BEAUTY HAULING / LATEST BEAUTY FINDS - JULY 2015 EDITION

Currently on my wishlist, or in my shopping cart waiting to be purchased , or already purchased and making it's way to me are a few of these goodies!

Givenchy Le Prisme Visage Mat Soft Compact Face Powder -
Currently on my list to purchase during the Sephora Beauty Insider Appreciation week are two Givenchy Le Prisme products: 21 Inspiration Rose and 87 Pink Velvet. Inspiration Rose is a Le Prisme blush powder and 87 Pink Velvet is a Le Prisme Visage Mat Soft Face powder. Both items were recently added to the Sephora website and are only available online.

NARS Baby Doll Lip Gloss -
Next up is the Nars fall collection. There are two glosses released with the Fall collection: Chelsea Girls and Baby Doll. Chelsea Girls is a nude pink and Baby Doll is a medium candy pink. I ordered the latter of the two and it should arrive either today or tomorrow at the latest so I'll try to post swatches. The rest of the collection is nice but it's a pass for me. I wasn't wowed by the velvet shadow sticks. Although there is a really nice eye palette I might get but I want to see and swatch it in person before I commit to it.

Marc Jacobs Beauty The Face III Buffing Foundation Brush -
OMG! Another Marc Jacobs brush! I must have this NOW...
The Face III is the new buffing foundation brush released in conjunction with the new Marc Jacobs full coverage foundation (see image at the top or the link below). I've purchased just about all of the Marc Jacobs brushes and they are absolutely fantastic and so worth the money. This brush will most definitely be going home with me.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate -
This is another product I'm super excited to try. Depending on how my skin is reacting I have several foundations in constant rotation. Most of my foundations offer light to medium coverage but there are times when I really need a good full coverage foundation. Especially for those days when I can't get my skin to cooperate and my hyperpigmentation is in full swing! The new Marc Jacobs Re(marc)able full cover foundation is specially formulated to give 24 hour coverage with a soft matte finish. Sign me up, I want it!

Dior 'Addict' Fluid Shadow -
The Dior Fall Cosmopolite collection features eight new fluid eyeshadows. At this time only six are currently available at counters but you can check out the other two here at Dior.com. Anyway, during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale I stopped by my local counter to see and swatch them in person and let me just say...LOVED THEM! There are two shades I definitely want to purchase: 655 Univers and 825 Aurora. There is a third shade 075 Eclipse I want as well but I have yet to find it anywhere.

Dior '5 Couleurs' Cosmopolite Couture Colours Effects Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition) -
Another item(s) from the Dior Fall collection are the two eyeshadow palettes: 766 Exubérante and 866 Electric. Both are gorgeous but I prefer the cooler colors housed in the Electric palette. The moss green, brown and burgundy colors are beautiful fall shades that will compliment my fair skin really nicely. I can't wait to purchase it.

Tom Ford Illuminating Powder -
New for Tom Ford is the illuminating powder. I have high expectations for this product especially for the $77 price tag. It is said to "diffuse imperfections and create radiant skin with this weightless and undetectable, micro-fine powder". My hope is the powder will brighten as well as illuminate the face and not enhance pores or dry patches. This is another product I will definitely need to see and swatch in person for sure.

Tom Ford Complexion Enhancing Primer -
I was most excited for the new Tom Ford complexion enhancing primers. There are two shades to choose from: Pink Glow and Peach Glow and both are said to compliment a wide range of skintones. It is a hydrating primer (Thank You Mr Ford!) that infuses skincare and makeup. It "brightens skin's undertone, reversing signs of dullness or fatigue, and helps neutralize the appearance of discoloration while minimizing the look of pores". YES, please! I think I need to buy a back up of this! I have already pre-ordered Pink Glow and it should ship out later next week. So you can expect swatches once it has delivered.

A few other products worth mentioning on my wishlist that I am looking to purchase are the Tom Ford eye and cheek shadow ombres, the Tom Ford illuminating duo powder and the Dior Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite Illuminating Face Powder.

SUMMER FASHION FAVS - JULY 2015 EDITION

Over the years one thing I have learned when working in a business environment is how to make the most of my wardrobe and my budget. Especially when I am trying to find clothes that will easily transition from a Monday morning business meeting to a casual Friday night out with my girlfriends or even date night with hubs all without spending a fortune. One of my favorite stores to shop for these types of clothes is Ann Taylor. 

Now Ann Taylor is not a cheap store. They carry better to high-end quality clothes with a mid-range price tag. So to get the most savings I would advise one to subscribe to their emails and sign up in-store to be notified of upcoming promotions and sales.

Here are a few of my favorite tops for Summer that I recently purchased in store and online (I'll include links for each of the items as well).

image: AnnTaylor.com

Scoop Neck Tee -
When I see the word "TEE" I instantly think of a plain white cotton t-shirt so don't let the name of this top fool you. Even though it is considered a "TEE" the look and feel of this top makes it more like a short sleeve shell blouse and it is the perfect layering piece. It features a scoop neckline which is nice and not so low as to be too revealing. With a straight hem it can be tucked in when worn under a suit or left out when worn with a cardigan, jacket or blazer. The fit, the fabric is a touch of spandex with a cotton - modal blend, is fitted but flatters the figure even us curvy gals. (FYI: Cotton Modal fabrics have a softer feel, shrink less, and are more absorbent than other pure cotton fabrics.) Typically I wear a medium in tops but this one does run small so I purchased it in a large. It comes in six colors and I purchased three: sky, black and white. STYLE #369769

image: AnnTaylor.com

Etched Rosette Tee -
This etched floral top features a scoop neckline, short sleeves and a shirttail hem. With this top the cotton - modal blend fabric flows and fits loosely around the waist. It does run a tad large so I purchased it in a medium. The cute floral pattern design of this top (which I LOVE) and the shirttail hem definitely evokes the comfort factor for me. It still falls under work appropriate when paired underneath a suit but I can definitely see wearing it tucked in with some ankle pants for a more casual Friday vibe as well. Or even left untucked adding a touch of jewelry to glam it up a bit and then pairing it with jeans or shorts for an evening out. STYLE #384995

image: AnnTaylor.com

Paisley Scoop Neck Tee -
This paisley top features the same scoop neckline, short sleeves and shirttail hem as the one above. What sets it apart is the fabric. It is a linen and cotton modal blend which gives it a crispness and drapes closer to the body. It does run small so I would advise going one size larger. I went with a large just so I could tuck it into a pair of dress pants comfortably and not worry about it coming untucked. For a more casual look I would pair it with some white cropped pants or ankle pants and then for a more relaxed evening look I would opt for some white denim shorts to pair with it. STYLE #369780

image: AnnTaylor.com

Bumble Bee Cotton Tee -
How cute is this top! I love the gold bumblebee motif and pair the top with some gold jewelry will really amp up the wow factor with this one. The top features a scoop neckline, short sleeves and a straight hem. It does run true to size. I purchased it in a medium and it fits perfectly. Keep in mind though, the fabric is 100% cotton so I would advise washing on gentle cycle and allowing it to air dry as opposed to drying it in the dryer. This will help reduce shrinkage and fading. STYLE #376622

image: AnnTaylor.com

Floral Medallion Tee -
I first saw this top at the Ann Taylor store in the Northlake mall. It is part of their new arrivals collection which consists of key pieces designed for the upcoming Fall 2015 season. The top has a scoop neckline, short sleeves and a shirttail hem made up of a cotton - modal fabric that drapes the upper body nicely. It does feel a tad big but it runs true to size so I purchased it online in a medium (the store was sold out of my size). The poppy colored accents found within the floral medallion design allow this top to transition beautifully from Summer to Fall easily. STYLE #385000

image: AnnTaylor.com

Etched Floral Tee -
This etched floral top is also part of the new arrivals collection for Fall 2015. The combination of varying shades of blue and poppy colored accents make this gorgeous floral top such a beautiful "Must Have" for Summer or Fall. It has a scoop neckline, short sleeves and a shirttail hem. The fabric is a cotton-modal blend but unlike the other tops this one drapes closer to the upper body and isn't as free flowing. For comfort I went with a medium and it fits true to size.
STYLE #385001

image: AnnTaylor.com

Lace Halter Top -
Now while this top definitely doesn't fall under the work appropriate category I still love it! This was my splurge but it didn't really cost that much. My husband and I have date night once or twice a month so I wanted a top that was both sexy and cute that I could pair with jeans, shorts or capris depending on the weather. This top is perfect for such an occasion. It features a halter style neck, it's sleeveless and the back has a keyhole tie. The material is a cotton / modal blend that flows loosely, has a shirttail hem (higher in front and lower in the back) and comes in sky blue and dark blue. I bought the dark blue in a medium. It runs a little big on me and I probably could have gotten away with a small but the store only had XS and medium left so I opted for the latter. STYLE #373336

BEAUTY BEFORE BRUNCH SEPHORA VIB ROUGE EVENT - SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND, 2015

Don't forget to RSVP by July 31st for this exciting event!

Sephora always has the best beauty events and I'm super excited for this one! I have a few beauty items (face masks, lipglosses, a setting powder, maybe a fragrance or two...) on my "WISHLIST" that I've been wanting to get so I'll definitely have a great excuse to purchase them now.

Click on the image above or click on the link here to RSVP: SEPHORA.COM/ROUGE-RSVP

Check out this fabulous "FREE" gift for VIB Rouge members

HURRY-SPACE IS LIMITED. RSVP By friday, JULY 31, 2015.

• A MORNING OF CLOSED-DOOR SHOPPING FOR VIB ROUGE AND A FRIEND
• 4X POINTS ON ALL PURCHASES**
• MINI MAKEOVERS AT THE BEAUTY STUDIO
• AMBASSADORS FROM YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS
• A LIMITED-EDITION COSMETIC BAG FILLED WITH SAMPLES†

Can’t make it? Enjoy 4x points on all purchases online and in stores during Beauty Insider Appreciation Week, August 3-August 9, 2015. 

Please note: Qualified VIB Rouge will earn quadruple points, VIBs will earn triple points and Beauty Insiders will earn double points on merchandise purchases made Sunday, August 2, 2015 thru Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT

EXCLUSIONS / FINE PRINT - 
* Select Sephora stores will have different hours; only select Sephora inside JCPenney stores will have closed-door shopping events. Check the RSVP Site for participating stores and exact times.

** Qualified VIB Rouge will earn quadruple points, VIBs will earn triple points and Beauty Insiders will earn double points on merchandise purchases made Sunday, August 2, 2015 thru Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 11:59pm PDT. Bonus points will be automatically credited to your BI Accounts the same day of purchase. Points not earned on sales tax, shipping, Sephora gift cards, eGift cards and prior purchases. This offer is subject to change, alternation or termination by Sephora in its discretion at any time.
† The Sephora Cosmetic Bag with samples is only available to VIB Rouge members in select Sephora stores during the Beauty Before Brunch Event with any merchandise purchase. Limit of one of each offer per VIB Rouge client. May not be sold or otherwise transferred. Guests of VIB Rouge that are Beauty Insiders are also eligible to redeem the Sephora Cosmetic Bag with samples with any merchandise purchase, limit one per client. Valid while supplies last, quantities are limited, sample bag assortment may vary. Not valid on previous purchases, or purchases of eGift certificates and gift cards. Sephora employees are not eligible for offers. No returns or exchanges. These offers are subject to change, alteration or termination by Sephora in its sole discretion at any time.

260 ALEZANE CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH FALL 2015 COLLECTION LES AUTOMNALES - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

Alezane is a new Joues Contraste Powder blush from the Chanel Fall 2015 collection Les Automnales (see the entire collection here). It is an extremely pigmented reddish brown with light reflecting gold micro glitter. I was honestly on the fence about this blush. I'm just none too excited about the gold micro glitter and it is somewhat visible on the face; especially by the end of the day. On me the blush is dark enough I can use it as a bronzer or blush and it doesn't take much pressure to pick up a fair amount of product either. The best brush I found for application is the Real Techniques duo-fiber face brush or their blush brush. Both are excellent for picking up the perfect amount of product without overdoing it and they blend everything out perfectly so as to minimize the flecks of gold micro glitter. The key to a flawless look with this blush is to blend, blend and more blending.

Below I have a few comparison swatches of some blushes in my collection. As you can see some are similar while others...not so much. Currently the Alezane blush retails for $45.00 USD (0.21 oz) and can be purchased at Chanel.com, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdales

NEW CHANEL FALL 2015 COLLECTION LES AUTOMNALES - NOW AVAILABLE

The Chanel Fall Collection Les Automnales features a beautiful array of earthy toned colors. There are a few pieces from this collection I will purchase immediately - namely the eyeshadow quad Tisse D'Automne. While others I will have to swatch and see in person before purchasing - the Entrelacs palette and the blush. On Saturday (tomorrow) I have an early morning beauty event to attend and then later that afternoon an appointment at Nordstrom to review and try everything on. So expect an update on this post over the weekend. Are there any pieces from this collection on your "Must Have" list?

This collection is already available at many local department store counters and will be available worldwide later next month (August 2015).

ONLINE AVAILABILITY:

NORDSTROM, NEIMAN MARCUS, and BLOOMINGDALES

Discover a rich tapestry of shades inspired by beautiful Fall foliage. Earthy neutrals dress eyes in natural splendor, while copper tones and deep reds blaze on the lips. An ideal complement to autumnal colour, a new manicure range helps prep and perfect any nail look.

LES 5 OMBRES DE CHANEL EYESHADOW PALETTE - $80.00 USD

This five-shadow palette features nude shadows from light to deep, satiny to matte. An embossed design reflects the stained-glass windows of Aubazine in central France, where Gabrielle Chanel spent part of her youth.

ENTRELACS (limited edition)

SWATCHES:

LES 4 OMBRES MULTI EFFECT QUADRA EYESHADOW - $61.00 USD

Eyeshadow redefined. The new LES 4 OMBRES features a vibrant, pigment-rich formula in palettes inspired by threads of Chanel tweed. Each easy-to-wear compact offers endless possibilities, with two medium tones to colour and contour, a deep shadow to intensify and a light shade to highlight.

254 TISSÉ D'AUTOMNE

ILLUSION D'OMBRE LONG WEAR LUMINOUS EYESHADOW - $36.00 USD

The intensely shimmering long-wear eyeshadow offers true versatility. An innovative gel texture that is both soft and cushiony allows it to be worn as an eyeshadow or eyeliner. Includes a specially designed shadow/liner brush, developed specifically for the unique formula.

806 FLEUR DE PIERRE

816 ROUGE GORGE

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF LONG LASTING EYELINER - $32.00 USD

CHANEL STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF LONG-LASTING EYELINER is a waterproof, smudge-proof formula that delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist. Colour winds up when you need it and winds down when you don’t. The gentle, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining while a built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.

914 FEUILLES

918 ARDENT

919 ERABLE

921 POMME DE PIN

LE VOLUME DE CHANEL MASCARA - $32.00 USD

The high-precision mascara achieves instant volume and intensely lush color in a single stroke. Its innovative formula expands, plumping lashes to their fullest. The exclusive new Snowflakes brush combines long and short bristles to deliver an extreme, eye-opening effect.

80 ECORCES

JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH - $45.00 USD

Unique powder blusher imparts a flattering radiance to cheeks. Remarkably silky texture for easy application and subtle shading. Accentuate cheekbones for a youthful look. Softer tones around the eyes soften expression and rejuvenate.

260 ALEZANE

ROUGE COCO SHINE HYDRATING SHEER LIPSHINE - $36.00 USD

The exciting next chapter in the evolution of the iconic modern creme lip color, ROUGE COCO SHINE Hydrating Sheer Lip Shine provides beautiful, lasting, moisturizing shine in a water-light texture. It glides on for easy application and is available in a complete range of shades, from delicate beiges to dazzling berries, with hints of shimmer to enhance a glossy finish.

112 TEMERAIRE

99 MELANCOILE

ROUGE ALLURE LUMINOUS INTENSE LIP COLOUR - $36.00 USD

CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE dresses your lips up with unmistakable attitude. Its new formula contains concentrated, ultra-thin pigments that offer radically intense, long-wearing colour with full coverage and a satin finish. It leaves your lips supple and protected with lasting comfort.

162 PENSIVE

ROUGE ALLURE VELVET LUMINOUS MATTE LIP COLOUR - $36.00 USD

CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE VELVET LUMINOUS MATTE LIP COLOUR elevates matte to a new elegance. The next-generation, non-drying matte lipstick glides on lips with intensely rich color and a sumptuously soft, velvet matte finish. As moisturizing as a satiny lipstick, it feels as weightless as a second skin.

51 LA BOULEVERSANTE

LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES GLOSSIMER - $30.00 USD

Gorgeous shimmer and a high-shine glow is delivered effortlessly to lips with just one stroke of CHANEL’s best-selling lip gloss. A wide range of shades, from sheer and natural to sparkling and rich, look beautiful on their own, or over your favorite CHANEL lipstick. Equally beautiful is the conditioning formula's comfort and deep hydration.

212 CHENE ROUGE

LE VERNIS NAIL COLOUR - $27.00 USD

CHANEL LE VERNIS brings brilliance to your fingertips with must-have colours from the runways of Paris. Its state-of-the-art formula strengthens and moisturizes nails. A unique patented non-spill bottle with wiping action allows for easy application.

669 CHATAIGNE

671 ECORCE SANGUINE

679 VERT OBSCUR