LE MAGNOLIA CHANTECAILLE EYE AND CHEEK PALETTE - NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER (LIMITED EDITION)

Keep the wild, wild. Chantecaille represents its commitment to the FairWild Standard (which helps support efforts to ensure plants are managed, harvested and traded in a way that maintains populations in the wild and benefits rural producers) and has embossed each limited-edition eye and cheek shade in this palette with a magnolia—a popular, wild-collected plant used in traditional Chinese medicine and in many of Chantecaille's formulas.

Chantecaille Limited Edition Le Magnolia Eye and Cheek Palette - $83.00 USD

A portion of the proceeds from this palette will be donated to TRAFFIC, which aims to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature.

Shades include:

Leaf (a unique, pale, pearly green that instantly brightens the eye area)
Magnolia (a delicate and slightly iridescent white)
Bark (a semi-matte, rich neutral brown to define and contour)
Wild (a fun, playful coral that adds a natural flush to the cheeks)

Chantecaille Le Magnolia Eye and Cheek Palette
0.42 oz.

Available for pre-order: Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus

GUERLAIN WINTER FAIRY TALE COLLECTION (LIMITED EDITION) ORS ET MERVEILLES EYE and BLUSH PALETTE - NOW AVAILABLE

Guerlain Limited Edition Ors et Merveilles Eyes and Blush Palette - Winter Fairy Tale Collection

Ors et Merveilles eyes and blush palette that allows you to create a natural to smoky eye with five slightly opalescent eye shadows that include a champagne, brown and gold, with a plum and pink for an iridescent finish. On the lower level, four versions of pink blush with matte or shimmer finishes can be used in a duo to highlight the cheekbones and give the complexion a radiant glow. The ultra-compact golden case comes with a large mirror and two applicators to make the palette travel friendly.

Application: The Ors et Merveilles palette combines the essentials to warm up eyes and cheekbones to perfection.

For Eyeshadow:
A double ended applicator, multiple makeup applications:

Use the shadow brush to apply eye shadow on the entire surface of the eyelid for a natural and luminous makeup.
For darker shades, apply the liner brush vertically along the lash line for a perfect eyeliner effect.

For Blush:
Smile and apply your blush with the brush on the rounded part of your cheekbones to the temples.

Retails: $90.00 USD

Availability: Neiman Marcus, Bergdorfs, Sephora, Nordstrom

A WORK OF ART LAURA MERCIER COLOUR COLLECTION (LIMITED EDITION) - NEW

Collect Laura's exclusive work of art filled with Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours and Eye and Cheek Colours all tucked into a black lacquered keepsake box.

Laura brings her artistic eye to this exclusive work of art filled with 5 fabulous Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours, 6 Eye Colours and 3 Cheek Colours tucked into a lacquered keepsake box. The best part, there are 2 empty go-anywhere compacts that you can customize and take with you! Just pop, lock and go!

Retails: $285.00 USD

The set includes 5 Paint Wash Liquid Lip Colours in Golden Peach, Petal Pink, Coral Reef, Orchid Pink and Red Brick. The custom compact contains 6 Eye Colours in Stellar, Cognac, Ginger, Morning Dew, African Violet and Kir Royal. Plus 3 Cheek Colours in Lotus Pink, Orange Blossom and Lush Nectarine.

Availability: Neiman Marcus

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

01 MARINIERE LES BEIGES HEALTHY GLOW MULTI COLOUR BROAD SPECTRUM SPF15 SUNSCREEN - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

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.

Availability: Nordstrom, Chanel

NEW! LES BEIGES DE CHANEL 2015 - NOW AVAILABLE

Healthy Glow Sheer Colour

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!

Official launch: Worldwide June 2015

Availability: Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom, Chanel.com

HEALTHY GLOW MULTI-COLOR BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15 SUNSCREEN - $65.00 USD

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)

/div>

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.

655 Beige Rose

659 Beige Pur

661 Precious Beige

663 Lovely Beige

BERRY BOBBI BROWN CHEEK PALETTE - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

The new Bobbi Brown Hot collection features three unique cheek palettes: Pink, Berry and Calypso which are so gorgeous! Each cheek palette currently retails for $45.00 USD, contains .16 oz of product and is available for purchase online at Sephora and Nordstrom. The cheek palette houses two blush colors and a middle highlight color. Right away I knew I wanted the Pink Cheek palette but after taking a closer look I realized I already had both of the blush colors featured in the palette, UGH! So I settled for the Berry Cheek palette instead. The two blushes housed in this palette are Plum and French Pink with a Berry highlight shade. The Plum shade is a reddish pink color, while French Pink is a bright pink and the Berry highlight shade is a coppery pink with rose gold undertones. Plum felt really matte to the touch, French Pink was really powdery and even though Berry had a metallic sheen the finish was more of a satin. All three were extremely pigmented, gave good color payoff and blended quite well. It is important to note that none of the blushes housed in the cheek palette are removable. Previous blush palettes I've purchased all had removable blushes so you could interchange / customize them but that is missing with these which is a shame.

Mini rant here:
I love Bobbi Brown products because the quality is almost always on point. The only gripe I have with the brand is their constant need to keep re-promoting the same colors. I have several of their products, mainly their eyeshadow palettes, and over half of the colors are exactly the same. Which is fine if you are new to the brand but it would be nice to feature some newer / different colors for a change.

Availability: Sephora, Nordstrom
Price: $45.00 USD

OLYMPIA NARS CONTOUR BLUSH - SWATCHES AND REVIEW

The latest craze is contouring - whether one should use a cream or powder and what is the best placement. In my opinion it really depends on personal preference and there is no right or wrong answer. For myself I prefer a powder and here is why. On a daily basis I apply enough cream-based products: toners, serums, moisturizers, face primers and foundations to my face that I don't want to add even more to what could potentially be a greasy mess. I allow for each of the above mentioned products to dry before applying the next layer but sometimes humidity and oxidation occur. Let's face it - sometimes Mother Nature's sick and twisted humor throws us a curve ball. Humidity is not a term relegated to the weather outside. It can and does occur in the most inconvenient of places especially when you have an important event to attend. And don't get me started on oxidation! It isn't something that just occurs to those with an oily complexion. I should know, I have extremely dry skin and I have had my foundation oxidize on me horribly on more than one occasion. So enough drama already!

The Nars Olympia Contour blush is a natural looking contour powder. It comes in three shades: Olympia, Paloma and Gienah. It currently retails for $42.00 USD, contains .28 oz of product and is available at many high end retailers such as Nordstrom, Nars and Sephora. The Olympia palette houses both a contour and highlight shade with the latter being a great deal smaller. Which is my only gripe with this palette. It should have contained equal amounts of both but other than the size disproportion this is a "Must Buy" recommendation. The Olympia contour blush imparts a soft matte finish with no sparkle or shimmer. The powder formula is lightweight and finely milled which allows for a smooth and flawless application. It doesn't look overly done or caked on which is nice.

Most contouring guides will tell you to start near the top of your forehead along the hairline with your contour powder then work your way down to underneath the cheekbone and finish up along the jawline. Which is fine but it is not what works best for me. I like to start underneath my cheekbone then sweep upwards toward my temple along the edges of my hairline. Then I sweep back down underneath the cheekbone and along the jawline to blend everything out. Next, because I'm so pale and to add a touch of warmth to my face, I will apply a slight dusting of the contour powder along the bridge of my nose, just a smidge on my chin and along my hairline at the top of my forehead. With the highlight shade I apply it to the tops of my cheekbones, above and below my eyebrows and another smidge at the top of my cupids bow. My best advice is to find what works for you and practice. I'm constantly practicing my application and placement techniques to see what works and what doesn't because there is always room for improvement!  

Availability: Nordstrom, Nars and Sephora
Price: $42.00 USD

NEW! LA PERLE DE CHANEL COLLECTION - NOW AVAILABLE

Inspired by the graceful world of ballet, this delicate makeup collection features rosy tones and glimmering metallics in beautiful balance. Taking center stage: a limited-edition five-shade palette featuring romantic lipsticks and glosses to choreograph a colourful lip look.

Availability: Chanel

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.

LES 4 OMBRES MULTI-EFFECT QUADRA EYESHADOW - $61.00 USD

248 TISSÉ RHAPSODIE -

204 TISSÉ VENDÔME - repromote (see swatches here)

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

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

102 MYSTERIO -

Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner delivers long-lasting definition with a twist of the wrist: Colour winds up when you need it, winds down when you don't. Gentle, soft, silicone-enriched formula delivers smooth, even lining. A built-in sharpener at the opposite end detaches for quick refreshes.

STYLO YEUX WATERPROOF LONG-LASTING EYELINER - $32.00 USD

916 PERLE DE LUNE -

This powder blush, available in a variety of limited-edition shades, offers seamless colour in a silky, delicate texture. Buildable coverage allows for tailored effects, from natural to dramatic, and imparts a radiant glow, beautifully suited to the season. Applied high on the cheekbones or near to the eyes, it instantly “lifts” and softens the face for a more youthful look.

JOUES CONTRASTE POWDER BLUSH - $45.00 USD

250 CRESCENDO -

89 CANAILLE - repromote(see swatches here)

Inspired by the ethereal world of ballet, the versatile ‘Arabesque’ palette features five rosy-toned shades for multiple effects. Three vibrant lipsticks and two shimmering glosses can be worn alone or layered. Presented with a custom mini lip brush for application on the go.

HARMONIE LÈVRES LIP PALETTE - $55.00 USD

ARABESQUE -

This gleaming gloss takes a playful turn on lips, delivering sheer colour, high shine and comfort. The supple, precise artistry brush defines lips with ease.

ROUGE ALLURE INTENSE LONG-WEAR LIP COLOUR - $36.00 USD

158 VIREVOLTANTE -

This gleaming gloss takes a playful turn on lips, delivering sheer colour, high shine and comfort. The supple, precise artistry brush defines lips with ease.

AQUALUMIÈRE GLOSS HIGH SHINE SHEER CONCENTRATE - $30.00 USD

91 TUTU -

92 CORSET -