I got a half head of highlights. Of course with a photo because I was bored.
Oh and I am wearing Chanel Phoenix Rouge Allure Laque here.

Tadaa!  Seriously, best hair ever!  Those are light golden brown highlights,
which I am seriously considering to maintain as long as I can afford to.

A Cat Story: The Neighbour’s Tabby Visits.

In other news, the neighbour’s tabby dropped by our backyard this morning.

It was a typical Saturday morning for Mingming, just checking out the birds in the backyard.  At least, that’s what she thought it was going be.

It looks like the neighbour’s Tabby wanted Mingming to come out and play.

Mingming: “You better not come near me.”

Tabby: “I can has sum play timez?”

Mingming: “Did you not hear me? My back fur hasn’t grown out yet and I’m really shy about it!  Growl!”

Tabby: “Kaaaay.  Oooh pavement!  & photog, plz can taek mai good side?  Kthx.”

LOL.  Mingming didn’t want anything to do with the Tabby, which stuck around for another 10 minutes while my sister and I petted it in the backyard.  What a beauty!  Oh and yes, Mingming speaks fluent human.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Geekery, Hair | Tags: kittehs, LIFT Beauty Boutique

Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in 78 Phoenix ($39 — oh hi BF I hope you don’t ever see this price tag!) is a medium bright strawberry pink.  If you don’t know anything about these (and of course you do know, but I will tell you anyway), Rouge Allure Laques are ultra pigmented liquid lipsticks.  The lipsticks gives the appearance of a lipstick and a lipgloss in one.

I got to try it right after I brought it back to work from the Chanel counter.  From my experience so far, it is amazingly smooth, non-drying and has no offensive fragrances.  It applies as bright as it appears on the wand.  The shine lasts for about 2 hours on me, and the colour fades slowly and evenly after 4-5 hours.  Dare I say it?  Phoenix is crack in liquid lipstick form.

This is easily my favourite lipstick, but it also costs a little bit more than two MAC lipsticks.  However, I will say that it is totally worth my money!

Lip swatch of Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in Phoenix

Psst… full face photo to come later!  Stay tuned!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Chanel, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: holy grail, lipstick

Maybelline Full ‘n Soft Mascara (US$5.94 in Target, CDN$9.99 at Shoppers Drugmart) is the latest mascara to join my usual five-tube rotation. I’m crazy I know, but I like to have options.  Full ‘n Soft is supposed to deliver thick and soft lashes.  So you probably want to know what went totally wrong here.

They Should’ve Called it Bare ‘n Soft Instead.

Before the complaints go into full force, I gotta give props to Full ‘n Soft for leaving my lashes very soft.  So soft that it almost doesn’t feel like I had mascara on.

Okay.

Now to tackle the claims for full and thick lashes?  It doesn’t.  I found the formula to be quite wet — more wet than I’m used to in a mascara.  Maybelline advises that I should layer while it’s still wet, but it really does not build any volume on my wimpy lashes.

1 coat of Maybelline Full ‘n Soft

2 coats of Maybelline Full ‘n Soft

Bare lashes vs. 2 coats

It Lacks (Almost) Everything Else I am Looking For.

Let’s look at the check list shall we?

1. Volume: No.
2. Length: No.
3. Curl: No.  This was the most irritating aspect about this mascara.  Like seriously, stick straight lashes as soon as the formula touches my curled lashes.  Awful!
4. Staying Power: Yes! — no flakes or smudges throughout the day.
5. Easily Washable (if non-waterproof): Yes! — washes off with face wash and water.

I guess it’s not that bad, but the top 3 items are the most important.  I like big, in-yo’-face lashes, and this just does not deliver.  Oh well.  If you are born with naturally batty Bambi lashes, then this may work for you.  Otherwise, stay far far away.  Rating: D.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Reviews | Tags: mascara

The colour placement on this one is super basic, so really I think anyone can do this.  If the other brown smoky eye was a bit too much for your taste, then you might like this one better.

Swatches (from left): NARS Cordura Duo Eyeshadow, MAC Soft Brown, MAC Arena

Get the Look

For the eyes, using a fluffy shader brush, take a shimmery light peach (MAC Arena) to highlight the brow bone and inner corners.  Then, apply a matte medium brown (MAC Soft Brown) all over the lid.  Using a fluffy blending brush like the MAC 217, take a deeper shimmery brown (lighter side of NARS Cordura Duo) and apply on the outer 1/3 of the lid and outer crease.  Smudge this same colour on the outer 2/3 of the lower lash line.  Take a deep brown (almost black like the darker side of NARS Cordura Duo) and apply to the outer V with a pointed crease brush like the MAC 226.  Smudge this same colour to the outer 1/3 of the lower lash line.  Smudge a black eyeliner on the outer half of the upper lash line (Annabelle Ohmygoth!) and go over the same line with the deep brown.  Add mascara (L’Oreal Voluminous waterproof) to the top lashes.

For the cheeks, start with a cream blush (MAKE UP FOR EVER #5 Nip Slip HD Blush) to make the colour last longer.  Then go over it with a no- or low-shimmer coral powder blush (MAC Hipness).  Contour the cheeks and temples with a matte dark brown blush (MAKE UP FOR EVER #17 Espresso).

For the lips, go with a gorgeous neutral lipstick (MAC Viva Glam V).

(...)
Read the rest of Summer Smoky Eye: Softer Browns for the Faint of Heart. (505 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 12 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, FACE atelier, Hair, L'Oreal, Looks, MAC, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Makeup, NARS, Swatches | Tags: fotd, Liza, summer smoky eye

Now, if you wear your favourite lipstick, and then layer your favourite lipgloss on top, do they work?

My two favourites, MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick and Smashbox Candid Sheer Color Lipgloss, is like a match made in heaven.

MAC Viva Glam V

MAC Viva Glam V

Smashbox Candid Sheer Color Lipgloss
Notice how close it is to being empty!!!

MAC Viva Glam V + Smashbox Candid on top

Swatches (from top): MAC Viva Glam V, Smashbox Candid, Viva Glam V + Candid

I find myself wearing this all. the. time. this summer. It is so wearable with a neutral eye, and also balances out a stronger eye really well.

What’s your Favourite Lip Combination?

Do you use your favourite lip products in it?  If not, what are your favourite lipsticks & lipglosses?

Bonus: Scherbatsky’s Face of the Day.

O Hai!  What can I do for you today?
Alternate caption: Because I’m worth it.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: MAC, Makeup, Smashbox, Swatches | Tags: lipgloss, lipstick

Swatches (from left): Urban Decay Freakshow, Annabelle Violet Vibe (pigment), MAC Coquette, MAC Carbon, Sassy Minerals Off Kilter (pigment)

Get the Look

For the eyes, apply a mid-tone blue violet (Annabelle Violet Vibe Pigment) with a wet flat synthetic brush, all over the middle of the lids.  Using a pointed crease brush, apply a rich dark purple (Urban Decay Freakshow Deluxe Eyeshadow) to the inner and outer corners of the lid, and the crease, creating a pointed shape on the outer corner.  Blend out the crease colour with a matte taupe (MAC Coquette Eyeshadow).  Deepen the corners with a matte black (MAC Carbon Eyeshadow). Duplicate the purples on the lid to the lower lash line (dark, mid tone, dark).  Line the upper lash line with a black liner (MAC Blacktrack Fluidline), creating a double-wing.  Line the lower waterline, then add mascara to both upper and lower lashes (Maybelline Full ‘n Soft).  Last but not least, add the glittarz to that lid.

For the cheeks, first warm up the face with your favourite bronzer (Annabelle Haute Gold Bronzer).  Then, apply a coral on the apples of the cheeks, nose, and chin (MAC Hipness Blush).

For the lips, apply a coral-y peach lipstick (MAC Fresh Salmon).  Top off with a shimmery golden pink gloss (Smashbox Candid Sheer Color Lipgloss).

(...)
Read the rest of Summer Smoky Eye?!? Glittery Purple. (403 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Geekery, Looks, MAC, Makeup, Maybelline, Sassy Minerals, Swatches, Urban Decay | Tags: fotd, summer smoky eye

• Have you tried Ellis Faas yet? Rae’s reviewing a few of these super-luxe, super-chic products, starting with Ellis’ Milky Lips line!
• Armani Blushing Fabric Second Skin Blushers have caught Louise’s eye.
• No bruises here! Check out Maggie’s soft pink & purple face of the day over at The Polka-Dotted Apple.
• When do Lego’s and cosmetics have something in common? When Jouer comes to town, that’s when. Watch Jeweled Thumb act 5 and play with a recent haul!
• Butter LONDON has some fabulous new nail shades for Autumn 2010 – come check them out on Lipglossiping!
• Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed gets up close and personal with the Burberry Beauty line!
• Hell Candy attends the Edward Bess UK launch and is blown away by the beauty of everything (the make up AND the man!)
• Jolie Laide Girl gets silky soft with Kiehls Lightweight Body Lotion.
• Sarah from IHeartCosmetics shows you how to get rid of spots,simply and easily.
• Dry skinned and on a budget? Eyelining thinks Boots may have a bargain solution!
• Looking for a perfect red nail polish for summer? Take a look at Illamasqua’s Alarm at Makeup4All.
• Lipgloss86 conquers all fears and grabs for the epilator in a bid for fuzz free legs.
• The Lip Print discovers the sweetest nail shades for spring and has a chat with Orly’s Creative Director about what’s hot for nails!
• There’s a new mascara in town! Check out Tsahi’s review on Revlon’s new Luscious Grow Mascara.
• Madame B Fatale talks about a product that supports a great cause!

***

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Beauty Blog Link Love | Tags:

Laura Mercier “African Violet” Eyeshadow

Source: StrawberryNET.com

Of course, the product photo doesn’t do it justice, but African Violet is the prettiest plum/greenish gold duochrome. It’s quite sparkly, but it’s a grown up kinda sparkle. Does that even make sense? I don’t know! But I want it!  Of course TNBTTGSY has the best swatch of it here, from last year’s Laura Mercier holiday palettes.

Chanel “Pink Teaser” Glossimer

Source: chanel.com

It’s Chanel. *sigh* I happen to own no Chanel, and I plan to change that with the Chanel Les Contrastes de Chanel Fall 2010 collection. Perhaps a Glossimer to start?  Swatch here.

Chanel “Enigma” Eyeshadow quad

Source: MakeupAndBeautyBlog.com (photo linked to Karen’s look)

And while I’m at it, I am also eyeing this eyeshadow quad from the same collection.  It costs a whopping US$56, which I’m sure converts to like $200 Canadian.  LOL.

Any Bad Makeup Cravings Lately?

Please tell me I’m not alone.  The Fall 2010 collections have been killing it for me lately.  They are all so gorgeous, making me want to rock a full on dark smoky eyes.  But of course, I can’t.  It’s still too hot to wear that much eye makeup!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Chanel, Laura Mercier, Makeup | Tags: now lusting

I have read only amazing things about Annabelle Smudgeliners ($8.95), and so I was really excited when these came in the mail.

Smudgeliners are waterproof pencils that come with a smudging sponge on the opposite end. These are not automatic pencils; they are enclosed in a plastic casing that you sharpen with a regular eyeliner sharpener. The ends have caps to protect both the pencil and the smudger from getting damaged.

Oh and how do we like this background? It’s in boyfriend’s apartment’s backyard.

I have good news and bad news. Which one do you want to read first?

Good news? I thought so.

Good News: Ohmygoth! This is Totally Like, a Great Eyeliner.

Ohmygoth! is a basic, creamy black. It is a rich, dark black. You won’t hear any complaints about the colour from me. It is pretty much everything that I was expecting about Smudgeliners. It wore well throughout my day; it didn’t slide or fade on my lash lines.

Because it is waterproof, I was brave enough to wear this on my waterline. And what do you know? Besides smudging off on the outer corners of my eyes — a.k.a. a makeup slip and slide party — it stayed put on the rest of my waterline. Incredible staying power. This glides on pretty easily just like Urban Decay 24/7 liners, so it gets extra brownie points for that. Great black eyeliner, great price. Rating: A.

Bad News: That was the Calm Before the Purple Storm.

Is there such a thing as being less waterproof? Because that’s what Purple Storm feels like to me. First of all, the colour payoff is just not there. The deep burgundy on the pencil does not translate to rich swatches. It’s just meh. The pencil itself is not smooth like buttah; it tugs a bit when I apply to my lash line. Also, I found the formula to be very clumpy. It feels weird to say that about an eyeliner. I find that this one fades a lot, and because it starts out craptacular, I end up with barely anything at the end of the day. Not a fan of this at all. Rating: D.

And Of Course, Some Swatches!

Swatches, and How I feel about these eyeliners.

After running the swatches under a garden hose. I also ran my fingers back and forth after this — no budging.

Disclosure: These products were sent by Groupe Marcelle for consideration only.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 14 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: drugstore, eyeliner

I love wearing smoky browns.  They are especially perfect for summer weddings.  It adds such a glamourous spin to the smoky eye.

Swatches (from left): Vasanti Bronze from Go Canada! Palette, NARS Cordura Duo Eyeshadow, MAC Soft Brown, MAC Arena

Get the Look

For the eyes, start with a light shimmery bronze (Vasanti Bronze) all over the lid and lower lash line.  Apply a dark shimmery brown (lighter side of NARS Cordura Duo) all over the crease and outer corner.  Smudge the same colour on the outer two-thirds of the lower lash line.  Deepen the corner with a blackened brown (darker side of NARS Cordura Duo), and smudge on the outer third of the lower lash line.  Blend above the crease with a matte warm brown (MAC Soft Brown).  Highlight under the brows with a light peach (MAC Arena).  Line the waterlines and upper lash line with a creamy black pencil (Annabelle Ohmygoth! Smudgeliner).  Apply mascara to the top and bottom lashes (MAKE UP FOR EVER Smoky Lash).

For the cheeks, buff a matte baby pink blush (shu uemura glow on blush m pink 33e) on the apples of the cheeks.

For the lips, apply a neutral pink lipstick (MAC Viva Glam V — my favourite!) to put your eyes in centre stage.

(...)
Read the rest of Summer Smoky Eye: Browns. (313 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 9 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Ardell, Looks, MAC, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Makeup, NARS, Swatches, Vasanti, shu uemura | Tags: fotd, summer, summer smoky eye