Out of the many products that I tried this year, here are the 9 that have stolen my heart forever (in no particular order).  Links lead to the products’ corresponding reviews.

Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora is the first Dior makeup I ever bought, and is still my favourite bronzer to this day. Let’s hope they come out with another great one next summer. (Limited Edition for Summer 2011)

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush gets a lot of rave reviews and for good reason. I recently added Exposed to my stash and my friends agree that it is a universally flattering blush.

MAC Prep + Prime Highlighter in Bright Forecast is my first line of defence against under eye circles every. single. day. It is life changing.

Annabelle Le Big Show Mascara is my favourite mascara of the year. I recommend it to everyone.

Lise Watier Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Quad in Équinoxe + Métamorfix Liquid Transformer was the best makeup palette/set I tried this year. The colours and performance are unparalleled. (Limited Edition for Fall 2011)

Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani in Rouge 406 is a beautiful red lipstick and the formula is divine. I try a lot of lipsticks and think that the Rouge d’Armani is one of the best. I must try more colours next year. (Limited Edition for Fall 2011)

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Usage Dry Oil is one product I can’t stop raving about. What can I say; I just love it so much!  This one isn’t new; it’s a classic that I got to finally try this year.

Velour Lashes in You Complete Me gives me Bambi eyes. That is all.

THANN Jasmine Blossom Set is a staple in my bathroom. I just can’t get enough.

What are your favourite beauty products of 2011?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Lise Watier, MAC, Makeup, NUXE, Skincare, Tarte, THANN, Velour Lashes | Tags: blush, body oil, body wash, bronzer, concealer, false lashes, favourites, lipstick, lotion, mascara

I love a good colourful look to celebrate summer.  Today I was inspired by Lisa Eldridge’s new video Beach Brights to take my bright eyeshadows for a spin.  At first I thought I’d just do a bright eyeliner, but as you can see, I kinda went colour crazy.  It’s the first time I’m trying a teal and purple combo, and I think it works well.  I also wanted to show off Chanel Rouge Coco in Jersey Rose (thanks H. of 25fLONDON!), which is my go-to lipstick this summer.  Enjoy the look!

Swatches (from left): Sleek Chaos i-Divine Palette Eyeshadows in Teal, Sea Green, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, Auraline Bright Violet, MAC Arena

Get the Look

For the eyes, build up the colour by patting on a bright teal (Sleek Chaos i-Divine Palette) all over the lid and on the lower lash line. Blend the colour into the crease, then apply a medium brown on the crease. Deepen the outer crease by adding a dark brown. On the outer lid, blend in a vibrant purple (Auraline Bright Violet) and the outer third of the lower lash line.  Highlight the brow bone and inner corners with a light peach (MAC Arena).

Line the upper lash line with a black gel liner (MAC Blacktrack), and the waterlines with a black pencil liner (Giorgio Armani waterproof).  Apply your favourite mascara (CoverGirl Lash Blast).

For the cheeks, lightly bronze all over the high points of the face with a peachy pink bronzer (Dior Aurora).  Then, on the apples of the cheeks, apply a light dusting of a shimmery peachy pink blush (NARS Deep Throat).

For the lips, apply a warm rosy pink lipstick (Chanel Jersey Rose). Add a shimmery lip gloss on top (Chanel Maline).

Keep reading to see more pictures!

(...)
Read the rest of FOTD: Craving Colour. (311 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 40 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Auraline, Chanel, CoverGirl, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Looks, MAC, Makeup, NARS, Sleek, Swatches | Tags: fotd

It’s not often that a product gets a re-post in my blog, so if it does, you know that I have found true love. I wrote about Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow in Aurora almost two months ago, and since then our love has flourished into a beautiful thing.  Yes, I’m still talking about a bronzer.

Brand new Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora, from May 2011

This isn’t a case of love at first sight, unlike many of my luxury brand buys (this Chanel blush for example, needs to get more sweet lovin’ from me).  We’ve been seeing each other everyday, and what we have is real.  Here is Aurora now, in all his thoroughly loved glory.

Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora, July 2011

Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora, July 2011

Now that I have an early summer tan (NC40-ish), I still wear Aurora all over the high points of my face for a subtle glow and highlight.  Because it has a dip in the pan now after a short time, I’m wondering if I should get a backup.  It scares me to think that I might hit pan this year.

Do You Have Any Recent Buys That Have Quickly Made Your Holy Grail of Products?

Please, pretty please, let me know.  I’d hate to miss out on a good thing.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 26 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Dior, Makeup, Reviews | Tags: blush, bronzer, holy grail, summer

Lise Watier Bora Bora EdT, Dior Addict Shine EdT, Auric Blends ‘Love’ Perfume Oil, NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil

There’s no reason why you have to smell like sweat or armpits on hot days like today.  Besides your deodorant (here’s a good one, by the way), the perfect light fragrance will leave you smelling pretty all day long.  Here are several that are tried and tested, regularly worn and loved by me.

Dior Addict Shine Eau de Toilette

I have been having a love affair with my bottle of Dior Addict Shine Eau de Toilette (around $75) since last summer.  It’s a light floral with a hint of fruitiness.  The fragrance’s notes include cedrat, gardenia, raspberry and cedar woods.  I wear this most of the time, but it’s too bad it doesn’t last an entire work day.

In my own words: It’s like I just rolled around in a field of flowers without my allergies going haywire.

Auric Blends ‘Love’ Perfume Oil

Ahhh, Auric Blends ‘Love’ Perfume Oil (around US$7) was an unexpected gem of a fragrance I picked up near the Las Vegas airport.  I don’t think it’s available in Canada though.  It’s a blend of florals and light powder that blends well with my skin.  Because it’s an oil, it lasts longer than an eau de toilette.

In my own words: This is how I ideally would smell like when I step out of the shower.

Lise Watier Bora Bora Eau de Toilette

We’ve encountered Bora Bora before, and now we’re kicking it up a few notches with Lise Watier Bora Bora Eau de Toilette ($50).  My goodness, this is my fragrance crush this summer.  It smells like a mix of florals and a piña colada.  Notes include passion flower, jasmine, rose, amber, vanilla and wood-scented musk.

In my own words:  Tropical beach vacation.  I’d wear this one on the beach while reading cheesy chick lit and listening to Bob Marley.  “Baby don’t worry about a thing… ’cause every little thing gonna be all right.”

NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil

If you want a multi-tasking workhorse that you can use from head to toe, you need NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Dry Oil ($42 for 100 ml at Beautyphica).  Like really, you can put this one on your face, hair, and body.  Since it’s an oil, it also leaves your skin with a nice glow, but without being greasy.  This one is heavier than the previous fragrances, but not heavy enough for the day in my opinion.  It’s a complex one that’s hard to explain (sorry!).  Trust me though; it really does smell good.  Just read the bottom line below…

In my own words: I smell expensive.

What are Your Favourite Fragrances for Summer?

Any fragrances that you just can’t stop wearing?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 19 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Dior, Fragrance, Lise Watier, NUXE, Reviews | Tags: body oil, summer

MAC eyeshadow in Swimming is my most recent acquisition, and it has quickly become a must-have.  I really think it’s a hidden gem in MAC’s permanent line.  It’s a gorgeous shimmery sea green that pairs perfectly with blues, teals, golds and purples.  I couldn’t wait to show off this beautiful colour, so today I bring you this face of the day.  My inspiration is this Fantasea Girl look from Sephora a few years ago.  Instead of copying the entire look (which is totally fab by the way), I wanted to make it more wearable by not bringing the colours all the way up to the brows.  It’s a fun way to do colour for a summer weekend.  Read on to learn how to get the look.

Swatches (from left): Auraline Bright Violet, Sassy Minerals Off Kilter, MAC Swimming, Annabelle Blu-Ray, MAC Soft Brown, Urban Decay Sin

Get the Look

For the eyes, start by patting down a purple eyeshadow (Auraline Bright Violet) on the inner third of the lid going a little bit past the crease, and the inner third of the lower lash line.  Layer a glittery lavender pigment (Sassy Minerals Off Kilter) on top of the cream eyeshadow.  Next, apply a shimmery sea green (MAC Swimming) from the outer two-thirds of the lid all the way up past the crease.  Apply the same green eyeshadow along the outer two-thirds of the lower lash line.  Next, apply a thick line of a matte navy blue (Annabelle Blu-ray) along the outer half of the upper and lower lash lines.  Blend a warm medium matte brown (MAC Soft Brown) above the crease to add warmth and depth.  Highlight the brow bone with a shimmery champagne (Urban Decay Sin), as well as the inner corner of the eyes to brighten.

Line the lower waterline with a teal liner (MAC Undercurrent).  Smudge the same teal liner on the outer two-thirds of the upper lash line.  Apply mascara (Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill) on the upper and lower lashes.  Add a pair of gigantic lashes (Illamasqua No. 23) to finish off the eyes.

For the cheeks, bronze all over the high points of the face with a peachy bronze (Dior Aurora).  Then, apply a matte pink (Tarte Dollface) high on the cheekbones, making a ‘C’ shape around the outside of the eyes to make them pop.

For the lips, apply a coral lipstick (MAC Crosswires) to complement the summery look, and top off with a shimmery gloss (Chanel Maline).

Keep reading to see more pictures!

(...)
Read the rest of Mermaid Colours with MAC Swimming Eyeshadow. (473 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 38 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Auraline, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Illamasqua, Looks, MAC, Makeup, Sassy Minerals, Swatches, Tarte, Urban Decay | Tags: fotd, inspiration, looks i'm loving

It’s almost June, and you probably know someone getting married in the next month or two.  If you’re looking for inspiration on how to do your makeup, here’s a look that I wore to a wedding last weekend.  It’s enough to make your eyes pop without wearing making the eyes too heavy.  The emphasis is on the smokey eye liner and the shape.  I loved wearing this look, and it’s something that I’ll probably wear over and over again.

Swatches (from left): MAC All That Glitters, MAC Arena, MAC Soft Brown, MAC Coquette, MAC Brun, Chanel Black Pearl

Get the Look

For the eyes, shade in the lid with a shimmery beige (MAC All That Glitters) and top off with a low shimmer peach (MAC Arena).  Mix the shimmery beige (MAC All That Glitters) and peach (MAC Arena) to highlight the inner corner and inner half of the lower lash line.  Highlight the brow bone with a shimmery champagne (Urban Decay Sin).  Lightly contour the crease with a matte warm brown (MAC Soft Brown).  Apply a matte medium taupe (MAC Coquette) to the outer corner to define the eye further.

Using a smudger brush, take a dark cool brown (MAC Brun) and smudge along the upper lash line and wing out on the outer corner.  This creates a guide for the black eyeliner liner.  Then, smudge using a creamy black liner (Giorgio Armani Waterproof Liner) over the cool brown to deepen it.  Apply the black liner to the outer third of the lower lash line.  Smudge and drag the liner to the middle, while making sure that the line tapers off at the middle.  Line the top and bottom waterlines.  Go over the black lines with a shimmery charcoal (Chanel Black Pearl from Ombres Perlées Palette).    Apply mascara (Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill).  Optional, apply half false lashes to the outer corner (Ardell 120 Demi — cut in half; I used the shorter half because I have short lashes).

For the cheeks, dust a peachy bronzer (Dior Aurora Bronzer) over the high points of the face.

For the lips, apply a creamy nude lipstick (Vasanti Luxembourg).

Keep reading to see more pictures!

(...)
Read the rest of Special Event Makeup: Smokey Cat Eyes FOTD. (413 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 30 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Ardell, Chanel, Dior, Giorgio Armani, Looks, MAC, Makeup, Swatches, Urban Decay, Vasanti | Tags: eyeliner, fotd

I’m acquiring so many new lipsticks that I’m starting to feel like a “lipstick of the week” column is appropriate.  Whether I end up doing it or not (most likely not, because of my makeup ADD), this is a continuation of my mini Dior spree, Dior Addict Lipstick in 578 Diorkiss ($31).  I picked this up on a whim along with Dior Aurora Bronzer.

Dior Addict Lipstick in 578 Diorkiss

Dior Addict Lipstick in 578 Diorkiss is a sheer bright rosy pink.  It’s one of those colours that you can attach the adjectives “pretty” and “girly” to.  While I can usually be seen wearing anything far from demure shades,  I like this everyday pink colour.  It will probably be a popular one from the line, seeing as it is also same shade Kate Moss wore in the promo photo.

Dior Addict Lipstick in 578 Diorkiss

The Dior Addict formula like lip balm, so it’ll make a good starter lipstick for regular lip balm and lip gloss users.  It’s a good choice for those who suffer from dry lips, because the glossiness gives lips a nice plump look.  Deliciously juicy!

Dior Addict Lipstick in 578 Diorkiss Swatch

I understand that $31 is a lot of money for a sheer lipstick, but I do appreciate the packaging this comes in.  I’m not sure I’ll buy another one though.  I wish this came scented like my Chanel lipsticks, then it would feel much more luxurious and worth my money.

Wearing Dior Addict Lipstick in 578 Diorkiss

How Do You Feel About Sheer Glossy Lipsticks?

You know, I’m still not 100% convinced about them. Maybe I’ll appreciate them more when hot sticky summer finally comes around. I still prefer the full coverage of a lipstick layered with a gloss. What about you?  Do you like these multi-tasking lipsticks?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 21 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Dior, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: lipbalm, lipstick, pink lips

Some things that come to mind when I think of summer:

1. Hot sun and blue skies.
2. Backyard barbecues.
3. Ice cream.
4. Beaches.
5. Bronzers.
6. Backyard barbecues.

Pardon me while I wipe the drool off my face.

Anyway.

It’s that time of the year again, when new collections are now rolling out to makeup counters, and they always bring out the best for summer.  Summer collections always strike a chord with me.  I’m a huge fan of the carefree sun-kissed look because it is — as my friends from the Bay Area would say — hella sexy.  Speaking of which, isn’t Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora ($48) just ooze pure sexiness?

Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora

Aurora’s basket weave pattern of golden brown and pinky peach powders creates the most flattering lit from within effect on the skin.  It’s something that I haven’t seen from other bronzers I’ve used in the past.  It has the most sophisticated glow; you won’t see any chunky shimmer on your face from Dior Aurora.

Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora (close up)

The bronzer comes with a velvet pouch with a pocket for a soft small brush (seen in the first photo).  I’m so happy to say that the brush is actually pretty good!  However, I still prefer to use a tapered face brush similar to MAC 138 to apply it on my temples, chin and cheeks.  Then, I wear more on my cheeks using my blush brush.

Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora (close up)

Since my Dior counter mini-spree (yes, there will be more coming up!), I have used my Aurora bronzer almost everyday and sometimes without any blush.  I think that makes it a must-have, don’t you think?

Wearing Diorskin Nude Healthy Glow Powder in Aurora (all over, no blush)

Just Because It’s Caturday…

Scherbie!

Other makeup I’m wearing: UD Toasted all over lid, MAC Soft Brown in crease, MAC Brun on outer corner, UD Sin on inner corner, UD Bourbon liner. On the lips, I’m wearing Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Phoenix.

Have you hugged your cat today?

What’s Your Favourite Summer 2011 Makeup Collection?

I really think that Dior hit it out of the park with this collection.  The two new bronzers are outstanding.  I think NARS also has a great collection out.  Their Dogon eyeshadow duo and Carthage (hot pink) lipstick kinda make me crazy!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 37 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Dior, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: blush, bronzer, Scherbatsky

10. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Concealer #350.

When the weather is hot, my cream concealer just won’t do because of caking issues. Instead I have been using this great click pen liquid concealer by MAKE UP FOR EVER, and I really like this one. It takes care of dark circles without the need for setting powder. It dries completely without any stickiness, so it is excellent for minimal makeup summer days when I just don’t want to fuss with too many products.

9. Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge.

Sonia Kashuk is my #1 reason why I am annoyed that Target is still not in Canada.  The Sonia Kashuk blending sponge is an essential tool in my makeup bag for perfecting the skin on my face and under eye area.  Used wet with my MAC Fix+ Rose, about 10 swipes of my tinted moisturizer or foundation all over my face and I’m done.  Flip it over to the pointed side and blend out under eye concealer in a jiff.  It is really that easy.

8. MAC Eyeshadow in Arena.

Many a summer day my eye makeup was very minimal.  Some days eyeliner was not even used.  When I felt like putting on a “me but better” face, 9 times out of 10 I wore MAC Arena.  This shade is so versatile on my skin tone (about NC35 – NC37) because I can use it as a light lid colour or as a highlight.  If I am really pressed for time, I just highlight my eyes’ inner corners and brow bone and I instantly look more awake.

7. MAC Lipstick in Viva Glam V.

Here I am again, telling the world about my undying love for MAC Viva Glam V lipstick.  Seriously, if I were to have a BFF in lipstick form, Viva Glam V would be it.  The shimmery mauve is oh so easy to wear, and the Lustre finish makes it more comfortable to wear than other MAC formulas.  Oh, and did you know proceeds from all Viva Glam products go towards MAC AIDS fund to support those living with HIV and AIDS?  Now I won’t feel so bad getting backups of this amazing lipstick.

6. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free in Almond.

On days when I want to even out my skin tone more than usual, I reach for this instead of my usual foundation.  Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizers are well-known in the beauty universe, and rightly so.  This one provides a heavier coverage than your regular tinted moisturizers, so it covers your minor imperfections while still letting your skin show through.  I find the oil free formula is great for oily skin like mine and it has never broken me out.  This was a great buy!

5. MAC Hipness Blush.

This has become my default blush. The almost-matte coral is incredibly flattering on any complexion. It’s not the most pigmented blush I have, but it can be built up to a super intense colour when layered.  The nice thing about Hipness is that it works with a warm look as well as cool colours.  So if someone were to ask me which one blush I would take with me on a deserted island — obviously this someone is not in their right mind! — I would definitely pick my Hipness blush.  Because we’re tight like that.

4. Dior Addict Shine Eau de Toilette.

This is the latest addition (I almost typed addiction, ha!) to my small perfume collection.  I like to switch to a lighter scent in the summer months and this is what I’ve been wearing this scent all summer long.  I’m not fluent in perfume-speak, but it smells like a fresh floral on me.  It starts off more citrusy, but as it wears through the day, it begins to smell like a fresh field of flowers.  It is always a nice surprise whenever I catch a whiff of this scent.  It is summer in a bottle.

3. Annabelle Zebra Bronzing Powder in Haute Gold.

What a great bronzer and a great price!  Everyone I know who has used this — fair and tan — shares my love for this bronzer.  Fact: I totally cracked up when some Glitter Geek readers were fooled into thinking I wasn’t wearing bronzer in my original review.  I looked like I had naturally glowing skin like I’m not wearing any makeup. That is all.

2. Pure + simple All Natural SPF 30 for Oily/Impure Skin.

I don’t know why I haven’t yet posted a review on this, but it has seriously saved my face from those horrible itchy patches I got last summer.  It’s a physical sunscreen, which means that I look like a powder-face geisha after I put it on, but it works.  On most days I just wear my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural (Medium Dark) over it and everything looks as it should.  Non-greasy and doesn’t smell revolting.  It can be found at Pure + simple spas in the Greater Toronto Area or online.

1. Cover FX ClearPrep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment Gel.

My favourite primer continues to save my face from turning into a greaseball every day I wear it.  It is pricy, but if you have oily skin and think there is nothing out there that’ll help you, you should really give this ClearPrep FX a try.  And normal to dry skinned beauties, be not afraid! I didn’t find ClearPrep FX to be drying, either.  I tell everyone about it, so tell your friends!

Now That I’ve Shared Mine, What Are Your Go-To Products This Summer?

Disclosure: The bronzer was sent to me for review, and I bought everything else. Wow, that’s a lot of new products!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 38 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Cover FX, Dior, Laura Mercier, MAC, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Pure + simple, Sonia Kashuk | Tags: blush, bronzer, brushes, concealer, eyeshadow, lipstick, perfume, primer, sunscreen, tinted moisturizer