Guerlain Holiday 2009: The Imperial Holiday Collection

Guerlain’s Imperial Holiday collection is all about shimmer and lace, dazzling one with sparkled mascara, jewel-toned lip colors and sublime face and body powders.

THE REVIEW:

Bal de Nuit Eyeshadow Palette ~ Has two taupe tones – one greyish tinged another wif a browner tone, a pale pink and a slightly gold-tinged white, with gorgeous luminous and pearlescent shades.  The metallic case comes in a boudoir-style pouch, with a delicate lace print over the inside mirror. Personally, this is the star product for this collection! The pigmented shades are neutral and very wearable and would work for an everyday office look and it can easily be smoked for a night time look.

‘Le 2 de Guerlain’ Mascara ~ This mascara features two brushes in a special evening color. The main brush is ultra-black to intensify the beauty of your eyes, and the smaller brush is used for topcoat applications, offering touches of gold glitter on the tips of your eyelashes. The elegant design, featured in a white-gold tone, is finely decorated with a swirl of black lace wound around the sculptural wand. Ingenious idea of a mascara that comes with gold glitter! This should be available as part of their permanent line!!

Kiss Kiss’ Gloss ~3 new shades: 807 Perle de Lune – shimmery white, 808 Ambre Precieuse – shimmery nude shade and 809 Rubis Rose – shimmery plum.  Contains 0.2 oz. Gorgeous  thick highly pigmented shimmery gloss that come with a brush applicator and a gorgeous black lace pattern on the bottle.

‘Le Rouge G de Guerlain’ Lipstick ~ This holiday’s limited edition is enhanced with a black jewel clasp in shades #11 Grace  and #12 Gems. Was quite disappointed in this item I had planned on purchasing them both if the shades were lovely because I so ♥ this lipstick! But #11 Grace was verging on the brown and #12 was a bright pinky peach…not my kind of shades but perhaps suitable for others.

‘Meteorites Voyage’ Compact~ Meteorites Voyage boasts a fine-tuned formula with a single goal: to create a flawless complexion. It’s new softer and ultra-light formula features smaller ‘flecks’ of color to make blending colors easier for customized results. The new pebble-shaped case made of white-gold metal is covered with genuine black Swarovski crystals for true imperial decadence. 0.28 oz. Gorgeous heavy refillable case…very chic case in silver tone rather than their usual gold…still thinking if i should purchase this considering the cover of my present compact feels like it is about to break even though I had baby it and left it at home with the rest of my makeup rather than carry it around with me!

‘Meteorites’ Illuminating Pearls ~ Come in 3 formats—mini, medium and maxi— to optimize their evening-out and corrective action. and in three new shades for a fresh, sublime complexion. Mauve and white illuminators, with pink for freshness and gold for light, brighten and smooth the skin to a sleek satin perfection. This holiday design is enclosed in a limited-edition black shimmering Meteorites case embossed with rhinestones. Once again, the casing is different from the usual packaging – gorgeous black! Another collector’s item to purchase.

‘Sublime Radiant’ Powder ~ This sparkling powder graces the skin with a sheer veil of ‘diamond’ reflections to subtly illuminate shoulders, arms, back, décolleté and hair. Finely decorated with screen printed lace, the white-gold lacquered bottle boasts a long black-tasseled atomizer—an ultrafeminine look reminiscent of beauty objects found on imperial vanity tables. 0.35 oz I couldnt resist playing with this at the counter because the bottle was absolutely gorgeous and so feminine with the tasselled atomizer! Might I say if you love pretty things and a gold sparkly powder that feels soft and light weight, this is the item to buy! Another star product for me…alas I do not have parties to attend where I can look all sparkly!

VERDICT

Guerlain’s Imperial Holiday is one of my favourite Holiday collections of 2009! Shades are wearable and  tres chic!! If I had a never-ending supply of $$$, I would purchase the entire range of items!! Their meteorites is very impressive this year and am sure the rest of the meteorites collectors would no doubt purchase  them. Please have a look at karla’s blog for swatches – Guerlain Holiday: The Imperial Collection

Hope this helps!

~nutty

Images from Nordstrom.com

Chantecaille Holiday 2009 Les Petales Collection

Model is wearing NEW Voile de Rose Compact, Eye Shade in Shell and Malachite, Luminous Eye Liner in Tempo/Black, NEW Faux Cils Mascara in Black, NEW Lumiere de Rose Compact, Cheek Color Powder in Laughter, and NEW Reve de Rose Compact.

REVIEW:

Voile de Rose Pressed Powder ~ This smooth, soft, and very fine face powder gives a natural and radiant look. Reminds me of their pressed powder.

Reve de Rose Lipgloss ~ A hydrating lip gloss that nurtures lips. contains SPF 15. Very pretty natural rose shade.

Lumiere de Rose Face Highlighter ~ A creamy, fine blendable powder in a pale pinkish shade with a mix of pearl creates a gorgeous shimmer perfect as a highlighter.

Packaging ~ It’s not actually a gold compact as the photos shop, turns out like a dark gun-metal shade.

For swatches & pictures of the packaging, please have a look at Karla’s blog

VERDICT:

A pretty small Holiday collection from Chantecaille. unfortunately I will pass on this collection because I find the powder and highlighter similar to items I have in my vast makeup collection.  The only star item would be their lipgloss. Unfortunately, as much as I love this, I would skip it cos I much prefer having an applicator to use my lip products instead of my fingers.

Hope this helps!
~nutty

Images from nordstrom.com

Email Subscription

Dear Readers,

I have added an email subscription link. It is between the “About My Reviews” and “Websites I Love” on the right of your computer screen.

You just need to enter your email addresses followed by clicking on the “Sign me Up!” button to get email notifications whenever a new post is published on my blog. You can select how often this email is sent (the delivery frequency – immediate, daily, or weekly), as well as when this email is sent (the delivery window – a specific day and hour).

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Please do subscribe if interested!

~nutty

Letter to Santa 2009

Dear Santa,

How are you? I hope all is well at the North Pole…

I am pretty sure you must be busy answering people’s letters…so I have made my letter a short one. Might I just say I have been a really really good gal this year too!! Things haven’t been going well in my life too, so a little pick me up would be really great!!

First on my list…

#1 Yukihana – Suqqu Holiday 2009

As much as I love Suqqu – please view my blog post on  All Things Suqqu -  and am a big fan of theirs, I wont be purchasing their Christmas set because the eyeshadow palette looks remarkable like eyeshadow quad #10 which I already have. Oh and while I would dearly love to have their limited edition mascara and eyeliner in their Christmas set but I already own their eyelash curler as well.

Since we are on the topic of giving gifts…I sure wouldn’t mine a couple of their brushes…the Face brush and Cheek Brush are what I am seriously lemming for but since I am such a nice gal… if I really have to choose one, the Face Brush is the one item that I really really really really want! ohhh…and if you could somehow conjure up their Spring edition 2009 limited edition Face Polish Omowa which was sold out before I could even play with the tester, I would be eternally grateful…

#2  Imperial Holiday – Guerlain Holiday 2009

Might I just say that their 2009 Imperial Holiday Collection is to die for this year. Lots of gorgeous gorgeous packaged items!!! Since I am being a really good gal, I wont ask for the entire collection, I will be purchasing the eyeshadow palette and the meteorites…so I would totally appreciate if you could send me the  meteorites compact, the sparkling radiant powder and their limited edition mascara too.

#3 Stardrop Purification – Lunasol 2009

I would dearly love to have eyeshadow palettes in #02, #03, #05. As an example of what a nice gal i have been, I have so far managed not to start on a Lunasol addiction, so I do believe I really deserve to have some of their eyeshadows especially since they are super-duper gorgeous this year!! And being such a nice gal, I wont request for the entire Lunasol Stardrop Purification collection…just those 3 palettes which I deem to be must buys!

#4 Lancome Holiday 2009

Since I was too slow at purchasing Suqqu’s 2009 Spring edition of Face Polish Powder, I would love to have Lancome’s highlighting powder called – Sparkling Cherub Sheer Warming Illuminating Powder. It has gorgeous subtle shimmery effect without any noticeable shimmer particles…its just perfect for me!

#5 Jo Malone The Kohdo Wood Collection

Another wish list is Jo Malone’s fragrances …I have heard good things about her fragrances and am dying to try out the Dark Amber fragrance from this collection since I love incense scents. But once again, I was a little too slow to venture into the departmental store to test drive this…apparently its once again sold out.

#6 Hermes Hermessence Range of Fragrances

Apparently very exclusive Hermes scents and so exclusive that I have not been able to find any to test drive…am not asking much Mr. Santa…it would be really great if I could somehow get sniffs of these…they don’t even have to be full bottles!!!

#7 Serge Lutens Non-Export Fragrances

Another  range of exclusive fragrances that are only available in Paris…once again, a little sniff would be good…

#8 Shu Uemura Holiday 2009 – Tsumori chisato

This holiday collection is filled with whimsical accessories!! Very kawaii. I personally feel that their accessories are the hits in this collection…their lovely padded makeup case would help store my huge collection of makeup!!  Am not that fond of their color palettes…well…okay…maybe except for their highlighter…

#9 Chanel Holiday 2009 – Cage Doree de Chanel
I would like to request for the Limited Edition Eyeliner in green!.

#10 Dior Holiday 2009 – Cristal Boreale

Dior’s holiday collection was gorgeous this year. I would like to wish for the gorgeous lipgloss in the to die for packaging and their nail polishes  which once again am told are sold out!

Thanks Santa! Hope your holidays are great too!!
~nutty

November 2009 Wrap Ups

Not much posting this month because my computer died on me – read about my lack of posting on November 18 2009 if interested.

This was followed by a post on one of my favourite brands – Suqqu in All Things Suqqu.

A range of posts on the Christmas Holiday Collections of 2009 include Nails Inc, Paul & Joe and Chanel’s.

Happy Reading!
~nutty

Chanel Holiday 2009 – Cage Doree De Chanel

Apparently among Ms Coco Chanel’s items in her Paris flag lies a bird-cage that was prettily adorned with gorgeous colours…this bird cage was the inspiration for this xmas’s collection…

THE REVIEW:

Lames de Chanel ~ Limited edition highlighter in the famous Tweed design similar to their Tweed blushes – see Blush Duo Tweed Effect . While it gave a very lovely pale goldish shimmer and looked gorgeous with the various gold, bronze and copper shades woven into a “tweed” effect, I somehow didnt get the “OMG! I need this!” feeling. Although it is similar to their Les Tissages de Chanel blushes, there is no applicator but the amount is similar to their pressed powder.

Les 4 Ombres Bird of Paradise ~ Limited Edition quadra eyeshadows with a tropical theme containing – Bright aqua, gold, green-gold and copper golds. All shades shimmery. I felt that the aqua shade was pigmented while the other gold shades were less pigmented and fairly similar (I would have to peer really hard at my eyes to see a difference). I pass on the Quadra Eyeshadows because from personal experience, aqua doesnt look good with my skintone unless there’s a darker shade to match it.

Celadon-Lamé ~ Limited edition cake eyeliner that produces a black – green shade…still thinking about this because again, it looks black to me and I doubt whether I would be able to see the difference.

Aqualumiere Lipstick ~Galapagos -  coral;  Tasmania – pink; Grenada – soft  fuchsia;  Maldives (Limited Edition) -  warm peach.

Aqualumiere Gloss ~ Colibri – Pearly shimmer; Hirondelle – vibrant pink;  Canari – bright coral

Le Vernis ~  Trapèze (Limited Edition) -  silver-beige, frosty finish; Mica Rose – milky pink, creme finish;  Orange Fizz – vivid coral, creme finish

VERDICT

Quite an interesting collection especially considering this is a xmas collection. Instead of the typical dark/smokey shades for xmas, the shades are quite vibrant and colourful…however, personally it felt more like a spring/summer collection that a holiday collection. On the whole, I think I will passed this collection…unless I give in to the Celadon-Lamé eyeliner.

Hope this helps!

~nutty

Images from chanel.com

Paul & Joe Winter 2009 – Smoke & Mirrors

Paul & Joe Winter 2009 Smoke and Mirrors collection is a play of shadows and lights to create winter looks. There are 2 sets for this collection – Eyeshadow Colour Kit and Highlighting Powder and Pearl Set. Please note, apparently the items are sold separately in the EU and USA.

Eye Colour Kit

Highlighting Powder and Pearl Set

THE REVIEW:

♣ Eye Colour Kit

#001 Mesmerised ~ Deep smokey colours to create captivating eyes. There’s a pale  lilac, a tan (perfect as a contour shade), supposedly a dark deep green (but on me it is black)

#002 spellbound ~ Warm colours meant to create a sophisticated Look. There’s a peach, golden brown and dark chocolate – they are really warm shades so cool toned gals beaware.

All shades are shimmery, quite pigmented. The eyeliner pencil that accompanies both sets is a plain black eyeliner. Perfect for either a office look or a darker intense smokey look. Comes packed into a purple card box case (feels solid) that has a handle.

♣ Highlighting Powder and Pearl Set

#001 Smoke & Mirrors ~ Shimmery pale gold highlighter + a shimmery black loose powder interspersed with sliver microglitter.

#002 Glow Magic ~ Shimmery pale pink highlighter + a shimmery brownish pink (quite difficult to describe, its not totally pink or brown but a shade in between…maybe a rose gold?? see picture below) loose powder interspersed with silver microglitter.

The lovely motif in the compact highlighting powder disappears after use. The compact (both are of the same colour – pale beige) is  a limited edition issue and is refillable with their regular pressed powders. Comes in a lovely clutch bag.

Top Row – Eye Colour Kit in #001 , #002

Bottom Row – Highlighting Powder & Pear Powder Set in #001, #002

VERDICT:

Gorgeous collection! Paul & Joe makes really lovely silky soft powder products. As much as I LOVE Eye Colour Kit #001 (the lilac and tan) shades are gorgeous… i wish the darkest shade was a true dark forest green like in the pictures…for the Highlighting Powder set – I love the pink highlighter and the  black loose powder…

Hope this helps!

~nutty

Images from iswii.net, asos.com

Christmas arrives early at Nails Inc…

Dear Readers,

You might want to check out this special from Nails Inc…its great as a gift – comes with its own box or it would be great as a stocking filler if you break the set into its individual bottles or consider this a good introduction to a brand you have always wanted to try! Called The Best of Nails Inc , it contains Nails Inc best selling products…

Includes Victoria ~ dark cherry , South Molton Street ~ pale pink , St James ~ a pure red , Belgrave Place ~ deep violet , Jermyn Street ~ soft taupe , Caviar ~ 45 second speed drying top coat, Caviar base coat, professional nail file and miracle buffer.

Then there’s the limited edition crystal studded nail polishes…

But my favourite has to be the nail polishes with their gorgeous charms! There’s a gorgeous red glitter nail polish with an equally gorgeous snowflake charm called Chapel Market that you might want to check out!!

If you spend £35 and above you get a free gift worth over £40. It includes 50ml Mayfair hand lotion, 4ml caviar top coat, professional nail file, miracle buffer and 2 brand new limited edition nail polishes – Half Moon Street and Vine Street which you can’t get anywhere else, all packaged inside a quilted cosmetic bag.

Oh! and there’s free shipping till November 30 2009, code ~ NAILS09.

Hope this helps with your xmas shopping!

~nutty

Images from Nailsinc.com

All Things Suqqu…

This post is about Suqqu – a Japanese  makeup and skincare brand. I have only recently discovered this brand in the past year and it has rapidly became one of my favourite brands. Read on for my thoughts on this brand…

According to Suqqu’s website, the name SUQQU was derived from the Japanese word sukku-to meaning “posture with attitude”. To read more about their brand’s concept click – Suqqu.

I believe Suqqu is famous for their Gankin massage, utilising their Massage cream. It is supposed to work wonders for tired, sagging skin. To learn more about their Gankin Massage, click – Gankin Massage.

Personally i feel that the Massage cream really lives up to expectations…I used to have one tub *used to because, I suggested mom test out this product which she did and now she has it hidden somewhere in her bathroom!* The other notable products I have use include the Lip Essence Cream and Lip Protector. I believe their whitening skincare are also quite famous.

On to their makeup…if anyone has used their products, you will understand when i gush about their really soft silky textures and gorgeous shimmer! Their star products for me – their gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous eyeshadows and blushes.  They are also quite famous for their makeup base and foundations. I have not had the privilege of trying them or their lipsticks which I know other bloggers are in love with!

Packaging wise -  their makeup products are stored in lovely dark purple casings – very classy and come with the *oh my god!* softest ever applicator brushes!! while their skincare  products come in white casing…i do believe some of the bottles are made of glass.

The product that I am  totally in love with is *drum roll*…their brushes!!! They have the softest, softest, softest brush hair ever!! I kid you not! Apparently, the brushes are hand-crafted…perhaps that  explains for their exorbitant prices? As much as I love their brushes  *whenever I am at their counter, I always, always, always caress one of these babies* i still find them a tad pricy. But their powder brush is absolutely to die for! I have been looking for a powder brush that is fluffy with  a full head of hair and the brush hair has to be soft because of my sensitive skin…their Face  Brush fits all of my criteria except for the price… I believe its £160…the Cheek Brush is another item I have been lemming since I discovered Suqqu…but its £60…ahhh…if only money grows on trees or would drop from the heavens!!! For a more affordable makeup tool from Suqqu you might want to check out their Eyelash Curler…

Their customer service is exemplary – non pushy sales staff who are good with explaining their products, at suggesting  colour shades suitable for you and are very willing to demonstrate the product on your skin for you!!

A much as I am totally in love with Suqqu, I am not blind to her faults. One undesirable point  for my beloved brand is some of their limited edition products sell out super duper fast! Case in point, the Face Polish (highlighter powder) from the recent Autumn/ Winter 2009 Collection sold out so quickly that I didnt even get to say Hi to the product!!

At the moment, Suqqu is only available in Japan, Bangkok and UK – at Selfridges in London & Birmingham. This si their other fault – the limited availability/ access to their products *which to me is a major fault! Suqqu needs to share the LOVE to all the makeup aficionados out there!!*.

Price wise I would perhaps rate them together with similar brands such as La Mer, Cle de Peau, Chantecaille, Chanel and Dior…so their items are quite pricy as well.

If you ever do manage to find yourself standing at a Suqqu counter one of these days, do check out the following

• Brushes!!
• Eyelash Curler
• Eyeshadows
• Mascara
• blushes
• Foundation
• Powders
• Makeup base
• Massage Cream
• Lip Essence cream

If you would like to read more about Suqqu products – Autumn Masquerade, A Touch of Blusher, London Makeup Girl are also bloggers who love Suqqu…alternatively, stay tune for my reviews on the Suqqu products I have!

If you would like to read my thoughts on other brands, please see – Brand Reviews

Hope this helps!

~nutty

Images from suqqu.com

November 18 2009

Dear Readers,

Apologies for the lack of posting. I had a little incident with my computer and have recently bought a new one…water and electronics really do not mix well! Due to my mishap, I have lost my pictures and draft writings  (I take short notes on how the products works on my skin before i type out my reviews on wordpress and i then search for links of pictures and their respective website links) … so I will have to start re-writing my reviews … Since its xmas coming up soon, I will try and concentrate on the xmas collections first and backdate the other posts…so stay tuned!

I believe I have replied to most of the emails…its still a work in progress. I have had a few requests for subscription to my blog and I am pleased to say that I have finally figured out how to add a subscription button on the side bar – it’s on the right of the blog, somewhere towards the bottom of the page. I believe you would received emails – your choice of either daily or weekly – notifying you when I update my blog. Please do subscribe to my blog if you are interested.

On a side note, I just realised that its been a year since I started this blog!! Cant quite believe that its been a year since I started writing …its been a pleasure writing and communicating with everyone who has been visiting my blog! Please feel free to give suggestions and feed back either by leaving a comment or through the contact form.

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Cheers!

~nutty