing all that much and it smells kinda funky.

Anyway, This is the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. It is a very light liquid that I use after I cleanse and before I moisturize. The reason I started using this was just to give my skin a bit of an extra hydration boost!

From the Estee Laude Website:

WHO SHOULD USE ADVANCED NIGHT REPAIR?
Advanced Night Repair is for every woman, every night.

• Based on solid, scientific findings and over 25 years of proven success, this is the one formula your skin shouldn't live without.
• No matter your skintype, no matter your age, it helps your skin look younger and healthier.

WHY REPAIR AT NIGHT?
Studies show that nighttime is the right time to repair, because you can maximize existing natural processes that occur in your skin.

• Since there's no need to fight off UV rays and other environmental assailants, skin can focus all of its energies on repair.
• Skin is also more receptive to ingredients that will help restore and revitalize its appearance.

I have read reviews claiming that this serum is a miracle worker... not so much. I have heard it heals blemishes over night and yadda yadda. False, I have one and its still here! As for the moisturization benefits I have not seen too many results yet. I w ill try it for another month. As of now I will not be re-purchasing this. I will however update you all if my opinion changes!

Packaging.

Dropper in the cap- I like that it has a dropper, very easy and clean to use.
Runny, Liquid Texture.

Has anyone else tried this? Any thoughts?

Sephora FF Du Jour 10.25.09

Look what came last week!!

It's like christmas!

Reviews to come this week...

Did you guys wind up getting anything?

NYC Before Sunset Du Jour 10.25.09

The view from my bedroom window in my apt...

Obsession Du Jour 10.23.09: Shu Uemura BG907

So you all know my love for my YSL Rouge Volupte in #2, Nude Silk or something like that. Well I found a dupe for half the price with longer lasting power. YES!

Shu Uemura BG907. This is my favorite color lipstick. It is a nude pale pink, but does not give you the concealer lip look. It is described on Sephora's website as pink nude. Pretty right on! It adds a HINT of warmth but still very nude and neutral. I am loving it. I have been wearing it non stop for a week now, I bought this a while back and havent really tested it out much untill recently. I also bought another one that I will test out later on. Shopping my stash is always a good thing.

I am such a fan of this color, it is a miracle worker. It is that PERFECT color for my complexion. Do you know what i mean? A color that just instantly makes you look brighter, your complexion better? Yeah, this is an HG product for me, will NEVER be without this one!

With flash.

Without flash.

The consistency is creamy but not as creamy as YSL that is definitely why it lasts longer. Also @ $23 dollars it is $11 less than the YSL, which is pretty significant! Also, it has zero scent which might be a plus or negative depending on your preference

I will definitely be pick up some more of Shu's lipstick. I am really liking it.
In my opinion this is an absolute must have if you are into nudes and pinks!

Have any of you tried Shu's lipsticks?

Eyeko Du Jour 10.22.09

I have had this product for a bit now. I picked these up when I was last in London which was in August. The packaging is really cute and the price point is great. This is another UK drugstore goodie. Again, WHY DO WE HAVE NOTHING LIKE THIS?

Anyway, on to the product... I bought the highlighter and Bronzer. The first time I used it I used it with my fingers and I hated it. The second time I used a MAC stippling brush and I loved it. I do not use them together. I have used the highlighter as a base to my makeup and I like it alot, I also use it after my makeup is done just along the high planes of my cheek bones.

The bronzer is only good if you use it with a brush also, again, this one I apply after my initial makeup has been applied. I apply it to the same places as I apply regular bronzing powder. I love me a good bronzing product. I guess you could say this is the poor mans Chanel Universal Bronzer...one of my favorite products.

I really like both products, I do not find them overly glittery just shimmer which I like. The price is great, You can not beat the price actually!


The texture is slightly, um, wierd, but I like it. It is an almost gel-like slash mouse. It jiggles.
Blobbed on...
Blended in... very subtle
Has anyone tried this? I am sure all you UK girls have tried it!

Inspiration Du Jour 10.21.09

I love the almost sepia tone.

I love this girl.

I love her hair.

I love her bracelets.

I love the whole feeling of this picture.

I think I got this from Barestyle?

Jewels Du Jour 10.21.09

Hello Ladies- so ass you know my other love besides beauty/ cosmetics is jewelry!

Rosewood beaded bracelets made by me. Vintage gold scarab bracelet from Egypt.

Well after much deliberation I am finally doing it and starting my own jewelry line with my best friend, Stephanie, you all have seen many pictures of her. I have been making jewelry for years and finally we have gathered enough motivation to do it.

I am always covered in jewelry and am constantly being stopped and asked about it, so I mind as well go for it. We have a name and all but once we are set up with a website you guys will be the first to know about it (thanks for all the encouragement and questions on where to buy my beaded bracelets- you will now have a place!)

Quick blackberry shots of my various jewelry worn on a daily basis:

My panther ring!

The two rosewood beaded bracelets and the black one, woven silk cord and rhinestones to the most right are made by me.

The first woven chain (silk thread, silver chain and rhinestone) and the last rhinestone bracelet is made by me.
Leather, Chain and Rhinestone Woven cuff made by me.
Made by Hermes, I wish I made that one... HA!

I will let you all know how it goes... watch here for more news. I probably will make a new blog with my best friend for all Jewelry related news as not to bore the few of you that aren't interested.

Sleek Part 3 Du Jour 10.20.09

Here is my last installment of Sleek products that I received at the dinner with the girls from Sleek. This is another goodie, gel eyeliners. These are crease proof and budge proof. They make very nice bases and obviously great eyeliners.

The reason I love this product so much is not that it is innovative, but that no mass market makeup brands in the US have gel eyeliners. You can not find a quality gel eyeliner in a drugstore for peanuts! This is comparable to Stila Smudgepots, Coastal Scents and Bobbi Browns eyeliner gels.





This is most comparable to the Coastal Scents gel eyeliner in terms of longevity. MAC Fluidline is a bit creamier and softer, this is a bit of a thicker gel, which I kind of like. The lasting power is great. I do not know much about the color range though, that is the only downside. I heard Coastal Scents came out with a lot of new colors.

I do not wear gel eyeliners all that often as I think they are a semi pain in the ass. I like real true liquid liner, quick and easy!

Has anyone tried Sleek Gel Eyeliners? Thoughts?

Baby did a bad bad thing...

I love that song!!! I secretly LOVE Chris Issak, well not so secret anymore.

ANYWAY! Sephora friends and family starts today and I was maneuvering my list around for a week and finally came to my final list... yikes! Way too much.

I ended up with:

				Amazing Cosmetics/Amazing Concealer To Go/0.2 oz Medium Biege (Light)
				Korres/Watermelon Lightweight Tinted Moisturiser SPF 30/2 Medium Honey
				Yves Saint Laurent/Parisienne Gift Set ($93 Value)/Parisienne Gift Set
				NARS/Bronzing Powder/Laguna
				MAKE UP FOR EVER/Aqua Eyes/Light Taupe 24L
				MAKE UP FOR EVER/Aqua Eyes/Champagne 23L
				Josie Maran/Argan Oil Moisturizing Stick/0.55 oz
				NARS/The Multiple Coffret/The Multiple Coffret
				Sephora Brand/Professionnel Platinum Powder Brush #50/Professionnel Platinum Powder Brush #50
				Sample/Tocca Aqua Profumata Salina - 0.03 oz
				Sample/Kenzo KenzoAmour Eau de Parfum - 0.04 oz
				Sample/Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Ash Blonde and Brunette - 4 x Single Use Powder

What did you guys get? I am on a beauty ban until December! I am serious this time.

Halloween Du Jour 10.15.09

Halloween is almost here, I love halloween! Its so fun, the creepiest people come out in New York City which is actually a little bit scary.

Look at my cool crystal skull I bought filled with skull and bones candy. It was $18 at Dylan's Candy!



What should I be for Halloween? I keep hearing Lady Gaga, I feel like everyone is going to be that though... any ideas?

List Du Jour 10.14.09

Here is my list... I need to cut it down though. I am capping myself at $150.
A lot on this list is re-fills. What are you guys getting? Any must haves?

Saks Friend and Family Sale Du Jour 10.14.09

Hello ladies. I just got word Saks Friends and Family sale starts on the 15th, tomorrow and runs through the 19th. It is 25% off clothing and only 10% cosmetics, but the big hitters on are on sale like.. CHANEL! Also, there is a free ship code that can be combined which is awesome.

The code for friends and family is FRIENDS2 but I have also seen FRIENDS3.

The free shipping code is OCTSHIP9.

There is also a great free gift with purchase from YSL! The code is YSL23. The bag along is worth the $150 in cosmetics that is required to get this gift.

I know I will be getting a refill of my Chanel Vitalumiere and two Rouge Laque in Dragon and Ming. The rest I will get from Sephora with the larger discount of 20% off, but there is no Chanel anymore at Sephora :(

What will you be all getting? Please share!
Coming up, my friends and family list for sephora...be scared!

Illamasqua Dystopia Du Jour 10.13.09

Why am I so late and behind on everything? Oh yeah, because my life is a disaster because I work so much...

Anyway, I received a lovely package from Illamasqua and right in time! I was perusing the website the night before trying to place and order and I just could decide what I wanted to try. I still need to pick up Static and Android pigments because those are calling my name! I hear Static is completely sold out already...woo hoo that went fast! Bummer for me though!

I got to try out the Silver Liquid metal which I obviously love and the hot pink lipstick, again, adore.

I wear nudes daily, but for a fun night out on the town or to dinner this hot pink is rockin! It is the perfect cool toned fuschia pink.

I am using the liquid metal daily, you might be like um how? Well, I use it with a small eyeliner brush on the inner corners and run underneath my eyeliner on the lower lid. Its very fun and bright! I am a big fan! I love how soft it is and how deeply pigmented it is. I have read it is being compared to MAC's Metal- X collection (which I have) and I do not personally think so. The color is similar to MAC's similar one but the texture and formulations are eons apart!








What have you tried so far?