Hello Cheekbones: 60 Seconds with Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste

There is a buzz in the beauty world about a new taupe/grey contouring powder. That buzz said “Get it. You need it. Must have. Iloveitsomuch. This stuff is a game changer.” I almost literally ran to the store to buy the powder – Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste ($48) — after hearing that it’s available in Holt Renfrew Chanel counters across Canada.


Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste


Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste – swatch

Why is this product such a game changer, you ask? The grey tones, instead of the usual brown, mimics shadows of the face perfectly. It is meant to be worn all as an eyeshadow or face contour powder). Notorious sculpts the face to perfection. Want a deeper eye crease? Want a skinnier nose (without an actual nose job)? Want strong cheekbones and jaw line? Notorious can help with that. For reference, my skin tone is around MAC NC37-40 or NARS Barcelona.


Before & After Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste


Wearing Chanel Notorious Ombre Contraste

If you are new to contouring, I made a step-by-step tutorial on how I sculpt my face. You might find it helpful. :)

Want to see more?

  • See Notorious on a lighter skin tone at Messy Wands.
  • Here’s a fantastic before and after comparison on a yet lighter skin tone (and stunning face) at Getting Cheeky.
  • The Beauty Look Book has great comparison photos and swatches of Notorious and other taupe powders.

The Looks of Fall 2012

Fall is a season for all makeup lovers.  Whether it’s an emphasis on the eyes or the lips (or sometimes, both), there’s a little something for everyone.  I have been anti-crackle polish since day 1, but my oh my — does the Dior khaki shatter polish look good or what?  From the classic smokey eye and berry lips from Chanel and Laura Mercier, to the look of a typical YSL girl (lots of eyeshadow and blush!), to super daring shu uemura and NARS, fall 2012 is shaping up to be an exciting season for makeup.  Oh, and can we talk about Revlon Shanghai Collection by Gucci Westman?  I’m telling you now… it is going to blow you away (available in September, reviews/swatches to come).

Lip Twinsies: Lipstick Rules and Glitter Geek Wear MAC Russian Red Lipstick + Chanel Fatale Lipgloss


Wearing MAC Russian Red Lipstick + Chanel Fatale Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss

I’m so excited to bring you this collaboration with Lipstick Rules!

When I Back-to-MAC’d for MAC Russian Red Lipstick ($17.50) a few weeks ago, I got inspired. I fell in love with its rich matte red colour, but I learned from the Fashion Sets collection that it looks so much more incredible lacquered with a lipgloss.  I also knew that there was no way in hell I will ever buy a MAC Lipglass ever again (so painfully sticky!), but I wanted to give this matchy-matchy trend a go.  I already had Chanel Fatale Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss ($37) in my lip product drawer, so I thought, why not layer the two?


MAC Russian Red Lipstick, Chanel Fatale Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss

Fatale is darker and warmer than Russian Red.  The two creates a true red that is slightly lighter and warmer than the infamous Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque (far right swatch).


MAC Russian Red, Chanel Fatale, Russian Red + Fatale, Chanel Dragon Rouge Allure Laque


MAC Russian Red + Chanel Fatale Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss

This summer, I’d wear this to glam up a bronzy eye and complexion.  I call it Hollywood Poolside Glam.  Dipping in the pool: not recommended.  Looking cute in a wide floppy hat sipping mojitos (with a straw): totally encouraged.


Wearing MAC Russian Red + Chanel Fatale Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss


Also wearing: L’Oreal Gleaming Bronze Infallible Eyeshadow, L’Oreal Voluminous False Fiber Lashes in Black Lacquer, Guerlain 02 Brunettes Bronzer

For the love of red lips, Michelle is also wearing this combo today over at Lipstick Rules. Check out her post here!  We encourage you to try out this lip combo if you have similar colours in your stash!  How would you wear it?