Product Review: MAC Cremesheen Lipstick

Guys, gather 'round, actor announcement! I love MAC's Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme in Your Coffee! I love it so much that I wanna take it behind a middle school and get it ... um, on my lips.*

Okay, remember my last MAC lipstick and how much I loved it? Well it's still great and all, but I've discovered the shade is a titch toooo dark and it is just a little toooo drying to wear regularly. And because of my short attention span, if I don't wear it regularly, I pretty much don't wear it at all. But this, my friends, this is the real deal.


First, the colour. It, like MAC Fast Play, is a pink-brown midtoned neutral. But it is a little more pink/mauve than Fast Play, and a hair lighter. Combined with the slightly less pigmented finish, it means that it goes on more subtly, but still classes up my act so much so that I feel I should wear ridiculously wide-brimmed hats to some garden parties or something. (AKA: I feel all lady-like and stuff.) It goes great with lots of different looks, save for the smokiest of eyes, perhaps.

But the colour's not all. The Cremesheen formula is just gorgeous. Pigmented and matte enough to feel like real lipstick - because hello, I have like 8 similarly toned sheer & shiny lipglosses, and that's just the ones in my purse right now. But with a slight sheen to it, so your lips look hydrated and soft. It also feels substantially nicer than the Amplified Cream formula... I can wear it all day in comfort, though I do need to put on a little extra balm at night-time. It also lasts a good amount of time, and when it does wear, it wears evenly (no gross crusty ring around the outside of the lips).

So yeah. I know it's not like a hot Spring release or whatever, but a good neutral lippie is worth a thousand flash-in-the-pan trends, no?


*30 Rock? Anyone? Bueller?

Product Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor

Hey guys and dolls, how's it going? Can't believe it's October already. Seriously, the thought of this being my Supposed-Last-Year-of-Grad-School makes me want to cry hysterically and vomit. Vomit hysterically? Yeah, pretty much. There's so much work left that it seems impossible to fit it all in. So in typical Glitterati fashion, I turn back to frivolous things as cosmetics and fashion and getting-drunk-in-the-afternoons* as ways of escape.

As you may have noticed, the makeup posts (okay, posts in general) have been sorely lacking. Part of this can be attributed to what I call the "product plateau". This occurs when I have accumulated so much makeup, in so many shades, formulas, and textures, that I am drained of the slightest desire to purchase anything else. Sure, I'll buy some foundation and concealer when I run out, but I stick to the tried-and-true, and so am not inclined to post about these favourites again. 'Tis a sad sad day indeed when a self-proclaimed beauty junkie goes to the drugstore to buy conditioner, and actually leaves with just conditioner.

Fortunately for me, and the North American economy, Fall has arrived! As chilly rain sweeps through the days, I am again inspired to spend my hard-earned dollars on all things vain and unnecessary. God bless the September issues.

True to self, the first thing I was drawn towards was lipstick. Sure, I have a gadzillion rich berry/vampy lip colours already, but c'mon, that was so 2 years ago. When I saw that Maybelline had launched a mass-market knock-off of Lancome's ColorFever lipsticks, I knew one had to be mine.





Maybelline's Colour Sensation lipsticks bear a similar chic casing to their pricier sisters -- a shiny metal tube encased in a clear Lucite cap. Unlike the Lancome lippies though, the jewel-toned caps of Color Sensation lipsticks match the color-family of the lipstick within. Red lippies get a red cap, plums get a purple cap, neutrals get an amber cap, and pinks get a fuschia cap. Cute, yes?

To celebrate the season, I picked up a tube in Plum Perfect. Swiped on directly from the tube, it's a dark, intense, blue-tinged plum. Like a dark, seductive wine. I'd wear it this way if I was in a Scorch-The-Earth mood, or if I was feeling a bit punky. However, pat a finger over your lips repeatedly, and the shade softens into a sophisticated stain. Still rich and still a "statement" colour, but elegant enough so that you could easily wear it to work. It leaves a nice clean line, and doesn't seem to bleed or feather much either. Truly perfect for Fall and Winter.

Like the Colour Fever lipsticks, Color Sensational Lipcolour is a relatively moisturizing lippie. Because it's not gel-based, it's less smooth and smooshy than Maybelline's Moisture Extreme lipsticks. But, because it's not gel-based, it also lasts a heck of a lot longer. Still, I think most ladies will want to put a nice moisturizing lipbalm underneath.

Sidebar: I've heard that some people find these lipsticks to have a really unpleasant, waxy smell to them. I don't find this to be a problem with my tube -- it has a mild lipsticky smell to it -- slightly waxy, I suppose, but not really scented at all. However, I smelled some other colours in the store, and the neutral shades do seem prone to this. So, sniff before you shell out, I guess.


Congrats to Maybelline for this solid effort. At $9 or $10 CAD, it's on the pricey side for a drugstore lipstick, but it is a quality product. I would not hesitate to get it again on sale, smell issues notwithstanding.


But most of all, it's just nice to break out of a makeup rut a little, you know?



* Not really.**
** Okay, yes really. Do as I say, not as I do, folks.

Lippie Product Reviews: Sephora Lip Stain, Urban Decay Lip Envy, Prestige LightShine Sheer Gloss Liner

Oh hey, it's almost Christmas! Which means it's almost New Year's, and I know what's on everyone's mind during this festive season: Holiday Makeup that Lasts!

Oh alright, maybe makeup isn't at the absolute top of your priority list. But when you're running around doing that last minute holiday shopping, or up to your elbows in turkey stuffing and cookie batter, it'd be nice not to have to worry that your lipstick is bleeding.

For lipcolour that is sure to last through canapes and cocktails, a lipstain is your best bet. Remembering the good things I'd heard about Urban Decay's old lip stains that came in marker form (now discontinued), I picked up their Lip Envy stain in Envy. Let me just say, that was a mistake! I guess it went on easily enough, though it felt kind of drying. The colour was just way too harsh... a deep vampy red. Normally I don't shy away from reds, but this was just too goth, and not at all festive. It emphasized dry flakes too. To its credit, the colour was incredibly rich and pigmented, but I ended up returning it.

I had much better luck with Sephora's Lush Flush Wine Lip and Cheek stain. A sheerer gel-based version, 1 coat leaves your lips with a light tint of cool pinky red. Apply more to build a deeper colour. It's not a red exactly, it's got a bit too much pink for that. But still, a nice holiday colour, and the formula lets you play with it a bit before it sets. I've never used it on cheeks, but if you like cheek stains and use a light hand, this looks like it'd be a handy multi-tasker. As with all lip stains, if your lips are not in perfect condition (and whose is in this wretched winter weather?), it will go on a bit patchy. I've had good results applying the stain with the sponge tip, then using a q-tip to blend more accurately.

Finally, I must tell you about the neatest drugstore find! Prestige has a new lip liner out called a Sheer Gloss Liner. Unlike a normal liner which deposits solid heavy colour, the Sheer Gloss Liners draw a semi-opaque line that goes on smooth. The formula is hard to describe... it's not a gel exactly... maybe more like a soft wax? This liner was designed such that you can wear this under lipgloss to up the staying power, while still maintaining that sheer, see-through look. It's also got a light, pleasant vanilla scent. Personally, I love just using this on its own! It's a softer look than lipstick, but it stays on so much better and manages to feel smooth and non-drying. I nave it in Hibiscus, which is a cheery, neutral-cool light red, but I definitely need to pick up more shades!

Well that's it for now lovelies, as you can see it is 4am and I'm exhausted from Christmas shopping, cleaning, and packing. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday season, and that Santa's kind to you!

Product Review: Cover Girl Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lipgloss

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Today is the last day for Comment for a Cure! For every comment left on this blog until midnight tonight (the witching hour!), I will donate $1 to the Canadian Cancer Society, to a limit of $50. ALSO, your comment enters you into the draw to win this lovely bottle of Donna Karan's Cashmere Mist!


There are lots of reasons to buy a drugstore lipgloss these days. There's that big bad recession thing, of course. Even in more abundant times, we often want to pinch our pennies in the "frivolous spending" department to save up for bigger and better things. But for me? The best reason to buy a cheapie lipgloss is that it's just really really terrific.

I'm not sure that I had ever tried a Cover Girl gloss prior to this. I think it had something to do with the name... "Wetslicks". Sounds like seal skin, or oil spills, or um... something really X-rated. Not exactly appealing things to think about as you're applying goop to your lips.

Even when they came out with the Fruit Spritzers, even with the alluring fruity scent and the ANTM-hawking, I somehow resisted. Until I tried it during one sleepless, late-night drugstore amble (anyone else do that?).



Needless to say, I was really impressed! The shade I picked up, Raspberry Splash, is a sheer cool pink, with a really attractive "watery" quality that I like. The feel is anything but watery though, it's just right - not too sticky and thick, but not so thin it feels like it's going to run all over the place. Pretty moisturizing too! Strangely, it smells nothing like Raspberry, but rather exactly like Hubba Bubba Watermelon bubble gum, which I LOVED as a kid. So this is a-ok by me!

I liked this gloss so much that I picked up another 3 shades whilst on a Binge Shopping trip in Buffalo NY. (Don't knock Buffalo. It has a Target AND outlets!) Guava Splash is equally awesome - it is a very slightly peachy pink... paler and warmer than Raspberry, and gives what I call a "baby lips" effect. Really innocent and soft, and the scent is pretty much the same watermelon-y yumminess.

Berry Splash was just ok. (I think either this or Guava Spalsh is the pink shade pictured above) There's more cool shimmer in this one, so it leaves my lips kind of frosty. You have to work a bit to blend the colour in, otherwise the frost sits unevenly. Still, not a bad choice for certain looks. Scent is some vague but pleasant combo of watermelon and berry.

Fig Spalsh was a big disappointment. It looks like a pale caramel in the tube, and I had high hopes for it both in the colour (perfect subtle nude???) and the scent (figgy deliciousness???) departments. Sadly, this shade is just way too frosty/pale and hard to blend on me. If I use a very thin layer, it is not too bad, but generally it gives me what I call "90's lips". And the scent is this weird chocolatey thing, which I'm not into.

Oh well, so they're not all perfect, but overall these Spritzers are a great buy. Lasting power is med-low, but hey, they cost $5 and are fun to apply, so I'm not complaining. Always happy to find a deal!

Pink Product Review: Clinique Buttershine in Ribbon Pink

The Comments for a Cure Campaign continues! Please leave a comment -- for every comment made until the end of October, I will donate $1 to the Canadian Cancer Society, up to a cap of $50. I extended the campaign since so far, I've raised a very impressive ONE dollar. Seriously people, help me out! ;)


So, unless you've been hiding out under a rock lately, you will know that the economy is suffering on a global scale. So much so, for some countries, that the underside of a rock actually seems to be a pretty good place to take cover until all this kufuffle settles down.

But in reality, life must go on, and part of life (mine, at least) involves makeup. And if you're going to be buying makeup during these tough times, then you might as well do some good with your consumer dollar, right? Of course, there's a slew of lovely "Pink" products to choose from, but if you're looking to get the biggest donation-bang for your buck, then look no further than Clinique's Buttershine Lipstick in Ribbon Pink.

A whopping $10 out of the purchase price of $16 goes towards the Breast Cancer Awareness Research Foundation. That's 62.5% of the sale price!

Other equally-important reasons to love this Limited Edition lipstick is how great it feels on. It's not as "smushy" as a lipbalm, but it glides on nicely, with no oily or goopy feeling. It lasts pretty much as long as a regular lipstick, but feels much more moisturizing -- even after the colour's gone, my lips feel soft and smooth.

And of course... the shade! A light-medium pink that's sheer enough to work on most skintones, Ribbon Pink packs a sparkly punch! The micro-glitter is plentiful, but not gritty, and adds great sparkle to your lips. If you're really not a sparkle-lip kind of girl, you might want to check out Estée Lauder's lip trios instead (I know I will... tomorrow!), but me, I love the sparkles. It ain't no gaudy disco glitter either... from a distance, it just looks like a nice natural shine. Here, see for yourself:

       

Bare Lips on Left, wearing Pink Ribbon on Rigth. Pretty!

I could definitely see putting this over a peachy lip pencil, or used to tone down a too-dark shade as well. Finally, if all that wasn't enough for you, it comes in the most darling silver case, with a magnetized closure, mirror, and pink ribbon within (of course!). Smooth glossy lip colour for a good cause... you can't lose!

For a detailed breakdown of where your "Pink" dollars go, check out Jazmin's list at Makeup Moxie. It's not surfing just a great beauty blog, it's *education*. ;)


BBN_BCA BBN_C4AC

Product Review: Annabelle Eyeshadow

Hey folks! This will be a random sort of post... I had a big fun-and-funnel-cake filled day at Canada's Wonderland today, so I am kinda pooped, not to mention a bit queasy still from all the sugar and spinning.

But some things cannot wait! There are often times when I bemoan my Canadian status, in the sense that there are so many great drugstore lines (e.g., Max Factor, Neutrogena, etc) that just aren't available up here. But sometimes, the tables turn and it is WE that have awesome brands that can only be had from the Great White North. Quebec-based Annabelle Cosmetics is definitely one of these, and my Canadian lovelies, this one's for you!

I've tried their blushes (ok, but not too exciting) and lip glosses (great texture and shine, but somewhat limited colour selection). But the real standouts are their eye shadows... smooth, silky shades with good colour payoff (no chalkiness here) that blend well and stay put. Some people even draw favourable comparisons to MAC shadows... what more could you ask for?

I have Annabelle shadows in just 3 shades so far... Gleam (pictured) is a pretty, neutral (almost cool) shimmery light-to-midtone champagne shade, perfect as a base or highlight. Suedine (pictured)is a gorgeous neutral-warm taupe, perfect for creating a softly smokey eye. It's not really as dark or red as it looks. Cloud is a shimmery light silvery taupe, cooler than Suedine, but great as a highlight shade for said soft smokey eye.


I've also tried a couple of eyeshadow duo's from Annabelle, but they didn't really appeal... not sure if I just picked the wrong shades, or if the quality is actually not as good. They also shatter relatively easily, which is not good for my clumsy self. But the single shadows! They are winners.

Oh, and what handy timing! Shopper's Drug Mart is having a sale on these! $2.99 for select types of Annabelle shadows, eye liners, and lip liners (oh, yeah, the lip liners are nice too! Love the metallic ones... Berry Bijou is so creamy it's almost lipstick). Even at the regular price of around $6, the single shadows are a steal, and with a good mix of easy-going shades and trendy pops of more vibrant colours, I will for sure be stocking up! The sale is only on until Friday Oct 3, so get on down and check it out!

Awesome Sale! 25% off ANY Lumiere Cosmetics Purchase

Hey folks! If you've been a long-time reader of this blog, you'll know that I am a huge fan of Lumiere Cosmetics. And if you're also a fan, or you're looking to try out some new mineral makeup, then there's no better time to act, because Lumiere is offering a 25% discount on their entire inventory*! Lumiere's prices are very reasonable to begin with, so this extra discount adds up to a really fantastic deal.



While I'm super thrilled about the deals, the reason behind the sale is bittersweet: The owner of Lumiere, Kim, recently lost her beloved dog Bruno. Bruno was a rescue pup from the Humane Society, and had been a gentle and loving companion to Kim and her kids for the past 8 years. Bruno will be greatly missed and fondly remembered, and Kim is paying tribute to his memory by donating 10% of all profits during this sale period to her local Humane Society, so that other pets like Bruno can continue to be adopted into loving homes.

Having dealt with Kim on several occasions, I can say that she is the nicest person, and her dedication to her customers amazes me every time I deal with her. I'm so sorry for her loss, but so appreciative that she is taking time and effort to do good deeds with her business, even during what must be a difficult time for her. Please support her endeavour (and the Humane Society!) by checking out the Lumiere website... you're sure to find something you'll like!


As for me? Predictably, I had trouble cutting down the huge list of things I wanted. I'm stocking up on their Luminess mineral foundation, which gives light coverage and a beautifully glowy (not sparkly) finish. As well, I've fallen hard for Sweet Cherub silk blush: it is this gorgeous, slightly shimmery nude-pink that looks angelic and innocent, and unlike any other blush I've tried.




I'm also getting a truckload of eyeshadow samples (seriously, these little containers last FOREVER), and I'm looking forward to testing out their mini-lip gloss sampler as well (so cute! 6 shades! your choice! only like $11!).






Another favourite is Lumiere's Silk Radiance in Island Sands -- a light dusting of it adds a soft-focus glow... it's like carrying around your own personal supply of flattering lighting! In my books, it's essential for a romantic date or a fun night out on the town. Or weddingns. Or photos. Or mornings after you've stayed up all night blogging and your face looks as blah as you feel. I think you get the point.




Oh, and I can't believe I've never given it a proper review, but Lumiere happens to make the best Kabuki brush I've ever tried, forever and ever amen. I couldn't imagine applying mineral foundation without it: kitten-soft, but dense and firm enough to do the job right, this thing has yet to shed 1 hair, and I've been using it daily for over a year. Plus, it's only $16, which means only $12 with the discount! Crappy drug-sore kabukis cost more than that... if I didn't already have 2, I'd buy another one. (Have I mentioned how much I love this brush??)



Okay, that's enough out of me for now. Get on over to the website and place your order already! The sale is only on until Friday September 26th, so don't miss out!



* Minimum purchase of $10. Which is laughable, since I could easily spend 10x that amount on their stuff.

Product Review: Laura Geller Lip Shiner

Arrgh! Is there anything more frustrating (at least in the world of makeup) than finding your perfect shade of something, only to see it discontinued? Especially when that item is crucial to the classic look that is the Nude Lip. I'm talking, of course, about my favourite nude lip gloss, Beige Théoric by Bourjois (aka: The Gloss That Cured My Nude Lip Phobia). I was finally running out of my little purse-sized version, so I decided to pop into Sephora to pick up a full-sized gloss. But to my (astonished) chagrin, they were discontinuing the Bourjois line! I couldn't believe it... Bourjois seemed to be well-liked brand, and at a pretty reasonable price-point. What gives???



Anyway, I immediately began swatching like a crazy person, looking for a duplicate shade. Sadly, nothing matched exactly. Oh there were close ones: Vincent Longo's Perfect Shine Lip Gloss in Dolce was lovely, with a great texture, but didn't have enough warmth or pink. Stila's Lip Glaze Mocha was too cool and dark. The darker shade of Soho in Cargo's Lipgloss Duo was also close, but I'd heard not-great things about the lasting power, plus the tin was bound to get super goopy in my purse.

Sephora's Ultra-Shine Lip Gloss in Beige (#20) had nearly the same effect as Beige Theoric -- even though it was a few shades paler, it was also much sheerer, so the end result was similar. But, I hesitated to spend $17 on a gloss with such a low colour payoff. I allllmost went for Lorac's Plumping Gloss in Missie -- the shade was almost dead on (a teeeeny bit too peach/brown, but whatevs), but at the last minute decided against it due to all the sparkle and the plumping factor (it seemed to irritate a little, but that could have been because I'd been rubbing gloss on and off my lips for the past hour).

Okay, yes, I know, high maintenance much? But I swear, there's a happy ending here. While I didn't end up finding an exact dupe of Beige Theoric, I did come across a totally fantastic gloss. Remember the Creme de Gloss by Christian Dior that I practically faintned over? Well, Laura Gellers Lip Shiners totally mimic the texture and look of those glosses, at about half the price!




The gel-based formula feels super creamy and moist, just like Creme de Gloss. It's maybe just the slightest bit tackier, but leaps and bounds better than most glosses. And just like Creme de Gloss, it leaves a nice amount of pigment, and the shine comes from the super-fine shimmer in the formula, rather than entirely from the gloss itself. This means that even after your morning cup of coffee, you'll still have a bit of nice gleam on your kisser.

I could probably do without the burnt-caramel scent in the gloss ... it's not really unpleasant; sort of like crème brûlée. It's just not really my thing. Fortunately, the scent disappears pretty much immediately, so it's not bothersome at all. Most of the shades are all shimmery, but not frosty (they also have a clear shade), and there are 9 easy-going colours to choose from. I ended up grabbing Bermuda Sand, which is a gorgeous golden/bronzed pink shade. No, it's not the same as Beige Théoric, but it's awesome. It's not quite a nude shade for me, but it tones down my pigmented lips, and would bring a bit of fresh colour to the typical smokey-eye/nude lip look.

And the best part? At just $17 CAD a pop, I can afford to indulge in several chic tubes of this plush gloss without massive amounts of spendy guilt. Which is more than I can say about anything by Christian Dior.

Oh, and as for the saga for My Perfect Nude Gloss... I ended up hopping online to to buy my coveted and endangered gloss. Strawberrynet.com has a whole bunch of Bourjois goodies in stock (some discounted!), and will ship anywhere for free. Naturally, I stockpiled a bit, just in case. If you prefer to do your bargain shopping IRL, I found that L'Oreal's Made For Me Naturals in Dune, Maybelline's Moisture Extreme in Nude Blush, and Annabelle's Le Gloss Stick in the nude shade (sorry, can't remember the name) are all decent.

So I guess the moral of the story is that a: Laura Geller's Lip Shiners totally rock, and b: there really is a nude lipcolour out there for everyone. I should know... I've tried them all!

Product Review: Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Butter & Lip Butter

From the archives. Just wanted to mention that I still love this butter, plus The Body Shop recently lowered the Canadian prices by a couple bucks, to reflect how well our dollar is doing. Still a splurge, but at least they tried!

A few quick words about the Body Shop's new Pink Grapefruit stuff. I am already addicted to the shower gel in this line, so I was super excited to see that they were coming out with the corresponding body and lip butters.


First, the Body Butter: MMMMMMM! The consistency is similar to many of the other body butters (perhaps a tiny bit lighter and more gel like), but the smell! It's incredible -- they've captured the sweetness of pink grapefruit, and balanced it out perfectly with a salty tang. Yes, you read right, SALTY. It's subtle, but it totally sets the scent apart from the millions of other pink grapefruit products out there. It is as refreshing and zippy and summery as a Seabreeze, and The Boy goes "Oh my god you smell so good" without fail whenever I use it. Total winner.




I wish I loved the Pink Grapefruit Lip Butter as much. I really wanted to love this. The scent is sweetly delicious, and the texture is much much creamier than Lip Butters of yore. They must've changed the formulation -- gone is the crumbly dry mess that used to be the lip butters. The new and improved version is smooth and almost whipped.

Sadly, this tends to leave a milky, white/pink look to the lips. While this might be a good thing for those looking to rock the Surfer-Girl chic, for the rest of us it is an unfortunate side effect. Also, this means you'll have to make sure your lips are already smooth before applying, otherwise the balm will emphasize any dry flakes. Moisturizing power is mediocre -- again, better than before, but not great, especially considering how plush the body butters are. Still, the scent is quite yummy, and for that alone I will use up my little tub.


To offset all this awesomeness, the Body Shop has raised the prices for their Body Butters YET AGAIN. They're now $20 CAD a pop, up from a price increase to $19 less than a year ago. But with the Pink Grapefruit, Strawberry, and trusty Nut butters crowding the top of my need-to-have-it list, I'd better keep my eye out for those 2 for $30 sales! Bastards.

Ask the Body Shop!

Hey y'all! Some of you may know that I used to work at The Body Shop back in the day. I loved the job... learned a lot, and made some lifelong friends. It was a blast! One thing I remember especially was watching the training videos for the then-newly released makeup line. I loved The Body Shop's head makeup artist, Chase Aston, both for his helpful tips ("bend the mascar wand when applying to another person's lashes") and for his lurrrvely accent. So when I got the opportunity to ask Chase some of my most burning beauty questions, I jumped at the chance. Here are my questions, and his answers, for your viewing pleasure!



Glitterati: Wedding season is upon us, and with it brings a whole lot of photo ops. Do you have any tips on how to look your best in photographs? (For brides and guests!)

Chase: Here's the secret to looking amazing in your wedding photos: add some special touches that you would not normally wear everyday. Visit your nearest The Body Shop store wearing your normal everyday make-up, and speak to a consultant about trying a new look for a special occasion. Ask her to demonstrate The Body Shop Spring Bloom collection on you and/or any other products to create a look for that special day.



Glitterati: Over the past few seasons, we've seen a lot of striking looks on the runways: from the return of lipstick, to all-over-neutrals, to bold 'n bright eyeliner. What beauty trends have inspired you the most? What trends or looks do you forecast being influential in the upcoming seasons?

Chase: When working on creating color trend collections, I work closely with The Body Shop product development team. The inspiration comes from art, color trends, fashion and the environment. The team liases with trend forecasters, then we discuss new formulations, textures and innovative trends and products. Once we have assimilated all this information, myself and the team then start laying down shades and formulations, that are trend led, innovative and also suit most our global customers. The Body Shop sells in over 52 countries, so it is a very tall order, but very exciting, always.

A trend that I believe will be influential in the upcoming seasons are a near-nude mouth. It catches light for an instant plumping effect and appears ethereal when part of a dewy, monochromatic face. It can be paired with creamy neutrals on eyes and liquid foundation on skin.



My fave Body Shop products for achieving these looks? For a flawless photo-ready complexion, consider applying your liquid foundation with a foundation brush. Yes, it takes more time, but you get a smooth, perfect finish, and you actually end up using less foundation. It's also very easy to stipple on extra product on problem areas, so you get coverage without masky-ness. The Body Shop's foundation brush is nicely weighted, with soft-yet-firm bristles, and at only $20.50, it costs less than other brushes of similar quality.





Since weddings are all about chatting and laughing and drinking and eating, I find that a lip stain lets me do all that without worrying about how my lips look. The Body Shop makes a lightweight gel version in a slightly-cool red. It goes on sheerly for a boost of healthy-looking colour, perfect for Spring. Double-duties as a cheek stain too!






As for the perfect nude mouth... I truly don't believe that there is one nude lipstick that is flattering for all. You simply have to get out there and try on a bunch of colours to see what works best for you. But to acheive an innocent, ethereal look, I cannot wait to try on the new Blushing Daisies Powder. Aside from the adorable compact, the shimmering shades (in Light Pink, for my skintone) look like it would be perfect for creating a multi-faceted, angelic glow. The Marula oil in the formulation keeps it silky soft and non-drying, and the different shades in the compact can be used in varying intensities all over the face for that chic monochromatic look that Chase describes (check out the link above for tips).


Many thanks to the Beauty Blog Network and Chase Aston for making this Q&A possible! Be sure to check back in the next couple of days to see what other beauty bloggers had to ask Chase!



Photos courtesy of The Body Shop and Metropolis Japan

Product Review: French Kiss Gum & MAC Rougette Mattene Lipstick

Hello lovelies! Hope you're all doing well? I'm feeling a bit feverish over here... I'd like to say that it's "love's light burning upon my brow" or something equally poetic. Or that I'm all frenzied with excitement over my upcoming super duper awesome Boston trip. I LOVE Boston! (Any Bostonian readers? Would love your rec's about what to do/see/eat/drink while I'm there!)

Alas, I think it's just the normal kind of fever.


Anyway, enough about being sick... today's post is all about stuff that might get you a little action on Valentine's Day.

I was watching this ridiculous show on TV last night. It's called Keys to the VIP, and the premise is that 2 or 3 guys are tossed in a random nightclub and given insane "assignments", through which they prove how they are the ultimate playa.

It is completely preposterous. For example, one assignment demanded that the guys pick up a girl after insulting her by offering a piece of gum for her bad breath. No joke. One guy was stupidly good-looking, and the other had a hot Aussie accent, so they actually managed to pull it off. Mere mortal men might have more trouble though, and thus might need to rely on a prop like this:



French Kiss Gum. Created by Dr. Harold Katz, breath guru to the stars (who knew?) and the man behind Therabreath, just pulling this little packet out of your pocket is bound to create a stir.

This sugar-free gum promises to fight bad breath better and for longer than regular gum. I put it to the test one day by eating a big hot dog loaded up with mustard and onions immediately before a meeting with my supervisor. He didn't faint or start crying or demand that I leave his office, so I must assume the gum worked.

Seriously, while I don't know that this works that much better than traditional gum, I do enjoy the flavour. It's a sweet berry with a tiny bit of spice to it (think Christmas rather than Cayenne). I like that there's no tell-tale "I'm-trying-to-hide-my-coffee-breath-with-mint-gum" scent, although I would have liked the taste to last a bit longer. (Note: according to the website, the gum's bad-breath fighting abilities continue even after the flavour's gone) Plus, it's a heck of a lot cuter than pack of Juicy Fruit.

I did propose to a male friend that he try to pick up girls at bars by offering them a little French Kiss, and he promptly went into a very exaggerated and gay impression of how (badly) that would go. Right. So if butch gum is more your thing, don't worry, Dr. Katz has got you covered too. GUY GUM, I kid you not. ("Now with chain-link fencing in every package!")





As for the action-getting lipstick? One night, when I was mad at my usually-wonderful boyfriend over some silly thing, he walked in, stopped in his tracks and said "I know you're mad and you probably don't want to hear this right now... but that lipstick is really f-ing hot."*

The culprit? MAC's Mattene lipstick in Rougette. I've already raved a little bit about it, even calling it the "PS Kiss of pinks". But a lippie this good deserves a full review.





The swatch from the MAC site is close, but not 100% accurate... it's bit less purpley and bright than that. Rougette is a medium-dark, rich, cool raspberry pink. This semi-matte formula is really lovely... smooth and velvety with that trademark vanilla MAC scent. It's comfortable on, but I like to prep with a good lipbalm since I have dry lips.

Wear it with minimal makeup, a white shirt and blue jeans for a celeb-style casual look. Or wink at the 80's and do it up with big full lashes and a little black dress for a night on the town (easy on the smokey eye though... the look is fun, not trampy). You could even pair this with work clothes if you work in a not-too-conservative office, and if you keep the rest of your look restrained.


The Mattenes are limited edition, but Rougette and some other shades are still available on the MAC website.

Despite this Valentine's themed review though, I would not recommend kissing while wearing this, unless you love the smeary-faced look (hello Lucy Liu in Cashmere Mafia!). But ain't it nice to know that a little lipstick could help get you there?


* Men, if you're reading this, that is wrong. We ALWAYS want to hear it! ;)

Product Review: Dior Crème de Gloss

Run... RUN, do not walk, to your nearest Sephora or Christian Dior counter. Because Dior's latest lipgloss is worth the workout.




Dior's Crème de Gloss is touted as a creamy lipstick in a gloss. The description from the Dior website, which is obviously and charmingly translated from French to English:

"Its soft and gentle texture as a cream, with the lightness and freshness of a gloss, gives to your lips a "cocooning effect", and offers, with its new ultra flexible applicator, a smooth comfortable film without sticky effect.

With all the wealth of a nectar, Crème de Gloss offers an absolute comfort, thanks to a concentrate of ultra-nourishing ingredients. Immediately smoothed, the smile is durably cared and shaped for perfect lips. Ultimate exploit, 6 hours after application, the hydration of your lips increases by 25%."


This creamy gloss is absolutely gorgeous. It feels AMAZING. (And yes, I have tried other Dior glosses and they're fine, but this knocks them out of the park.) It's a doe-foot applicator, but it's extra bendy, which makes it feel softer on the skin. The gloss is silky and luxurious, without even a suggestion of stickiness. I put it on when my lips were feeling kind of dry, and to my amazement, it felt nicer than some lip balms. A gloss that actually improved the condition of my lips. I couldn't stop smushing my lips together, it felt so good. (Oh yes, quite the sight in Sephora I was.)

I tried on Creamy Almond, the lightest shade, which is a somewhat frosty cool pink. Normally, a colour like that would go on chalky or streaky on me, but this applied like a dream. Crème de Gloss comes in 8 different shades, and they all look elegant and lovely. I'm in lust. I'm in love. Dare I say it? This is the BEST gloss I've ever put on my lips!

The price? Not so best. A cool $31 CAD. But I must have a "smile that is durably cared and shaped for perfect lips"! I simply must! Of course, I can't comment on staying power, but you can bet that I'll update this review as soon as I find that $30 Sephora gift card I have somewhere (xoxo, Ex-Roomie!). I've held on to that baby since last January, and clearly this is the sign I've been waiting for. Cha-ching!



Seriously, why are you still sitting there? Run! Run now! RUN!

Product Review: Rimmel Vinyl Lip lipgloss

I have had a most exhausting week, and it's not close to being over yet. But it seems like everyone's in the same boat. Certainly those hard-working police officers who pulled me over on my way home from work yesterday were busy. Busy writing me a ticket for slowly rolling through a stop sign, 2 blocks from my house, at 5 in the frickin' morning*.

Seriously guys, I know you have a quota or whatever, but fuck off, ok? Way to take $100+ from a poor underfunded grad student** who wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed for a couple measly hours of sleep, before having to star it all over again. The only thing that puts any justice into the situation is that I was flying down the Gardiner at like 140 KM/H earlier that night. So I guess we'll just call this one karma. But they're still assholes.


Anyway, poor Kristen over at Beauty Addict has apparently also been having a hellish time at work, and recently wrote a post about the beauty routines that are the first to go when we're frantically busy. Me? Definitely the hair. Heck, even on a good day, I'll sometimes pull it up just to get it out of my face, so when I'm unshowered and un-conditioned? A big ol' un-glamorous bun it is. And let's not even talk about the eyebrows.

But even in my sleep deprivation, I need my lipgloss. One I have been reaching for a lot lately is Rimmel's Vinyl Lip in Snog.





Snog is the perfect shade for those brainless days. It's a medium goes-with-everything mauvey pink. Slightly on the cool side, but it's pretty neutral, and has only a whisper of shimmer. Just a shade deeper than my medium pigmented lips, this has enough colour to put some signs of life back on weary faces, but not so much that you have to, you know, match it with anything.

Texture wise, this is great. Really smooth and fluid with a medium thickness, and you could probably get by without using a lipbalm underneath. Lasting power leaves a little something to be desired, but hey, it's cheap enough at about $6 CAD. The only potentially off-putting thing would be the scent. It has this insanely candyish orange scent to it, as if you'd just licked an orange sucker and stuck it under your nose. Reminds me of Vicks Vitamin C Drops, or even a Mr. Sketch marker. Not a problem for me, as I love orange candy, and rather like the smell. It fades substantially as you wear it, but if you're not a fan of scented lip products, steer clear.

A great gloss for on the go, or if you just want a pretty, natural lip look. I may even wear it to traffic court, in an attempt to charm the bastards into letting me off sans demerit points.


* Yes, I came home from work at 5am. Like I said: exhausting.

** The Finns have it right, I say. According to their formula, the police might have even ended up paying ME!

Product Review: Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil

With the Christmas Season fast approaching, we're starting to see all sorts of holiday-flavoured items on store shelves. From Cranberry to Spiced Vanilla to scents ominously named "Christmas"*, it seems retailers are doing everything it takes to get us in the festive spirit, whether they have to cram it down our throats or up our noses!

Still, I can't say it doesn't work. All it takes is a whiff of cinnamon here, a nip of chocolate and oranges there... and before you know it, my bells too are a-jingling**.


Proof of this not-so-subtle influence at work? I was in the market for a new lipbalm the other day (because I lost that Palmer's one that I am most recently addicted to), and instead of going for the tried-and-true, I picked up a tube of Burt's Bees Replenishing Lip Balm. What really got me was the promise of "pomegranate oil", and the pretty packaging. It seemed so cheerful and seasonal!

Well, despite its aesthetic merits, I'm afraid this lipbalm alone can't carry me through the holidays. Its glide is pretty smooth (none of that godawful grittiness that was in the Burt's Bees Honey lipbalm), but it feels a little bit waxy, and doesn't really sink in to dry skin as much as I'd like. It'll be ok to keep lips from getting dry, but if they're already dry, this balm won't do much. I certainly wouldn't call it "replenishing".

On the plus side, it has a very unique scent -- a sweet-tangy flavour, mixed with something spicy over top. Not quite cinnamon... anise maybe? Cloves? It was a bit strange at first, but after a few uses, I started to really like it. It's kind of refreshing in a slightly herbal, cider-y way... definitely a winter scent. The balm also imparts a slight rosy pink tinge to the lips -- not so noticeable that it looks like you're wearing gloss, but it does add a kick and sheen to your natural lip colour.


So if you're looking for a deep lush lipbalm to take away the winter flakes, keep lookin'. However, if you just want a basic, cheery holiday balm that isn't the peppermint/chocolate stuff that everyone else is hawking, give Burt's Bees pomegranate lipbalm a try.


* What does Christmas smell like anyway? Surprise puppies on Boxing Day? Reindeer hooves clicking on rooftop shingles? Accumulation of credit card debt?

** I have no idea what that's supposed to mean. I thought it might come to me after I finished the post, but... nope, still nothing.

Product Review: MAC Fast Play Amplified Creme Lipstick

AKA: I AM SO FRIGGIN' IRRITATED!!!

They* say that MAC is like the gateway drug for department store cosmetics. Nestled next to all the other shiny, exclusive-looking counters, the salespeople (*ahem*, make up artists) know what they're doing, and people rave about the colours/quality/packaging. Yet, the price points are low enough that it doesn't feel like a giant leap from your plebian drug store buys.

And then you get addicted to the helpful MA's who give real opinions (ever tried asking the stock-boy at Shopper's which shade of lipstick he prefers on you??), the neat, clean, and available testers, and the (in some cases) genuinely better products. All of a sudden, $20, $25, even $30+ dollars doesn't seem that much to spend for a good lipstick anymore.


Well believe it or not, friends, I have NEVER owned any MAC lip products, other than a way-too-sticky tube of clear Lipglass back in the 90's, when it was all the rage. That is, never, until last Friday. But this Friday? Back to being MAC-less! Lemme explain...


I had this professional-type wine and cheese thing to go to, and I wanted a subdued but polished look. Red lips were out because they were too attention-grabbing, and gloss wouldn't do because it wouldn't last 3 minutes with all that wining and cheesing going on. All the other lipsticks I had on hand just weren't right... too cool, too bright, too shimmery... arrgh!


And so I decided I'd stop by at a MAC counter on the way, to pick out the perfect colour. I mean, with apx. 13-bajillion shades to choose from, one HAD to work, right? After some deliberation and assistance from said helpful MA's, I settled on Fast Play, in the Amplified Creme formula.



       




Looking at the swatch, I'd never think to try that, as it is rather warmer than I go for. But in person, it was a subdued and neutral plummy-pinky-brown (the most infuriatingly meaningless shade description of all!). This seems like it would go with almost every skintone, save for the palest of the pale. It's a weird shade in a sense -- it looks so different in the tube than it does on my lips, which also looks different than on paper when I blot it off. But it worked!

I happily wore it to the wine & cheese, and I can report that it did a decent job of standing up to all those wine glasses. The amplified creme formula is gorgeous, soft and smooth, and with a very gentle shine that is one step above a matte, but less than a normal creme lipstick. Really a perfect finish for winter and fall.


So why am I so irritated? Because the day right after I bought it, I spewed the contents of my purse all over a parkade when getting out of my car. I thought I had picked up everything. But clearly I did not, as my very first and very lovely tube of MAC lipstick is now nowhere to be found. I can only imagine that some lucky soul happened upon it and is now enjoying** it as much as I did.


They also say that first loves are fleeting, but come on, I didn't even get a chance to fall in love before it was lost to me. How maudlin! So yeah, I'm pretty pissed, irrationally more so than if I had just dropped a $20 somewhere (which is more than the lipstick actually cost). It was a week a go, and I'm STILL ruminating over it. The only thing that brings any solace is the fact that at least I didn't lose the P.S. Kiss! (Well, that and the fact that I might just go back to MAC and buy another one. Or 5. Because they had the Mattenes out and they feel SO much nicer and plusher than one might expect, and... See what I mean? Gateway drug!)


So yes, hope you all enjoy your weekends, and don't be surprised if I come back next week broke in money, but rich in MAC!


[EDIT: DARN you, Karen, and your amazing and photo-licious review of the Mattenes. Now I must own Rougette, and maybe also Composure. So yum!]



* The voices in my head.

** But, ew, who wears lipstick that they found in a parking lot?!?! Even if it looks brand spanking new. WHICH IT WAS.

Product Review: Revlon Colorstay Sheer Overtime Lip color

aka: How to look like Blair Waldorf.

Ack! I promised I'd post days ago, but totally didn't. Since the Canadian dollar is sky high right now, I took a somewhat impromptu trip to Pennsylvania to do some serious outlet shopping. Can I just say that I love America?

But anyway, the promised review. There comes a day in every girl's life when she has to stand up and admit to the people she cares most about her deepest and darkest secrets. That day is not today, because it is no secret that my guilty pleasure is watching Gossip Girl. The sole fact that Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars!) is the narrator is enough to make me watch the show*.

But aside from Kristen, the show is just plain addictive. You get the eye candy of the boys and men (Helloooo Rufus Humphrey!), the cattiness and wit of Clueless, and the clothes, good Lord the clothes, that deck out our Upper East Side elite.

Very quickly, I have become enamoured with Blair Waldorf's character. Gotta love that whole tragic-bitch thing (see also: Sara Michelle Gellar in Cruel Intentions). And of course she always looks immaculate.




And while I can't tell you how to get her cheekbones or chic Manhattan wardrobe without spending thousands of shopping-and-surgery dollars, I can tell you how to get her perfectly pouty lip look.

Revlon Colorstay Sheer Overtime Lip Colour in Sheer Pomegranate is the way to go, my friends.





This colour is a pinkish medium red that manages to be vibrant and rich, but casual. In the I'm-fabulous-but-I'm-not-trying style. Perfect for a candy-red pout with a hint of fuschia and shiny gloss to keep it modern and young.

But there are a gadzillion red glosses out there, why this one? Well, maybe rich socialites don't need to worry about things such as practicality, but I hate how red lip colours get over everything**. So, a long-wearing formula is a must. But long-wearing formulas tend to be drying and opaque, giving you crusty, flat lips circa 1980's, and that is no one's party.

Revlon Sheer Overtime lip colours are the only long-wearing products I've tried that actually feel kind of comfortable on the lips. This is no cushy Estée gloss or Clinique moisturizing lipstick, but it goes on smooth, and lets you play with it a bit before it dries into stuck-on matte-ness. The shiny gloss that goes over it is much less sticky that those in other long-lasting lip products (Maybelline, I'm lookin' at YOU), and the shimmer in it helps add depth to the colour. Although, since the base colour actually goes on relatively sheer, you're already getting some dimension there.

As for wearability, it's great. Yes, you will see some colour come off on your coffee mug, and no, it doesn't last for 8 hours perfectly (it does last though, it's just not bulletproof). When it does wear off, it does so gracefully, coming off in tiny specks, which means that the colour that does stay on your lips is not patchy or weird.





Let's face it, if you're going to look like a preppy New York social queen, it's going to take some effort. But these Revlon lippies help make things a bit easier, so you have time left over to focus on things like, you know, work, school, or being able to feed yourself. I have them in 2 other more easygoing shades -- Sheer Plumite (a cool pale lilac), and Sheer Rosette (a neutral light-medium rose) -- and I love them all.

As for the rest of Blair Waldorf's look? Keep the eyes soft with a slightly shimmery taupe shadow and feathery mascara, and swirl some neutral rosy blush on your cheeks. Pop on a headband, wear your most polished and preppy clothes, and maybe you too can be the queen bee of everything!


*If Kristen Bell did voice-overs for C-SPAN, I would watch that too.

** In fact, if the show were about real New Yorkers, we'd be seeing red smears all over coffee cups and deli sandwiches, instead of pristine and sparkling martini glasses.

Happiness!

Hi folks!

You know what happiness is? It is sitting around in my living room with not one single test or essay to grade. It is nibbling on some cheese while sipping a nice single malt*. and watching stupid, brainless TV. It is doing all of this, while wearing the most sumptuous, rich burgundy red lipstick... for no other reason than just because I can**.

And it's not just any lipstick, my friends. It is the coveted PS Kiss by Lancome. I miraculously managed to snag a tube through a most accommodating and considerate fellow beauty-obsessor in the US, and I'm so giddy and grateful it's a bit ridiculous. It's definitely a strong, statement-shade. The slight purple-y, almost grey tinge to it gives it a slightly ... bruised... look that is very modern, but not fussy. LOVE!

For a look at this lipstick in action, hop on over to MakeUp Bag -- Erika wears the shade so well. Plus she did this nifty series on red lipsticks that has been keeping me sane over the past week of sleepless nights and endless piles of undergrad writing.

And after all that, come back tomorrow where I will tell you how to look like the pretty shiny people on TV.


Pouty gorgeous scotch-scented kisses!
~G


*Lest you go off thinking that I live some hoity-toity glamourous lifestyle, let me assure you that I was wearing jeans and a floppy sweater and strewn across a futon. And I live in a basement that is barely taller than me. And the cheese was Cracker Barrel. So no, no glamour... I just like scotch is all.

** Let us consider this my official "F-OFF" to Maddox. (Pretty darn offensive link, read at your own caution) Even if he sort of has a point about the Crocs. (Sorry, Croc-lovers. But it's true, you will probably have much better chances of scoring if you wear real shoes.) [Ducks as various objects are hurled towards her]

Product Review: Palmer's Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Butter

Whoops, sorry for bailing on you guys last week. The dreaded cycle of midterms has arrived once more, which means I'm all about test-marking these days. Along with the hours of head-bashing frustration that is trying to decipher undergraduate writing under stress and time constraints, the past weeks have also brought... cold weather. Boo! I know... it's the end of October and the leaves are all orange, so what can I expect? But it is rather a shock to go from skirts and t-shirts to pulling out that furry fall coat.

Truth to be told, I love fall. It's my favourite season -- it marks a return to more dramatic makeup, plush fabrics, snuggling up with a cozy blanket, and of course, boots boots boots! But while a great pair of boots can cover up a neglected pedicure, those rich, deep fall lip colours will only highlight any cracked skin and flakiness on your lips.

To keep your kisser soft and nourished in cold weather, you've gotta try Palmer's Dark Chocolate & Peppermint Lip Butter.



The scent of this is amazing. It smells like those Girl Scouts Thin Mints, or those hard peppermint candies with the powdery chocolate inside. Delish! It doesn't taste like much, but the scent is so strong that you will *think* you are tasting something. Psychology!

Of course, the most important part is that this stuff is majorly moisturizing. It's as emollient as Vaseline, but without that awful petrol taste or the thick goopy feel. Palmer's lip butter goes on smooth and slightly greasy at first, but it absorbs quickly and evenly. It's the only thing I've found that will actually take away those dry flakes in under an hour.

The simple ingredient list is also a bonus. In the age of media scares (and that IS all it is, dammit!) about lead in lipstick and other such preposterous things, a product that contains only petrolatum (Vaseline!), cocoa butter, vitamin E, and fragrance is a refreshing change. There is peppermint oil in this though, so those with sensitive lips might want to give it a pass. Those without sensitive lips, however, may be happy to find out that the traces of the oil combined with the glossiness gives lips a healthy plump look.

All this for like $3 at your local drugstore (I found mine at Shoppers Drug Mart). With winter making a speedy approach, I'd better stock up so that there's one tucked away anywhere I might need soft moisturized lips!

Product Review: Estée Lauder Evelyn Pink Pure Color Crystal Lipgloss (Pink Ribbon Collection)

aka: All up in the Pinks.

Hello friends, can you believe we're half way through October already? This also means we're half way through Breast Cancer Awareness month, which means you've only got 2 weeks left to snap up all those "Pink" fund-and-awareness-raising goodies.

It can be hard to choose from amongst all the pink-themed products, but I had my eye on Estée Lauder's Pink Ribbon collection. I love Estée Lauder's lip products, and the company had committed to donating $500,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Besides, didja know that it was Evelyn Lauder who started the whole Pink Ribbon push 15 years ago?




This year's collection features 2 glosses, a lipstick, a bronzer compact, and a pin. Although the compact and matching travel brush was quite elegant, I am not much of a bronzer girl, and so I turned my attention to the lip products. The High-Gloss in Pink Ribbon was the same amazing texture and quality as the rest of the High-Glosses, but the colour was just too intense for me. It is a medium fuschia-pink that would go on sheerer than it looks in the tube, but just wasn't my cup of tea. I think it would look great on darker skin tones, or if you have cooler colouring than I do.

Deciding between the Pure Color Crystal Gloss in Evelyn Pink and the Pure Color Crystal Lipstick in Elizabeth Pink was harder. The gloss is a sheer, medium, cool-toned pink shot with silver sparkle, and is apparently Evelyn Lauder's favourite pink. The lipstick is paler and peachier... perfect for that signature nude pout that Liz Hurley (for whom the shade was named) does so well.

I went with the gloss in Evelyn Pink and it's lovely. Great with a neutral work face, the shimmer allows you to use it with darker eyes for the evening as well. And in case you haven't heard, Estée Lauder reformulated their Pure Color glosses this past Spring -- the texture is thicker and longer lasting, but somehow still retains that velvety smoothness and non-stickiness. Plus, the tube is slimmer and more streamlined, which makes it both easier and more chic to carry around. Oh, and they lowered the prices. (Yes!)

This was a fantastic little reward for a very busy month, plus it helped support a great cause. Definitely worth a splurge in my books! If you'd like to read more about where the Pink dollars you spend really goes, check out this article by the NY Times. Natasha Singer did a great job, and I'll be sure to refer to it for my next Pink Purchase!

P.S. Kiss by Peter Som & Lancome - Pout à Porter Collection

[EDIT: Embedded video now fixed!}

I've never been one to flip out over trendy, must-have items. Seriously! Limited editions, special releases, directors' cuts... these are all things I can appreciate, but I don't crave them. For one thing, half the time, it's all just hype. The other half that are actually worthwhile lemmings? Tend to be out of my price range. Besides, I can usually re-create a satisfactory version using the kilos and kilos of products I already own, which is usually enough to carry me through the craze.

And then I saw P.S. Kiss.



It looked gorgeous on the runways this past January. I wanted it. Badly. Then summer came, and my attention turned once again (inevitably) to sparkly sheer glosses. But those embers of desire leapt back into flames when I saw the promo video for P.S Kiss, featuring the designer himself:

I'm in love all over again.

I love Peter Som because on the outside, he's sort of like those brilliant engineer types on campus (albeit an immaculately groomed and well-dressed engineer type). Then he speaks, and he's humble and down-to-earth and you just want to hug him and have him over to your place for tea party and some quality gossip or something. Yummy indeed, Mr. Som.

I love (LOVE!) that song. It's "Oh Mirande", by The Dadds, who are like the Arctic Monkeys, but French, which makes them even hotter. You can listen to the full version here, and I'm totally buying their album the second I figure out how. (So far, it looks like the "how" would involve a plane ticket to France.)

And of course, I love P.S. Kiss. Behnaz was pretty, but too bright/tomato-y for me. Proenza Pink was just... weird. But P.S. Kiss is glorious. Polished and refined and edgy all at once. I want this! I want it I want it I want it! I'll even pay the $40 or whatever they're asking (which I never) do. I NEED it!

But of course, when I contacted Lancome, I was told that the lipsticks in the Pout à Porter collection are only available in the U. S. of A. And so instead of a beautiful deep wine colour, my lips wear a desolate pout.

Maybe I'll get a surprise trip to a Nordstrom's in the near future. Or maybe I'll find it on Ebay (although I'm not sure I'm willing to pay scalper prices... did you see that Chanel Black Satin craze last year?!). Or maybe, just maybe, Santa reads my blog, lives in metropolis America, and has access to extremely coveted cosmetic items.

I'd also settle for that ticket to France...