Chanel recently launched their Les Beiges collection (read here). A natural looking collection with a healthy dose of color to enhance and brighten the complexion for summer. Sounds promising so I jumped on board and purchased one of two Les Beiges healthy glow powders in 01 Mariniere. The other, 02 Mariniere, was nice but a tad too dark / orange for my really pale skin tone so I passed on it. Both Chanel Mariniere powders are housed in a really nice luxurious looking cream colored mirrored compact. The Healthy glow powders offer skin protection from the sun with an SPF 15 and can be used as a highlighter, bronzer, blush, sculpting powder or face powder. They are on the price-y side at $65 each (.39 oz) but considering this is not your typical face powder and they are a multi-purpose powder with SPF 15 sunscreen protection that is to be expected. On me I'm pale enough that 01 Mariniere works best on me as a blush, a highlight and as an all-over face powder. It didn't look overly powdery on my already dry skin and it seemed to brighten ever so slightly the areas on my face once it was applied. Application with the enclosed fan brush was okay but it tended to make things a tad powdery. I achieved better results using the Chanel 7 blending foundation make up brush. This brush is similar to the MAC duo fiber face brushes but in my opinion the Chanel brush is more compact and the duo fiber bristles are less uniform so it allows for better coverage. Either brush will work but I achieved better results with my Chanel brush. Wear time with the Mariniere powders is more a matter of personal preference. Since it's also meant to be worn outdoors then depending on the person's activity level reapplication may be necessary after just a few hours. Or it could wear longer if physical activity is kept to a minimum. Either way, in my opinion these multi-purpose healthy glow powders are a good investment piece to have in your collection.
Marc Jacobs 302 Allow Me is a glossy medium pink lip lacquer with a peppermint scent and fine flecks of sparkle with a slight iridescence. Allow Me is one of the brands more pigmented lip lacquers. When worn alone it applies with a nice wash of medium pink gloss and wears for about four hours. Over a lipstick such as Marc Jacobs Have We Met (see swatches here) it transforms itself into a beautiful iridescent glossy mauve pink and wears for about six to seven hours.
There are eighteen shades of Marc Jacobs enamored hi shine lip lacquers available for purchase. They currently retail for $28.00 USD, contain .16 fl oz of product and are available at Sephora.
Nordstrom is taking pre-orders for their HUGE Mascara Madness event.
Nordstrom is hosting their Mascara Madness event this coming Saturday, May 23rd. This one day only event will be held all day and most Nordstrom stores will accept pre-orders up until Friday, May 22nd. For those who are unfamiliar with this event - Nordstrom allows shoppers to purchase (in store and online) two mascaras and then receive a third mascara for free. Last Nov. there were no limits on the number of mascaras pre-ordered (I pre-ordered 9 of the Guerlain Maxi Lash mascaras) and you were able to purchase from across multiple brands. Just remember the lowest priced mascara will be the freebie so keep that in mind while shopping.
When you pre-order for the promotion you are guaranteed your mascaras and you will not be billed for them until a day or two before the event. If you decide to wait and make a purchase on the day of the event then quantities will be limited and your favorite brand might already be sold out. The same applies for making a purchase online as well. Additionally, online purchases will only apply to select brands while in-store and pre-orders will apply to all cosmetic brands. So don’t miss out on this exclusive Nordstrom opportunity! Hurry in and get your pre-order before your favorite brand is sold out! Also there are some exclusions - the B2G1 free promotion does not apply to lash primer or enhancing products (i.e. lash plumping serum).
**Please note** All information listed in this post (including the exclusions) are subject to change. I will be sure to update this post immediately should that occur.
Last year, several readers had questions about the event so I'm posting those questions and answers here:
a reader asked how do they pre-order -
To pre-order one can visit their local Nordstrom department store and pre-order from any cosmetic counter. If you don't have a Nordstrom store nearby you can call the closest one and they will let you pre-order over the phone. Then Norstrom will mail out the mascaras to you. Or if either option is not feasible then you can order online from the Nordstrom website the day of the event. Keep in mind though the more popular mascaras will sell out quickly the day of the event so don't wait!!!
a reader asked for mascara recommendations -
It all really depends on what kind of eyelashes that you have and personal preference. When choosing a mascara it all depends on several things - how wiry (hard) or thin (soft) your lashes are, do you want volume (making them look longer) or fullness (making them look thicker) and the last thing to consider is how far apart are your lashes spaced. Are they clumped together with little to no space between them or are they kind of sparse and spaced far apart. Lancôme HYPNÔSE DRAMA is a good mascara that doesn't flake, smudge or smear but it applies wet and over time dries out rather quickly. Chanel Le Volume (one of my favs) is another great mascara but it takes several swipes to get a good application onto the lashes. Chanel just released their Waterproof Le Volume mascara so I pre-ordered a few of those this time around. Guerlain Maxi Lash is great as well and I pre-ordered nine of them this past November. I do not like Benefit They're Real - it smudges, it flakes and I hate the wand. However others have had a great experience with it. Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill mascara is another good one too. My last pick would be Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara which is another fav that I am currently using. I've tried Bobbi Brown's mascara but it makes my eyes itch so its a no go for me. Most of my favs are based on the fact that my lashes are super soft, medium length and spaced close together with no gaps. So I can recommend what works for me but I would also suggest you start collecting samples. Most high end department stores carry samples of their top mascaras so you can try it before you spend a bunch of money on something that may not work for you.
a reader asked about picking up pre-orders -
If a paid pre-order is not picked up the day of the event then the store holds the items for you. As a courtesy please call the store to let them know you will stop by later. Or upon request they will mail them to you if necessary. If pre-orders are not paid in advance then the store may not hold your items after the event ends UNLESS you call to make prior arrangements. Communication is a must!!
Natural beauty glows on with a versatile, lightweight makeup collection that effortlessly creates healthy colour. Multi-shade compacts enhance the complexion, while creamy colour sticks brighten and contour cheeks.
With the release of the limited edition LES BEIGES DE CHANEL 2015 collection the brand sought to expand on their wonderful and ever popular Healthy Glow products. These Healthy Glow products are perfect for Summer and are a "MUST HAVE" staple for the beach or vacation! This collection features nudes and healthy glow products to keep you safe while out in the sun all the while looking fresh and beautiful with healthy glowing skin!
Lightweight, multi-colour powder offers a palette of effortless effects. Acts as a highlighter, sculpting powder, bronzer and blush - all with a sheer, natural finish and broad-spectrum sun protection. Contains .39 oz of product.
N 01 MARINIERE (limited edition)
N 02 MARINIERE (limited edition)
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HEALTHY GLOW SHEER COLOUR SPF 15 - $58.00 USD
With an effortless touch, this innovative, versatile powder makeup enhances, brightens or bronzes the complexion for a custom glow. On its own, it heightens skin's natural beauty; over foundation, provides a sheer, luminous finish. Advanced technology protects against skin-dulling environmental stressors, while White Rose and Cotton Flower offer absolute comfort for even the most sensitive complexions. In seven no-fail shades; each, with its own sculpted half-moon brush.
HEALTHY GLOW SHEER COLOR STICK - $45.00 USD
Creamy formula blends seamlessly with skin to enhance, brighten and contour. Healthy-glow shades help sculpt cheekbones or refresh the complexion with a vibrant, velvet finish. Presented in a sleek, portable black case with beige 'CC' monogram. Contains .28 oz of product.
N 20 (limited edition)
N 21 (limited edition)
N 22 (limited edition)
LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES GLOSSIMER - $30.00 USD
204 ROSE TENDRE
206 BEIGE STAR
HEALTHY GLOW HYDRATING LIP BALM - $36.00 USD
Comforting balm veils lips in sheer matte colour, while softening and smoothing. Presented in a sleek, portable black case with beige 'CC' monogram. Contains 0.1 oz product.
N 10
LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR - $27.00 USD
Classic and trend-defining shades in an exclusive formula that strengthens and moisturizes nails as it delivers high-shine colour. Applies evenly without streaking. All Chanel nail products are formaldehyde-free, toluene-free and DBP-free.
Using built-in brush applicator, lightly apply colour to nails. Let dry and reapply colour until desired intensity is achieved.
