Currently Loving : February 2015

I was hellbent on doing a favourites 2014 post and had even gone as far as writing and photographing them .  But 2015 seems to be on a strong thrust forward and we are suddenly in March. So I decided to present you will my February favourites . These products I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Tata Harper Purifying Cleanser - I have been dancing around the Tata Harper range since my visit to New York last year July. The Boosted Contouring  serum is on my wishlist, but I'm undecided. I would not use Tata Harper products for an undying need to use 100% natural products on my face. However, I like the idea that TH is not outsourced to labs that make up a number of other brands formula's, but are manufactured on her farm in Vermont. I actually love the strong floral scents of her products. This is a pure botanical range that is meant to deliver results. I decided to purchase the Purifying cleanser when Net-a-porter had free shipping!. If I could order this in vats I would! It has a gel type formula with a slight oily texture, which does not foam. I massage it onto dry skin and sometimes throw in a little facial massage. It has an invigorating and refreshing sensation. I rinse with water and my skin is left soft an clean. It does suggest to apply on damp skin ,but I find I use too much and it does not feel as clean.

Koh Gen Do - Cleansing Spa Water - This is a really effective but 'gentle on the eyes' cleansing water. This is meant to have more skincare benefits than Bioderma. I love them both and they work equally well in removing makeup. So use whichever is stocked in your area. Unfortunately I bought 4 of these minis when traveling, so I am trying to use them up slowly - I'm on bottle # 3.

Perricone MD Formula 15 -a long time love of mine! -I recently started using this again in an effort to use up my open products. I had not used it for some time as I do try lots of new products. But, am once again seriously impressed with the results I get when I use this amazing serum . I have reviewed this previously here. Perricone does have two new concentrated serums being launched on QVC and hopefully everywhere else soon. I have my eye on these as my skin just seems to love Alpha Lipoic Acid and DMAE.

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser - My skin has finally settled after the upheaval my illness caused. Nars tinted moisturiser (in Groenland) just looks amazing on my skin. My skin is hydrated and looks fresh. I cannot wait for my order of the new Luminous weightless All-Day foundation arrives!

By Terry Terrybly Densiless Concealer - I got this in the beginning of the year sight unseen. I had a tiny sample of shade 4 which matched my skin perfectly. But, I wanted it to be slightly brightening so I chose shade 1. When it arrived I thought I would have to wait to buy shade 4 and mix it as it looked ghostly pale. With a sigh of relief it actually works perfectly. It brightens the under eye without looking like and owl. This is a creamy formula that never creases on me. I also has enough coverage to hide my lack of sleep. It's also packed with skincare ingredients. I reach for this concealer most days. I can highly recommend this to all those 35+ as the skincare benefits can only add to whatever eye cream you are using.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Lash Stretching Mascara- I got this Armani formula by default as my makeup mule in Hong Kong said the mascara I asked for was out of stock (obsidian -love) and my second choice ETK Extreme was also out of stock. Said mule also said Sales Associate looked so bored and was yawning. I screamed down the phone " take whatever mascara she has in stock and in black." I can safely say I have never met an Armani mascara I did not enjoy. Even thought this is meant to be lengthening I find it a good all rounder!

Lipstick Queen - this was my second LQ acquisition. Lipstick Queen hit out shores the end of last year and I am working on building my collection. Medieval is the red meant to suit everyone. While I cannot attest to that selling point I can say it's a wearable everyday natural juicy red. My lips are hydrated and feel comfortable wearing this. I will do a post soon on the LQ shades and formula's I have. Definitely worth a look for lipstick lovers.

Nars Pro Prime - everyones favourite primers. Great to keep my shadow fresh on my oily lids. Only gripe is that I never know when it going to finish!

That ends my list of products that I have been in heavy rotation . What have your's been, we must compare notes!

Till next time.

MR

xx

Nars Audascious Lipsticks - Anna, Dominique, Vanessa, Silvia, Raquel

Nars Audacous Lipstick was a major launch for Nars. They had quite a few this year - their dual- intensity shadows are amazing as well (review soon) I think, while all other luxury houses were concentrating on mattes for fall, Nars reinvented the creamy ultra pigmented lipstick- and they did it panache! I purchased 3 Barney exclusives (thank you frond!)- Dominique, Silvia and Vanessa and then after loving them so much - Anna and Raquel.

They do indeed, reach full opacity in one swipe. These pigments are powerful and delivery a creamy punch of colour. They have the texture of satin which leans towards a matte look without the usual harshness that comes with that. This for me is a very modern look. The packaging has lost the rubbery Nars feel and is  cool and sleek. As with most luxury lipsticks these days- it has a magnetised closure- which is lovely except when trying to take a picture and you have a uncooperative Silvia that just kept of hopping out of line! They are not featherlight on the lips , but feel comfortable and wear for a long time. When they start to fade, they do it with grace and dwindle to a lovely stain.

Dominique, Vanessa, Silvia

Raquel, Anna

Silvia, Dominique, Vanessa, Anna, Raquel

• Silvia - described as Radiant Orchid - all I can say is love- a pop of a bright pinky purple!
• Dominque - described as Pink Lilac - the most unique of the whole 40 lineup- this channels my inner 90's girl. Its a dusky lilac that is so intriguing. It seems to make my skin tone more olive in a way and gives a very mysterious look. My top pick.
• Vanessa - described as a mauve nude - apt description. This a good everyday nude without draining my colour or taking away from a bold eye
• Anna - described as a smokey rose - a wonderful rose shade that is pretty neutral on my skin tone.Yes I'm going to say it- my lips but a bettterrrr! and sexier
• Raquel - described as a pink nude - this has photographed darker than it actually is. Here it look just lighter than Vanessa - it is quite a bit lighter and gives my lips a flattering ultra nude lip that is lighter than my naturally pigmented lips. If you are looking for a slightly 'blanked out' lips whithout looking weird- this is the one!

There have been so many great lipstick releases this year, but this one blew me away. I can tell this is going to be the start of a beautiful relationship as I yearn after many more shades! These are kinda what I wish my Charlotte Tilbury lipstick (sorry Darling!) would be in terms of texture and look. If I remember correctly I said I liked them- something was missing- well, Nars found it! With such a big shade offering there is definitely something for everybody. Have you bought any of these Audascious lipsticks yet- any recommendations?

Nars Pierre Hardy blush in Boys Don't Cry

Nars released a collection in collaboration with shoe designer Pierre Hardy. True to his aesthetic the colour were a mismatched heaven, so meshed well with the Nars genius colour pairings. I came away with one of the two limited edition blushes, Boy's don't cry. I would have bought some of his duo nail polishes, but alas shipping of nail polishes is prohibited from most online stores. I am reviewing this only now, but have seen this blush still available, even though the new Realm of the sense and Soulshine blush palattes have arrived in stores. Apparently the new palettes have a new formula, not sure about Boy's don't cry, but I was extremely happy with it.

The blush itself is a feast for the eyes. There is an gold geometric overlay that wears off over time. It is a bright tangerine colour that is crisp and clear. This will add no muddiness to warmer skintones as the shade reads true and fresh on my cheeks. It is highly pigmented, but can still be slowly built up with a practised hand. I use my Suqqu blush brush as it allows for a buildable application. It adheres to the skin with no powdery finish

In the pic above there are a few sparkles, as I swatches when the overlay was still on the pan. This sparkle is gone once the overlay is brushed off. I initially resisted this blush and only bought it a few weeks after it's release, but am really happy with it's overall performance and unusual, but wearable colour! The new Nars palettes are already calling my name and I'm sure I will find it hard to resist.

What has been your favourite summer blush!

Nars Satin Lip Pencils - Rikugien and Biscayne Park

Nars Satin lip pencils were launched for spring/summer 2013. While everyone else offered up sheer lip products, Nars went for a creamy, lighter-than-air formula, that leaves a soft satin finish to your lips. These are infused with vitamins and hydrate your lips. You can use these as their own lip liner or as a base for a lipgloss. I really had a hard time choosing from the 13 shade line up. I settled on two fairly neutral shades - Biscayne Park and Rikugien. The shade names were inspired by parks and gardens from around the world and some that are special to Francious himself. The video created for this launch, which showcases the talents of Lisa Eldridge, had my nosed pressed against my computer screen. Just when I thought I loved a shade, that cool rocker chick came out wearing another! So here are my swatches. I hope they help you when choosing a satin pencil.

Rikugien, Biscayne Park

Biscayne Park with no shimmer, Rikugien with a lovely lustre

L-R Biscayne Park, Rikugien

Biscayne Park

Rikugien

Biscayne Park is described as a 'pink gauva', this is an apt description except to say is more muted once applied.  Rikugien is described as a 'rose pink'. I think this will be the most popular shade, as it is a wonderful (yes I am about to say it) - 'my lips but better' shade. It has a slight shimmer to it in matching particles. My only wish would for these pencils to become twist up's. I think most people have the same problem with them, as sharpening wastes product and it is a hassle on-the-go to carry a sharpener. I would also recommend that these should be popped in the fridge for about 10 min, as in a warmer climate, they could not sharpen well at all.  I can go about 3 days of using before needing to sharpen. My next pick would be Yu - a shocking pink. These are wonderful and easy to wear.


What are your thoughts on the new Nars Satin Lip Pencils?

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Nars Spring 2013 - Duo in Bouthan

Nars Spring 2013 is bold and uninhibited. This collection I find is more of a "pick one and I'm done', as they are hard to mix the two duos, Mad Mad World and Bouthan, into one cohesive look without looking like you came "Back to the Future" with Micheal . J.Fox in his snazzy Delorean (Ok I am giving away my age!). So I was satisfied to walk away with just one piece of Nars spring 2013, and Bouthan it was.

A stunning hot 80's pink offset by a soft baby pink. The bright pink is shot through with gold sparkle. It is very buildable. TIP: It actually works very well over Rouge Bunny Rouge Unforgettable Oriole for a more Suqqu-esque pearlescent finish. I did have fallout, so if you are not a fan off  'sparkly-face' syndrome, then walk on by. The bright pink is pretty much matte, making it on the harder side to blend. The baby pink is very sheer with sparkle too and was hard to see on my skin tone. I went for a full on look that is not for the tame. Bright pink over the lid and blended into the crease with the use of the baby pink shade. I used a soft black liner with a hint of a flick to stave off the dreaded pink rabbit eye that can come with a pink shadow. I kept the lower lash line clear and fresh. I wore Stila All you need is love on my cheeks (reviewed here) and Tom Ford Smitten on my lips (reviewed here). Mascara at maximum. The focus is on the eyes for this look. I do think if you are very fair, this pink could look like a case of conjunctivitis but for warmer skin tones it plays off nicely to create a modern twist. Blue eyed beauties, this will make your eyes 'pop'. The formula is ok for a matte (need to get som RBR creaminess here), but I do love (tis the power of love! compliments to Huey Lewis) the shades of pink offered. So if you too wanted to be Molly Ringwald in 'Pretty in pink', part grunge part funk, this duo is made for you.
It did stay on all day, is my last say on the matter. So if this post is so full of cliches of the 80's, lets just keep it between friends- because 'that what friends are for'!

Did Nars spring 2013 rock your world?

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Hot Red Valentine Lips - My top 5 Red lipsticks

Valentine's day calls for a hot Red Lip. I have chosen my top picks which comes in a sheer texture if your are celebrating in the Southern hemisphere and it is hot. A softer red sheen with flirty summer dresses makes for a pretty combination. My other picks are more dramatic and matte. So if your are on the other side of the globe, bundled up beside a fire these, velvet finishes are sure to please.

Burberry, Dior, Nars, Mac, Tom Ford

Tom Ford in Narcotic Rouge - red with pink tone

Mac in Ruby Woo - red with orange tone

Nars in Red Lizard - red with bue- more creamy

Burberry Lip Mist in Rosy Red #205 - blue red and glossy

Dior Addict in New Look # 745 red orange iridescence

Happy Valentines day - here's a virtual chocolate heart to all of you - xxx

Hi Friends. I would appreciate it if you could refrain fron including self- promoting links in your comments, as I then have to mark them as spam. I love to hear from you, but can only publish comments that adhere to the above. I am really forward to hearing from you all!

Nars Spring 2013 - First Look

Just came across the official pic for Nars Spring 2013. Drool while you look:)

What tickles your fancy?

Nars High Society and Vent Glacé

I always wait in anticipation for all new Nars collections. Fall 2012 was no exception. I chose High Society,Vent Glacé and Outlaw (will review soon) from the collection. Nars eyeshadows are highly pigmented and always right on trend and even trail-blazing the trend.

High Society is their trio for the fall season and is limited. What I usually like about the trio's, is that they combine a highlight, a deep and all-over colour. This palette has a pearlescent lavenderon the left side. This is my favourite shadowin the trio. It is pretty and the texture smooth and easy to blend. The green reads brighter in the pan. On application it is matte as described, but is quite muted. The purple colour which is described as a irridescent amethyst, look flatter and shows no gleam of any kind. These two colours feel hard to blend. The green and purple seem to have the same muted intensity, so I find them tricky to wear together as they have no clear distinction and seem to meld together. I think worn alone or with other palettes they will look better.

 Vente Glacé is a great accent duo and is also limited.  These two colours are quite light and cool toned.  The left colour is a frosted silver. It blends well and is good paired with a darker shade, perhaps Nars Grand Palais duo. The colour on the right is described as a 'silver smoke'. It reads like an olive silver. This shade can be worn alone over the entire lid or paired with the green from High Society.

Both these palette invoke the first chill of Autumn. Some of these shadows, I have found to not to be as blendable as usual and would have like the colour to have been true to those in the pan.

Vent Glace' and High Society

These colours swatch better on the arm. when blending on the eye they loose their intensity. Mabye used wet or packed on they will have a stronger look.

Which part of the Nars fall 2012 collection did you indulge in?

Nars American Dream palette - a new take on neutrals

I love it when Nars releases new palette's and when I can get my hands on them. About the same time as the fall 2012 was released, two new palette's with repromotes of existing colours were also made available. The American Dream palette contains a selection of neutrals, while the New Wave palette is a more bold offering electric colours for edgier looks. On one hand with repromotes you run the risk of having a lot of the colours in your own collection, but luckily I only had one colour in the American Wave palette and quite a few of the shades are one's I wanted for some time.

The top 3 shades are your good for highlighting, use as a base colour or layered over Bali. All are pretty and with soft iridescence. The bottom row add depth to this collection .These 3 are highly pigmented and a dream to apply.
The first shade Bellisima (1), is a whitish/cream sparkle, which I would reserve for highlighting the centre of the lid or if you are fair, under the brow. The next shade Alhambra (11) is a soft gold. The last of the top shades is Silk Road (11) which is a peach with gold undertone.
The first of the darker colour is Galapagos - a cult favourite amongst Nars fans. It is a medium rich brown with visible gold reflects. It really is beautiful for shading the outer corner or over the entire lid. The middle shade is Bali. This is a matte flat brown - depending on your skin tone you can use it as a contour shade for the bow bone area, or as a liner. The last shade is Tzarine (11). This is the one I own already in the duo format. It is a modern steel grey with tiny sparkles. I love this colour and it works well on all eye colours.
I consider this a neutral palette with a twist. It is perfect for soft everyday looks as well as modern smokey eyes in a few ways. This would be great for travel too. There is a mix of texture and all the shades work harmoniously together to create countless looks. So while I love it when Mr Nars work his wizardry and conjures up new exciting limited colours. I am loving this limited palette, which takes existing colours and puts them together in ways that even if I had them all as separates, would probably never put them together myself. The New Wave palette also looks like a good buy, but I do own 3 out if the six shades already.

(L-R)( T-B) Bellissima, Alhambra, Silk Road, Galapagos, Bali, Tzarine

What do you think of the new Nars palettes?

Nars Marie-Galante - Sensational summer duo

As I mentioned before, I am not quite ready for Fall Collections just yet. I still want to enjoy the lovely products that were available for summer 2012.

One of my best purchases of the season was Nars Marie-Galante. This is a whimsical duo of sparkling lilac and moody shimmering navy. The shadow is hard to swatch and requires some work when applying to get density of colour. This aside, once applied these shadows are worth the small amount of work needed for good colour saturation. They can be used in a variety of ways.

• Lilac over lid and navy to line upper and lower lash line
• Lilac over lid and navy worked into outer corners of the eye
• Navy over the lid and the lilac patted over the navy for a beautiful layered effect

Both these colours can be used alone over other matte shadows to add the shimmer and dimension. I attempted them wet but this did not make them more pliable. There was minimal fallout from the glitter, but this did not really bother me too much. The shadow has staying power and lasted most of the day, which is good as I have oily lids. This appeals to my girly and wicked side, just depending on your application. It is a versatile duo that has enough point of difference, that I would love it to be part of the permanent Nars duo selection.

As observed by other reviewers they impart a wet look effect. This is a new "formula" that I have not seen before. 

I have always received compliments when wearing this duo. I really think that if you can, get Marie-Galante fast, since it is limited.

What is your favourite product from the Nars Summer 2012 collection?

Nars Fall 2012 - Nars at his best

The Nars Fall (or as we like to call it here Autumn) collection is about to be launched on Narscosmetics.com on the 14th July and instores 1st August 2012. This is once again a beautiful yet surprising collection. Mr Nars has an eye for colour and always has new ways of mixing them. The trio High Society is a interesting mix of texture and shades which make's a warm transition into fall. The duo Vente Glace' adds the frosy feel with icy platinum and silver, which makes it a perfect compliment to the trio. What I really like about these colours is that that are so different from other Nars shades that I feel happy to purchase them, as they are all one-of-a-kind. The nail colour is aptly named Storm Bird, a deep sexy grey. The cheek colour Oulaw is a re-promote of a shade that everyone apparently loves. The lip colours are offered in a Velvet Gloss (More). a sheer lipstick (Autumn Leaves), a Larger than Life Gloss (Rouge Tribal) and a pure matte lipstick (Amsterdam)  which is the best matte lipstick I have found. The collection is rounded off with an icy accent Multiple (Undress Me). The different elements in this collection play off each other. The icy planes of the face are contrasted with jewel lips and strong eyes.

I definitely have my eye on the eye shadows, nail polish and perhaps the blush. This is a thoughtful, sophisticated, restrained yet bold collection which is does not dissapoint. With this collection about to arrive I am going to revisit Nars Summer 2012 before everyone forgets how beautiful it is. One lucky thing is that I'm about to go into to spring so my Marie-Galante and Ramatuelle will still be in heavy rotation.

Which Nars Fall items will be in your bag?

Thakoon for Nars in Ratin Jot

This summer Nars and famed designer Thakoon collaborated and created 6 limited edition nail polish shades. The collection was inspired by an Indian spice market. The result is a vivid and seductive range of colours that invoke the heady fragrances and bold shades of an indian market place.
I was quite hesitant to procure one of the Nars polishes as they seem to have received, on the whole, negative reviews for texture and wear. However,since I am a lover of all things Nars, I took the plunge and bought Ratin Jot from this collection.

The colour was even more beautiful on my nails than in the bottle. Ratin Jot is described as an "orchid purple." The colour is a a red-based purple that is bold and pretty. I painted two coats which was more than enough to reach colour saturation. The texture was creamy and streak free. The finish had a lovely gloss to it. The formula is pretty chip-resistant and wore for about a week. My manicure was not professionally done, so was not finished on all the edges with top coat which prolonges wear and since I am forever busy with my hands I though it wore very well. I am definitely eyeing the Koliary (cyan blue) and Anardana (Fuschia pink). All the colours in this collection will add a pop of colour to any summer outfit. 
They are toluene, formaldehyde, DBP free and retail at $18.

Any colour that you just have to have?

Valentine's Look

Pretty 'n Smokey

Face
Primer             Nars Multi protect primer
Foundation      Nars Sheer Glow in Fiji
Concealer        Clinique airbrush concealer #04
Cheek             Chanel Blush Horizon De Chanel
Illuminator       Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over
                       Radiance Creme in Iced Gold

Eyes
Base                 Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer
Lid                    MAC eyeshadow in Peek-At-You
Outer Corner     Nars Duo in Paris- Dark Grey
Crease              Nars Duo in Paris-Dark Grey
Eye Liner          MAC Technakohl Liner in
                        Graphblack
Lashes               Mac Half Lashes in 20
Mascara             Borjois Volumnizer

Lip
Lip Colour         Chanel  Rouge Coco shine#54



Tips
Apply Dewy glow to top of cheeks, just below brow bone
and on cupid's bow (portion just below nose where lip curve's)


This Look is about a soft focus romantic look that emphasizes the eyes.  The Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow adds a soft luminosity to the skin, elongates our cheekbones, arches our brows and makes our lips appear fuller and definitely kissable. Half Lashes add a hint of drama, so we can demurely look through them while gazing into our beau's eyes. Boy from Chanel is a petal pink which contrast's  well with the strong charcoal of the eye. When applying the charcoal to the outer corner, work your bush inwards in the crease. Remember to blend well. Liner both the upper and lower lash line and smudge with a suitable brush. I have a picture below of suitable dupes for the Nars Eyeshadow

L-R MAC Print, NARS Paris, BOBBI BROWN Black Topaz