Total Beauty Web Tour

Enjoy the weekly beauty reads from Total Beauty Web Tour!

1. In honor of the newest limited edition collection from MAC Cosmetics, Cult of Cherry; Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy does a gorgeous makeup tutorial, showing you how to achieve a fabulous look for this upcoming Fall season!.
2. Beauty Anonymous reviews YSL's fall eye shadow palette.
3. Alison of the The Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success & Happiness Blog thinks that Sue Devitt's Bermuda Triangle is a Great Way to Banish Wrinkles!
4. Viva Woman discovers that baking soda really whitens her teeth!
5. Looking for a lipgloss that will stay put and last a long time? Then check out The Makeup Divas review on the Mac Lustre Twins.
6. Fabulous Over Forty discusses all week about her experience at the L'Oreal Color Space at the MN State Fair.
7. Monique at Beauty Girl Musings is surprised by a new fall lip color. Find out which one!
8. What are Jamie's 3 must-haves? Find out at Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog.
9. Crave for beautifully rejuvenated skin with absolutely no cost at all? Find out at Beauty Tyrant, she has whipped up a skin rejuvenating peach facial!. You'll love your skin even more now.
10. Beauty Blogging Junkie has partnered with Three Custom Color to provide 25 readers with TCC's new Watercolours for Cheeks in Wallflower, a dewy beige. Click here for more info on how to enter.
11. If you're a Bobbi Brown makeup fan (and who isn't?) Beauty411 has the latest on new Bobbi Brown palettes!
12. MissWhoever-You-Are has found out how you can get a free tote YSL tote during Fashion Week. No Joke!
    
13. Wondering about Fall's Makeup Trends? Learn how apply a Pretty Power Pout like the pros on A Mom in Red High Heels.
14. Thought hair mousse was just an 80's trend? Think again. Daily Dose of Coffee tries out one of the most interesting hair mousses ever: Sebastian Whipped Creme.
    
15. Product Girl shows you how to make your own lipstick palette and it's easy as pie!
16. Don't miss out on your chance to win the entire line of Sera Anti-Aging skincare products over at Beauty in Real Life.
17. Chocolate lipliner? Sounds good, looks great! See it at Glossypink!
18. The Beauty Alchemist hits drugstore paydirt with Jergens Renew Lotion.
19. LashBlast had better watch her back. There's a new voluptuous lash in town, and she's wearing Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. The creamy formula and six-sided brush took Spoiled Pretty's lashes up, up and away!
20. Butterfly Diary reviews the luxurious collection by Sultana de Saba, whose Body Karite Butter and Honey Mask will make Cleopatra wish she had been reborn. Check it out!
    

Weekend Beauty Reads from the Beauty Blog Network

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from the Beauty Blog Network!

1. In honor of the newest limited edition collection from MAC Cosmetics, Cult of Cherry; Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy does a gorgeous makeup tutorial, showing you how to achieve a fabulous look for this upcoming Fall season!.
2. Beauty Anonymous reviews YSL's fall eye shadow palette.
3. Lilan of The Daily Cookie shows you how easy it is to use Anastasia's Brow Pen to tint your eyebrows with a fun video how-to!
4. The Muse from Musings of a Muse shows you three different looks you can create using Too Faced Smoky Eye Palette! She also reviews the Too Faced Mirror Mirror Gloss!
5. A Touch of Blusher looks at Paul & Joe's fall 2008 base makeup collection
6. Looking for a lipgloss that will stay put and last a long time? Then check out The Makeup Divas review on the Mac Lustre Twins.
7. Need smoother legs longer? Cybelesays has found one that keeps legs smooth and totally moisturized.
8. 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has found natural, medium coverage foundation, from the drugstore!
9. Beauty Blogging Junkie has partnered with Three Custom Color to provide 25 readers with TCC's new Watercolours for Cheeks in Wallflower, a dewy beige. Click here for more info on how to enter.
10. If you're a Bobbi Brown makeup fan (and who isn't?) Beauty411 has the latest on new Bobbi Brown palettes!
11. Rouge Deluxe offers a sneak peek at Lancome Holiday'08!
12. Beauty Junkie in SF recommends going nude with NARS Striptease lip gloss. It's HOT!
13. Beauty Banter tests the Worlds first organic skincare range... and finds the most AMAZING moisturizer!
14. Elke shares a great tip on how to mistake fix your makeup.
15. Product Girl shows you how to make your own lipstick palette and it's easy as pie!
16. Need a new body cream? See which are Christine's favorites over at Beauty in Real Life.
17. Kyle at, Face Candy, shows you how she is using Pashmina shawls to brighten complexions at her wedding.
18. LashBlast had better watch her back. There's a new voluptuous lash in town, and she's wearing Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume and Curl Mascara. The creamy formula and six-sided brush took Spoiled Pretty's lashes up, up and away!
19. makeup loves me wants to give you one of fall's hottest mascaras. click here to learn how you can win your own spinlash.

Preview: Review on OPI Fall Colors

On the Right:Baguette Me Not
On the Left:Parlez-Vous OPI?

As the summer is about coming to an end, I went to check out the nail polishes of OPI Fall/Winter 2008 France Collection at a local salon store last week. And, I bought a bottle of Baguette Me Not. I liked the collection so much that I checked back the store again yesterday and decided to buy Parlez-Vous OPI? as well.

I like the whole collection very much. The colors are pretty and exude a muted and grown-up glamour. I will share my thoughts on "Baguette Me Not" and "Parlez-Vous OPI?" with you later. Please stay tuned!

I hope all of you have a lovely weekend! :) For readers in the US, have a great long weekend!


Related posts:
OPI Fall/Winter 2008 La Collection De France

Exceptionnel de Chanel Collection Is Available in the US!

Remember Exceptionnel de Chanel Collection I've posted a while back!? The collection first came out in Asia in July. Finally, the entire collection is now available at the US website of Chanel. I am really glad that this collection has finally arrived in the US.

The collection features deep blacks, pure whites, and silvery grays for smoky eyes. The US version of Exceptionnel de Chanel Collection is slightly different than the version sold in Asia. The only item that is not available in the US is Le Stylo Sourcils Waterproof eyebrow pencil, which is a limited-edition release for markets in Asia.

The US version includes:

• Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eye Shadow: #93 Smoky Eyes
• Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow: #69 Black Star & #70 Platine
• La Ligne de CHANEL Professional Eyeliner Duo: Noir-Lame
• Exceptionnel de Chanel Intense Volume And Curl Mascara:Smoky Noir, Smoky Marine, Smoky Brun and Smoky Violine

Chanel's website also features a film starred by rising model Ali Stephens. I love the way she presents the soft smoky eyes look with a seductive confidence in the film.

[Images taken from the film featured on Chanel's website]

Related posts:
Exceptionnel de Chanel Collection

Update on Anna Sui Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

Promo Image of Anna Sui Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

Anna Sui Fall 2008 makeup collection is out on Anna Sui's website. The collection focuses on revamped nail polishes, nail stickers, a top coat, base coat, and nail file.

As August 2008 marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of Anna Sui Cosmetics, Anna Sui is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the Makeup Color Collection D, which is a dresser set collection featuring Face Color D, Eyeshadow D, Lip Color D, Lip Balm D, Lip Brush, Eyeshadow Tip & Brush, and Puff S.

If you are a big fan of Anna Sui Cosmetics or you love beautifully-packaged makeup, do have a look at their website. :)


[Photo credit:www.annasui-cosmetics.com ]

Related posts:
Anna Sui Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

Anna Sui Beach Collection for Summer 2008

Anna Sui- Sui Lip Gloss #304 (Cherry Pink)

Anna Sui Rouge Jar in Rouge Godet
(A fun lip gloss that looks transparent, but turns into rosy-pink when the skin heat activates the lip gloss)

Update on Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

Promo Image of Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

Paul & Joe has updated its website with the fall 2008 base makeup collection to include Creamy Powder Compact Foundation (SPF 15 PA +, in 6 shades) and Moisturizing Foundation Primer ( SPF 12 PA +, in 3 shades). The collection will be launched on September 5, 2008 in Japan.

Face Color: in pink, nude and bronze variations

The Paul & Joe website is also updated with the launch of three new Face Colors. They look really cute on the website!


[Photo credit:www.paul-joe-beaute.com]

Related posts:
Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Base Makeup Collection

Paul & Joe Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

YSL Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in #05 Riviera

YSL Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes

When I first saw Yves Saint Laurent fall 2008 makeup collection on the websites in mid June, I was very intrigued by the variety of rich and vibrant shades in the collection, especially its eye shadow palettes. I personally think this is YSL's the most beautiful makeup collection I have seen in many seasons. The fall collection is well-balanced in cool and warm tones, and light and dark shades. This collection offers a versatile range of hues that coordinate with each other beautifully!

As I promised in my earlier post, I am sharing my thoughts on one of YSL's latest eye shadow palettes, Ombres 5 Lumières eyeshadow palette in #05 Riviera. Ombres 5 Lumières are a new range of 5 color eyeshadow palettes in a monochrome version that have been newly launched this fall. It is available in six color variations, including browns, plums, shimmering golden browns, lilacs, blues, and greens.

Texture
All the eye shadows are finely-milled and firmly pressed in the eye shadow pans. The eye shadows feel velvety smooth on my skin.

YSL Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in #05 Riviera

Shade
#05 Riviera features a variety of blues. All the shades contain micro-fine silver flecks. This palette reminds me of Lunasol's Geminate Eyes in #04 SP which also features five blue eye shadows. Only the eye shadows of Geminate Eyes in #04 SP are lighter and more shimmery.

Top right: turquoise with sparse silver flecks
Top left: slate navy blue with iridescent shimmer
Center: pastel blue with subtle shimmer
Bottom right: indigo with sparse silver flecks
Bottom left: royal blue with iridescent shimmer

The two shades on the left have iridescent shimmer. The two eye shadows on the right side are satiny matte with barely-noticed silver shimmer. The center eye shadow is the most shimmery shade in the palette.

What I love about the Riverlia palette is it provides varying shades of blue in both warm and cool tones.The turquoise (on top right) and slate navy blue (on top left) shades have slight hint of warm tones, but they are still more on the cool side. The indigo (on bottom right) and royal blue (on bottom left) shades have purple undertones. The center shade is a pastel blue that perfectly work great as a base shade.

YSL　Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in #05 Riviera

Finish
I am impressed that all the shades in the #05 Riviera palette are very saturated and highly-pigmented. Even the lightest shade in the center of the palette is well-pigmented.

I consider the level of pigmentation is very important for an array of gradational shades that are similar to each other. High pigmentation ensures these similar shades deliver saturated color effects. For Ombres 5 Lumières Eyeshadow palette, each blue shade in the palette delivers the nuanced splashes of color delicately.

The pastel blue shade (in the center) brightens up my eyes with a luminous or frosty sheen on my eyes depending on how much amount I apply. The turquoise shade (on top right) provides a satin matte finish. The slate navy blue (on top left) and royal blue (on bottom left) shades accentuate my eyes with high-color pay-off and an iridescent shine. The indigo shade (on bottom right) is essentially a lining color. I like that it sculpts and deepens my eyes softly. These eye shadows blend in very well to create soft velvety and subtly polished eyes.

YSL Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in #05 Riviera

Staying Power
All the shades have excellent staying power. The eye shadows are crease-resistant and very long-wearing, even in high temperature and humidity. For people with oily skin or live in a warm climate area, it is worth trying Ombres 5 Lumières palettes.

YSL Ombres 5 Lumières 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes

Summary
For US$56, YSL Ombres 5 Lumières costs about the same with the eye shadow palettes of Chanel, Dior and Guerlain. It is a costly price tag. I do think the quality makes it worth the price. The colors have good pigmentations, and the shimmer is soft and delicate. The palette has a versatile range of colors to go from day to night. Most of all, it offers an excellent lasting power.

As a lover of blue eye shadows, I think this eye shadow palette, Ombres 5 Lumières in #05 Riviera, is impressive and outstanding. I am hoping there will be more beautiful color variations released in the future to expand the range. Maybe blacks or more blues in the next season?!

Related posts:
Yves Saint Laurent Fall 2008 Makeup Collection

Total Beauty Web Tour

Enjoy the weekly beauty reads from Total Beauty Web Tour!

1. Find out what yummy scented body souffle The Makeup Divas is all excited about.
2. Monique at Beauty Girl Musings discovers it's what's on the inside that counts with Elizabeth Grant's Vitamin C Body Lotion.
3. Viva Woman tells you how John Masters Organics Vitamin C Anti-Aging Serum & John Masters Organics Mandarin Maximum Moisture help to lighten up some of her pigmentation caused by sun damage.
4. Beauty's SPOT figures out that waxing and plucking may be a thing a of the past with the Artemis Woman Personal Groomer.
5. Don't forget to enter Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog free giveaway from MORE Magazine.
6. Frappelattes gives L'Oreal's new Bare Naturale Mineral Mascara a spin and lets us know how it delivers.
7. Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy counts down the 10 most wacky beauty tips, that actually work!. You may just be surprised to see what they are!
8. Win a RisWallet from A Mom in Red High Heels. It's a hands-free solution for a busy woman!
9. Now is your last opportunity to win in the [comfort zone] giveaway at Fabulous Over Forty.
10. Beauty411 tells you about a product that will help you rewind lines and wrinkles. And it's completely painless!
11. Want a gorgeous tan without damaging your skin? Beauty Tyrant has found a summer must-have sunscreen that lets you enjoy the sun without worrying about your skin!
12. Meredith at Daily Dose of Coffee offers up some tips on purchasing the perfect mascara for YOU.
13. How to get your skin glowing like Beyonce-Talking Makeup!
14. The Beauty Alchemist visits with Van Cleef and Arpels new Feerie perfume
15. The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are at it again...check out their latest giveaways with Luzern Labs and Sanctuary Spas.
    
16. To celebrate the kickoff of the new Hills season, Glossypink tells you how to score Whitney Port's beautiful makeup.
17. Product Girl is having a giveaway and you can enter to win Essie's 6-piece fall collection. Good luck!
18. Ah, Fall! Celebrate the peculiar and sexy scents of Autumn with Fifty-Cent Head and Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs.
19. Find out what Beauty Blogging Junkie is using to hydrate her chlorine-ravaged locks here.
20. Beauty Anonymous reveals her travel-friendly beauty goodies.

Weekend Beauty Reads from the Beauty Blog Network

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from the Beauty Blog Network!

1. Find out what yummy scented body souffle The Makeup Divas is all excited about.
2. Losing sleep over your dark circles? Beauty Junkie in SF has found a little tube from Smashbox to help brighten those eyes and make them camera ready.
3. Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy counts down the 10 most wacky beauty tips, that actually work!. You may just be surprised to see what they are!
4. Katharine Towne of HBO's hit show, Tell Me You Love Me reveals her beauty tips **exclusively** to Beauty Banter!
5. Find out why the Muse is excited about Urban Decay's New Lipsticks with a detailed review and swatches of four shades!.
6. A Touch of Blusher brings you Fall 2008 Makeup Trend Report.
   
7. Beauty411 tells you about a product that will help you rewind lines and wrinkles. And it's completely painless!
8. Beauty and Fashion Tech looks at Five Great Uses for Creme de la Mer and tells you how it can actually be a good value.
9. Girl Gloss tries out lip balm made with beer!
10. How's your summer skin doing? Cybelesays suggests finds one that is made just for this seasons hot temps.
11. makeup loves me reveals the details of what promises to be fall's most talked about (sought after) limited edition product!
12. The girls over at Beauty in Real Life are loving Avon's new collection with Jillian Dempsey. Check out the collection here.
13. Karen from Makeup and Beauty Blog gives you swatches and product shots of the entire Cult of Cherry collection, the newest release from MAC Cosmetics.
14. Kyle at Face Candy suggests 2 new face oils to try.
15. Product Girl is having a giveaway and you can enter to win Essie's 6-piece fall collection. Good luck!
16. Find out what Beauty Blogging Junkie is using to hydrate her chlorine-ravaged locks here.
17. Beauty Anonymous reveals her travel-friendly beauty goodies.

Summer '08 My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies Part 2

To continue my last post on My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies, I am going to share with you my thoughts on these goodies.

Clockwise:

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20, Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation, Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer & Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40

Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40

This product has been updated to a new version called Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF40. The one I have is the old version. I bought it at around $39. It is not cheap for a small tube of 1.06 Oz (30ml). Since I only apply a couple drops under my tinted moisturizer or foundation each time, it lasts fairly well for me.

This sunscreen is formulated with 100% micronized mineral filters for protection against sun rays, pollution and free radicals. It has a watery texture that feels lightweight and non-greasy on my face. What I really like about this sunscreen is it provides a high level of sun protection and works great as a makeup primer under other of my tinted moisturizer(s) or foundation(s).

This SPF40 sunscreen is a white color, but it goes on clear. It slightly brightens up my face, and gives my complexion a smooth matte finish. This is my favorite sunscreen in the summer, especially when I go outdoors on vacation.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20

My skin dries out or breaks out easily after long hours of compressed air and AC exposure in the flight, and the temperature changes between different locations. I prefer to use a tinted moisturizer in place of foundation for a natural dewy appearance while traveling.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 is one of the staple in my vanity box. It is a great year-round tinted moisturizer for me. The texture is lightweight and creamy. It provides a clean matte finish to my face and offers a good lasting power.

Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation

I often use a powder foundation to finish off my makeup when I am on vacation. It is small and sturdy enough to slip it in my purse to make my touch-ups easy. Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation (SPF 25) has been updated to a new version called UV White White Skin Compact (SPF25). This powder foundation is not the one that suits me the best because it is on the dry side for me skin. I have to use it with a light hand to prevent the finish gets too powdery or cakey. Overall, I like that it covers my blemishes and undereye dark circles well.

Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer

Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer is formulated with micro-minerals. The concealer has a dense creamy consistency. It blends into the skin easily and dries fast. It does a good job covering the blemishes and undereye dark circles with a decent lasting power. But I found it can be a little dry for my undereye areas.

Clockwise:

Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15, MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo, Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine lipstick & Kate Designing Eyebrow N

Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15

Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 is definitely one of my favorite lip glosses of all time. The colors I have are Cream (creamy white), Peony (sheer pink) and Punch (cherry red). The one shown in the picture is Peony.

The lip gloss has a creamy texture, but I don't find it sticky. The lip gloss features a peppermint scent. It offers a barely noticeable color on my lips. The lip tint does an excellent job soothing and moisturizing my lips. With the additional bonus of SPF 15, it is the best lip gloss candidate that I would carry in my purse for traveling.

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo

MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo came out as part of the Electro Flash Collection in the US in early July. The Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite features a shimmery silver shade on one side, and a mix of medium silvery gray, pink, deep plum and indigo on the other side of the eye shadow pan. The mix of shades gives a dark blue finish with gray and lilac undertones.

This eye shadow duo is well-pigmented. The eye shadow powder is not so dense, yet not too loose to fall off easily. It works great for me on vacation because I can easily use my fingers to pick up the shades without a brush. The color combination is really sophisticated and pretty. It can go subtly sheer for a daytime look or can go dramatically intense for a nighttime look.

Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine lipstick in Strawberry Shine

This is the most moisturizing lipstick I have found so far that also provides a good pigmentation. Check out my earlier post for my review on this lipstick. :)

Kate Designing Eyebrow N set
Do check out my post here for my thoughts on this eyebrow set.

Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve

I wasn't impressed with Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve before. At that time, I used it as a lip balm, but it didn't moisturize my lips well enough.

Smith's Rosebud Salve is basically a multi-purpose salve that can be used anywhere on the skin. While I was not fond of it as a lip balm, I was surprised to find that the texture was rich enough to moisturize my chapped skin, rough cuticles, dry hands and even my frizzy hair during the trip. It did leave a sticky and oily feeling. But it soothed the skin, and left my hands soft and smooth over a full night's sleep.

L'Occitane Solid Perfume in Green Tea

I always pack L'Occitane solid perfume(s) in my travel bag. My review on this solid perfume can be found here.

Burt's Bee Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment

I have been a loyal fan of Burt's Bee Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment for nearly six years. It is my natural remedy for mosquito bites and bruises. I get bruises very easily. This ointment heals the bruises fast; bruises usually start to fade after I apply the ointment several times a day.

What are the traveling beauty goodies in your bag? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Related posts:
Summer 2008: My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies

Summer 2008: My Travel-friendly Beauty Goodies

I am back! I apologize for not updating in the past few days. I just came back from a short but relaxing vacation in Lake Tahoe. This trip was full of bright sunshine, sandy beaches and blue skies. As much as I enjoyed all the breathtaking scenic views, it wasn't easy to get used to the temperature change from daytime to night time and protect the skin from the harsh sun rays on the beach.

I like to pack light during travel (I guess I was also forced to pack light due to the TSA's 3-1-1 rules). And, simple makeup and easy skin care routine are my philosophy during traveling. Based on my past experiences, I was always too tired to get up early finishing the delicate task of applying makeup. Secondly, for some lodging places, such as cabin, it is hard to find decent lighting to apply makeup, not to mention it is essentially mission impossible for me to have my makeup mistake-proof when visiting sunny beaches, playing water, traveling through windy or snowy places. The heat, humidity and strong wind can smear or melt the makeup within minutes. Thus, I would rather play safe with my resort makeup looks; keep it minimal and subtly fresh. Yet, my makeup will be still beautifully done to be photogenic (vacation photos last a lifetime).

I am going to share with you some of the beauty goodies that I brought in my last trip. I narrowed down the stuff that I found most travel-wise in term of size, capability and versatility. More detailed thoughts on these items will come up tomorrow.

Left to Right (Back Row):

• Burt's Bee Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment
• Rosebud Perfume Co. Smith's Rosebud Salve
• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
• Clarins UV Plus Protective Day Screen SPF40
• Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer
• Shiseido UV White Whitening Compact Foundation

Left to Right (Front Row):

• L'Occitane Solid Perfume in Green Tea
• Bobbi Brown Lip Tint SPF 15 in Peony
• MAC Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in Polar Opposite
• Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine lipstick in Strawberry Shine
• Kate Designing Eyebrow N set

Related posts:
Fall 2007: The Beauty Goodies in My Bag!

OPI Fall/Winter 2008 La Collection De France

OPI Fall/Winter 2008 La Collection De France

OPI just launched La Collection De France for fall/winter 2008 collection in early August in the US. Inspired by the effortless elegance of French fashion, the collection features twelve rich and deep shades along with three coordinating lipsticks and lip liners.

OPI Fall/Winter 2008 La Collection De France

As an OPI fan, I have to admit, it didn't draw my attention when I first saw the promo images of the collection. Most of the colors in this collection were way too dark and didn't stand out. It changed my initial impressions, however, after I had a good look at the close-up images of the colors.

The shades focus on neutral nudes, mauve tones and red shades. Some of the shades contain subtle shimmer. I think this collection is able to grasp the essence of the understated glamor of French fashion.

Product Image of OPI Fall/Winter 2008 La Collection De France

La Collection De France includes:

• Louvre Me Louvre Me Not: royal purple
• Parlez-Vous OPI?: smoky violet
• You Don't Know Jacques!: taupe
• Tickle My France-y: nude
• Bastille My Heart: rich burgundy
• I'm Fondue of You: milk chocolate
• A Oui Bit of Red: brilliant red
• We'll Always Have Paris: rich coffee
• Eiffel For This Color: wine shimmer
• Baguette Me Not: swirl of cinnamon
• Crêpes Suzi-ette: caramel
• Yes…I Can-Can!: eggplant

The last three nail colors feature coordinating lip liners and lipsticks. Do check out the OPI website for close-up images. Check out Scrangie if you are interested in the swatches of the collection.

I definitely will grab a few shades from the collection. I am more inclined to Bastille My Heart, Baguette Me not and Tickle my France-y.

Have you picked up any shades from this collection? I would love to hear your thoughts on your shade(s).

Images updated on August 23rd, 2008

[Photo credit:www.opi.com]

Related posts:
Peach-a-Boo! from Summer 2008 Retro Fun in the Sun Collection by OPI

"Lunch at the Delhi" from OPI Spring/Summer 2008 India Collection

Product Review: Pop Beauty Lip Lust

Pop Beauty Lip Lust

Pop Beauty is a makeup line from UK that always come up with colorful cosmetics in youthful and playful packaging. This brand is popular for its eyeshadow palettes in various color combinations.

Pop Beauty Lip Lust in Petal Pink

Apparently, Pop Beauty focuses on the lip gloss more than lipstick because Lip Lust is the only lipstick range available in this makeup line at this point. This lipstick is available in Naughty Red(sheer strawberry red), Dewy Toffee(light peachy-nude), Flirty Fuchsia(sheer pink fuchsia) and Petal Pink(sheer pale pink). The shade I have tried is Petal Pink, which is a sheer pale pink with multi-colored shimmer.

Lip Lust is made with a lightweight and moisturizing formula. It is enriched with vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid to provide moisture. It goes on sheer, making the lipstick quite buildable and layerable. After I apply a thin layer of this lipstick, it adds a translucent tint of pink with a silvery radiance on my lips. With thicker layers of application, it delivers a semi-opalescent coverage, and a subtle frosty pink finish. The shimmer helps make my lips appear to be fuller.

Pop Beauty Lip Lust in Petal Pink

The lipstick is infused with food flavorings for yummy taste, according to the product description. Personally, I don't like the creamy scent(supposedly from the food flavorings) that much. It is less bothersome, however, as the scent goes away quickly after it is applied to the lips.

Pop Beauty Lip Lust in Petal Pink

Summary
I enjoy using Pop Beauty Lip Lust in Petal Pink (sheer pale pink with multi-colored shimmer). The lipstick gives a good dimension to my lips. If you have pale to fairly light skin, I think it is a lovely lip color for a casual day look. For medium to dark skin tone, it is a great lip color to layer on top of other lip color(s) or to highlight the center of lips for more dimension.

*This sample is provided by Pop Beauty. However, this review is solely based on my personal opinions after using this product.*


Related posts:
MAC Heatherette Lipstick in Lollipop Loving

Guerlain KissKiss Maxi Shine - Sheer Colours Volume Effect Lipstick

Guerlain KissKiss Lipstick: Pretty in Pink

Will MAC Launch a Collaboration with Hello Kitty?

Here is the exciting news for Hello Kitty and MAC Cosmetics fans; according to The Cut @ New York Magazine, it is likely that MAC will release a limited-edition collaboration with Hello Kitty next year. MAC has yet to confirm the collaboration.

I remember when I was a kid, Hello Kitty and Little Twin Stars (Kiki & Lala) were my true friends. I have a collection of their pencil boxes and died hard to buy their new stationery when the new semester was about to start. Although, I am no longer a big fan, it is still very exciting if I could collect a couple items of Hello Kitty makeup.

I can imagine the Hello Kitty Collection will be themed with pinks. The collection will definitely lure young girls and adult fans of the adorable feline character, if this rumor ever comes true. I am looking forward to seeing what the products look like and what will have in the collection.

Related posts:
MAC Heatherette Collection

MAC Heatherette Lipstick in Lollipop Loving

Weekend Beauty Reads from Beauty Blog Network

Enjoy the weekend beauty reads from the Beauty Blog Network! Have a lovely weekend!

1. Lilan from The Daily Cookie shows you how to use the TRIA At-Home Laser Hair Removal System and get rid of pesky hairs with an easy video tutorial!
2. Beauty Anonymous reviews Flower By Kenzo Summer Fragrance 2008!
3. A Touch of Blusher talks about Paul & Joe's lilac eyeshadow.
4. The Makeup Divas reviews Mac's Mineralize Skin Finish.
5. Got wimpy lashes? Head over to Beauty Junkie in SF to enter to win a Marini Lash Eyelash Conditioner and grow those babies into full, voluminous lashes!
6. Want perfect brows? Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy is RAVING about the latest goodies from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Check out this fun video she has put together of all her favorite must-haves!
7. Beauty Banter reviews the amazing Thi Cosmetics color line from makeup artist Taylor Pham. If simple, basic and elegant is what you want, this is the makeup for YOU!
8. Makeup Moxie reviews the new Benefit Powderflage.
9. Want to know how to get Alicia Keys's hairdo? StyleBell uncovers how to get the Alicia Keys's hairstyle in a few simple steps!
10. Hands free hair drying? Cybelesays found a cool gadget that lets you use both hands to style your hair while blow drying.
11. Product Girl plays with Josie Maran's line and takes a look at her Finger Paints.
12. Beauty Blogging Junkie is giving away ten bottles of Redken Full Frame 07 Protective Volumizing Mousse! Enter here to win.
13. Beauty411 shares her new secret weapon to phenomenal fluttering lashes!
14. The Beauty Bug video chats with the ladies of Lancome and they demonstrate how to use their new vibrating Ôscillation Mascara!
15. Want angelina jolie's beautiful eye makeup? makeup loves me shows you how to get what you want!
16. Beauty in Real Life interviews Elke and gets the scoop on The Elke Brow Collection, her favorite beauty products, and the biggest mistake most women make when it comes to their brows.
17. Love Kim Kardashian's makeup? Want to know how she does it? Visit Spoiled Pretty for Kim's "Smokey Eye Look" how-to video in which she and her makeup artist, Stephen Moleski, show you how to achieve Kim's signature look.
18. 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic has a look at Prescriptives' Fall 2008 Daring Collection!

Total Beauty Web Tour

Enjoy the weekly beauty reads from Total Beauty Web Tour!

1. Want perfect brows? Roselyn from Makeup Makes Me Happy is RAVING about the latest goodies from Anastasia Beverly Hills. Check out this fun video she has put together of all her favorite must-haves!
2. Come check out what hair products The Makeup Divas are raving about.
3. Beauty Tyrant has found the foundation that can make you 5 years younger!. She'll tell you whether that's a truth or myth
4. Monique at Beauty Girl Musings tries out the much buzzed about It! Cosmetics Abs in a Box. Find out what she thinks!
5. Beauty Anonymous falls in love with the Trance Deep Eyes Palette from Coffret D'Or Summer 2008 Collection!
6. Be sure to enter the [comfort zone] giveaway at Fabulous Over Forty
7. Bare Budget Beauty is giving away three new Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Mascaras! Enter today to win!
8. Beauty's SPOT has the exclusive pics of Duffy in NIVEA's new campaign for Fashion Rocks. The pictures will appear this month in Conde Nast's most fabulous titles as they ring in Fashion Week with the fifth annual concert.
9. Enter to win designer sunglasses from Girl-Woman-Beauty-Brains-Blog.
10. Viva Woman looks at what causes your foundation makeup to oxidize and turn darker and how to best prevent it.
11. Look at what product A Mom in Red High Heels 'borrowed' from her husband and loves! He's not getting it back!
12. MissWhoever-You-Are has a peek at Harper's Bazaar September Fall issue and it's cover girl Tyra Banks.
13. How to get Fergie's Bohemian Hair Style with Redken-Talking Makeup.
14. Product Girl plays with Josie Maran's line and takes a look at her Finger Paints.
15. Beauty Blogging Junkie is giving away ten bottles of Redken Full Frame 07 Protective Volumizing Mousse! Enter here to win.
16. Beauty411 shares her new secret weapon to phenomenal fluttering lashes!
17. Check out Glossypink's Haute Couture Runway Beauty picks!
18. The Advice Sisters Guide to Life, Success & Happiness Blog --it rocks!
19. Jenn and Christine at Beauty in Real Life are having another giveaway, 10 readers will win a Tassi. Click here to enter.
20. The Beauty Alchemist reviews Bond 9's new fragrance Lexington Avenue.
21. In the spirit of the 2008 Summer Olympics, Spoiled Pretty has teamed up with Beauty Blogging Junkie for some synchronized beauty blogging. These trained beauty athletes are providing readers with a dream team of products expertly culled from their extensive reviews. Find out which products take home the gold.