Lise Watier Aquarella Spring 2012 Collection

Lise Watier Aquarella Spring 2012 Collection brings us sheer pastels and rosy shades to mirror the flowers blooming in the spring.  The limited edition packaging features a flower in watercolour art which is just beautiful to look at.

Lise Watier Aquarella Spring 2012 Collection — Packaging

Aquarella Eyeshadow Quartet, Couleur Folle in Folie Pêche, Waterproof Eyeliner in Violet

Aquarella Eyeshadow Quartet, Waterproof Eyeliner in Violet, Couleur Folle in Folie Pêche — Swatches

The Aquarella Eyeshadow Quartet ($36, limited edition) is a mix of sheer pastel pink, blue, violet and yellow eyeshadows.  The eyeshadows are smooth, sparkly and mostly too cool-toned for my taste.  It was a bit of a letdown as I was really hoping for something more from the violet shade.  These eyeshadows are better suited for those who wear sheer washes of colour on their eyes.

The Couleur Folle Mineral Loose Powder Eyeshadow in Folie Pêche ($18, new permanent shade) is a rose gold shade that is more up my alley (and it’s totally gorgeous!).  The shade is divine for highlighting the eyes or cheeks, or even to turn into a lipgloss.

The Waterproof Eyeliner in Violet ($17, new permanent shade) is what I wanted the eyeshadow to be: bold and vibrant violet. Nothing bad to say about this really; it’s just lovely and very waterproof.

Aquarella Bronzing Powder Duo

As a little taste of summer (yay!), I love that we’re seeing a bronzer in this collection. The Aquarella Bronzing Powder Duo ($32, limited edition) is a blend of two powder tones: a lighter peachy shade, and a typical bronzer shade.  Both have fine shimmers that show up glowy rather than gigantic sparkles on your face.  The finish is subtle and the shade can definitely work across many skin tones.

Waterproof Lip Crayon in Rose Mauve, Rouge Gourmand Lipstick in Guimauve, Gloss Aquarella in Rose Aquarella

Waterproof Lip Crayon in Rose Mauve, Rouge Gourmand Lipstick in Guimauve, Gloss Aquarella in Rose Aquarella — Swatches

The Waterproof Lip Crayon in Rose Mauve ($16, new permanent shade) is exactly as the name suggests.  While some may find it boring, this is a lip shade that is universally flattering and pretty.  In my experience, Lise Watier Waterproof Lip Crayons are the absolute best in terms of texture and longevity.  True story: it lasted through a very greasy dim sum dinner, which in my opinion is the ultimate test for a lip liner.  I love this one, go try this or the 18 other shades if you haven’t had the chance yet!

Rouge Gourmand Lipstick in Guimauve ($19, new permanent shade) is a shade that compliments Rose Mauve very well.  The lipstick has a light fruity scent and provides plenty of moisture for winter-chapped lips.

Finally, finish off your spring pouty lips (right? ) with a gloss.  The Gloss Aquarella in Rose Aquarella ($20, limited edition) is a soft rose with mauve shimmers to emphasize your lips.  I like the non-sticky formula and the high shine finish.

My personal favourites from the collection are Couleur Folle Mineral Loose Powder Eyeshadow in Folie Pêche, Aquarella Bronzing Powder Duo, Waterproof Lip Crayon in Rose Mauve.  They are easier for me — who is tan and warm-toned — to pull off.  Cool pastel shades (lavenders, pinks, blues) look all sorts of wrong on my skin tone.  However, paler beauties will get more mileage out of the shades; check out my blogging friends Tracy @ Beauty Reflections and Perilously Pale‘s reviews for proof.

These products are available now at Lise Watier counters, Shoppers Drugmart and LiseWatier.com.  Did any products from the collection catch your eye?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2012. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Lise Watier, Makeup, Reviews, Spring 2012, Swatches | Tags: bronzer, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lipgloss, lipliner, lipstick, palette, pigment

The best thing about being in the middle of winter is the launch of many Spring collections that are bursting with hope (of warm days ahead) and colour.  Here’s a look at some items from YSL Spring Look 2012.

Bright sheer colours make up this punchy spring collection, which is inspired by candy!  Who doesn’t like candy?

YSL Rouge Volupté Perle in No 114 – Sparkling Fuchsia and No 115 – Shimmering Coral

These are two of four limited edition Rouge Volupté Perle shades ($38).  The other are No 113 – Iridescent Burgundy and No 116 – Milky Pink.  They are glossy sheer lipsticks with a very slippery texture of a lip balm.  Both these shades are laced with gold pearl.  See more swatches at Best Things In Beauty.

YSL Vinyl Candy Palette

The gorgeous, limited edition Vinyl Candy Palette ($68) was inspired by sugar-coated rock candies.  The pigmentation of these eyeshadows is sheer-to-medium without a base (see swatches below), but easily buildable if opaque is what you’re looking for.  I had a bit of problem with the blackcurrant shade to apply evenly, but the rest of the shadows are very smooth.

YSL Voile de Blush in No 2 – Coral Veil

YSL Voile de Blush ($40) is a new, limited edition formula for the collection.  It is a sheer, water-based gel blush that adds a hint of colour and subtle sheen to the cheeks.  It is very lightly tinted that it barely shows up on my tan skin, so your mileage will vary depending on your skintone.  The blush is also available in No 1 – Carmine Veil and No 3 – Pink Veil.

YSL Rouge Volupté Perle in No 114 – Sparkling Fuchsia and No 115 – Shimmering Coral / YSL Voile de Blush in No 2 – Coral Veil Swatches

YSL Vinyl Candy Palette Swatches

I adore the the eye palette and the lipsticks in this collection.  I can’t wait to show you a look using the products.  What do you think?  Anything you want to take home?

YSL Spring Look 2012 is available in Canada as of February in Holt Renfrew and selected Bay and Murale stores.  The Vinyl Candy Palette is also available at selected Sephora boutiques.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2012. | Permalink | 29 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Reviews, Sneak Peek, Spring 2012, Swatches, Yves Saint Laurent | Tags: blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, palette

Marcelle Lux Eye Dust ($11.95) loose pigments are gorgeous; there’s no doubt about that. However, opening the packaging of these delicious morsels of eyeshadows reminds me of the lyrics to a Bon Jovi song:

Love hurts, love scars, love wounds, and harms
Any heart not tough or strong enough
To take a lot of pain, take a lot of pain
Love is like a cloud, holds a lot of rain
Love hurts, ooh love hurts.

Dear Marcelle Lux Eye Dust: Y U no easy to open?

A lot of “ow!” and split thumbnails later, I finally managed to open all of these suckers.  They come in a flip top lid, which makes them less messy than the regular sifter packaging, but man oh man are they a pain in the ass!

Now that it’s off my chest, let’s all hold gather around, hold hands and admire the beauties.  I swatched these dry without a base, and you can already see how incredibly smooth and pigmented they are.

Marcele Lux Eye Dust in Illusion, Vegas, Bronze Millionaire

Marcele Lux Eye Dust in Mermaid, Element, Supersonic, High Voltage

Illusion, Mermaid and Supersonic have a slight pearl finish.  Vegas, Bronze Millionaire, Element and High Voltage (my favourite!) are full-on metallic shades that are perfect for holiday party season.  It also comes in Ocean (teal), Go-Violet (violet) and Fantasia (fuchsia), which you can win in my giveaway (ends at midnight)!  All of them are paraben-, oil- and talc-free.

Who’s in the mood for creative loose pigment photos?  Just try to look at them and tell me you’re not making grabby hand gestures at your computer screen.

Illusion, Vegas, Bronze Millionaire, Mermaid, Element, Supersonic, High Voltage

Illusion, Vegas, Bronze Millionaire, Mermaid, Element, Supersonic, High Voltage

Here’s a tissue to wipe that drool of your face.

Vegas, Bronze Millionaire, Mermaid, Element, Supersonic, High Voltage

Illusion, Vegas, Bronze Millionaire, Mermaid, Element, Supersonic, High Voltage

Loose Eyeshadows Are Annoying But So.Freaking.Gorgeous. Discuss.

Who’s with me?  Do you like loose eyeshadows?  Who makes your favourite pigments?

Disclosure: Products were provided by the manufacturer for editorial consideration only. For more information, see my Editorial and Advertising Policy.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 36 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Fall 2011, Makeup, Marcelle, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: eyeshadow, pigment

I love…

… incredible student makeup at IMATS. So inspiring!

… glitter and rainbows (Lit Cosmetics display at IMATS Toronto).

… finding unique eyeshadow shades (Joe Fresh Eyeshadow in Pagoda, $4 from the Fall collection).

… jewel tones (YSL Palette in Nº 11 Midnight Garden, $72 from Fall 2011 collection).

… anything by Giorgio Armani (Giorgio Armani Madre Perla Face and Eye Palette, $150 from the Holiday collection).

… cats.  This guy is a Burmese kitteh and he has such a pretty face.

… my own cat, Scherbatsky of course. Hi Scherbie!

… this boy, who is now my fiancé (Photo taken at Niagara-on-the-Lake, one of the highlights of my summer).

… and taking silly photos.

I’m not very chatty today, but hopefully all these beautiful and happy pictures made you smile.  How are you?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 36 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Fall 2011, Geekery, Giorgio Armani, Holiday 2011, joe fresh, Makeup, Yves Saint Laurent | Tags: eyeshadow, IMATS, IMATS Toronto 2011, inspiration, Lit Cosmetics

Right now I am in my hotel room in Mexico City after a busy afternoon checking out sights and sounds. It’s amazing how far our very little Spanish (and English-Spanish dictionary) is taking us. It’s tough but at least I know how to order my coffee the way I like it!

I was stressing before I left because I didn’t schedule any posts for the next two weeks that I’m on vacation, but I took some swatches of L’Oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadows before I left, so I might as well share them now.

L’Oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadows

From top to bottom, left to right:
Time Resist White
Permanent Kaki, Hourglass Beige
Forever Pink, Unlimited Sky, Flash Back Silver

From top to bottom, left to right:
Forever Pink, Unlimited Sky, Flash Back Silver
Purple Obsession, All Night Blue
Burning Black

My first impression of these is that they are incredible; they are creamy, long-lasting and apply with barely any fallout. The darker shades are more prone to fallout, but they are definitely better than other powder eyeshadows I’ve used in the past.

Keep reading to see swatches!

(...)
Read the rest of Swatches: L’Oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadows. (59 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 23 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: L'Oreal, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: drugstore, eyeshadow

Forget neutrals and golds for the holidays, shu uemura’s idea of holiday makeup is bold hues with lots of sparkle. There is nothing safe or classic about this holiday collection called rouge et bleu, a collaboration with movie director Wong Kar Wai.  By the way, the inspiration of the collection is a short film called ‘Mask’, and will be released on October 18.  For now, you can watch the trailer on the shu uemura website.

burning in water ($85) is one of two beautiful eye and cheek palettes in the collection. It contains four eyeshadows, two blushes, one double ended sponge applicator and one double ended brushes.  Both the powders and creams are very smooth and give excellent colour payoff.

shu uemura burning in water palette

The cover of the palette is a cool hologram of the eye makeup from the promo images.  Here’s a short video since it was difficult to photograph:

shu uemura burning in water palette – cover artwork

Cool, eh?  Now, how about some swatches?

shu uemura burning in water palette swatches (natural light, no flash)

shu uemura burning in water palette swatches (with flash)

Delicious, right?  As much as I love all these colours though, I wish they switched up the texture with a matte eyeshadow shade.

shu uemura burning in water palette

The cream cheek colour reminds me of Giorgio Armani’s cream blushes; they blend easily and dry to a powder finish.  The powder cheek colour is a light beige with slight shimmer, which would make a stunning cheek highlight.  I do wish the cheek colours come in bigger pans so I can fit a blush brush in there.

shu uemura burning in water palette – box

Is It Too Bold For Holiday, Or Just Right?

What do you think? Do you tend to favour the safe classics of golds and reds for holiday collections, or do you like the bright colours from this palette?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 20 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Holiday 2011, Makeup, Reviews, shu uemura, Swatches | Tags: blush, eyeshadow

Lise Watier Duo Mineral Eyeshadows in Misty Green

Finding eyeshadows that I like and don’t hate my eyes has always been difficult to do.  I bought MAC eyeshadows in the past, and was always happy with how they performed, but not with how they treated my eyes.  The shadows always left my eyes dry, irritated and just overall a mess due to eczema.  This makes it difficult for me to do dramatic evening looks.  I was so thrilled with this Lise Watier Duo Mineral Eyeshadows in Misty Green ($25) because it’s so lightweight, but the color shows up so well because of the high pigmentation.

The shadows don’t have any sparkles in them, rather they are more metallic/shimmer looking.  I wear the light green side as a soft highlighter in the tear ducts and on the brow bone, and even on its own all over the lid.  It blends so effortlessly.  I am in love with the dark green/grey colour from this duo.  It shows up amazingly well with my pale skin.  If you want a more subtle look, you can use less.  But if you want a more dramatic evening look, you can build this shadow up to give a nice pop to your crease, and to give definition to the eye.  The texture of the shadows allow for effortless blending; it feels like silk on the skin.

Lise Watier Duo Mineral Eyeshadows in Misty Green (with flash)

I had this shadow on for about 5-6 hours, and it stayed put throughout the whole night.  I wore them to a dinner function, and then had a hot/humid/sticky subway ride home and the shadows didn’t budge one bit.  There was no creasing at all, which I was totally surprised and happy with.  The staying power of this duo was absolutely amazing.

Here’s a look I created using the eyeshadows.  This whole look took about 7 minutes to complete (on both eyes).

Wearing Lise Watier Duo Mineral Eyeshadows in Misty Green

Get the Look

I put on Clinique cream shadow in Canvas-Light all over the lid and up to the brow bone. I used the lighter green all over the lid, up to the brow bone and in the tear ducts. I applied the darker green shadow in the crease of my eye, and half way through the lid, blended really well to ensure there were no evident lines. I took the dark green shadow all the way through the lower lash line, only to meet the lighter green shadow by the tear duct. I blended the two together, added Annabelle Black Khol Liner on the lower lash line, tightline, and smudged on the top lash line. I finished it off with L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara on upper and lower lashes.

Wearing Lise Watier Duo Mineral Eyeshadows in Misty Green

Wearing Lise Watier Duo Mineral Eyeshadows in Misty Green

I really fell in love with this duo.  It definitely did not disappoint.  My eyes are so hard to please because they are so sensitive, but these shadows did the trick.  I definitely recommend this duo to anyone who has sensitive skin. If you can’t find colours that compliment each other, Lise Watier has done it for you.

Pretty Colours, Eh?

Aren’t these colours so pretty on her light skin tone? I gotta be honest, I’m kinda jealous (just a little). I think it’ll look all sorts of wrong on my tanned skin, but if you’re a pale princess, give it a try!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 16 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Fall 2011, Lise Watier, Looks, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: eotd, eyeshadow, palette

I’m going to spare you the long-winded introduction that you probably never ever read anyway.  I am really this excited to tell you about this drugstore gem that I just discovered.  It’s called Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil ($8.95) and it is sensational.  I have it in Acaidisiac, a limited edition bright turquoise.

Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow pencils are cream eyeshadows or eyeliners in jumbo pencil format.  They go on the lids very opaque and creamy for effortless blending with a brush or finger.  They promise more than 9 hours of comfortable wear without creasing, smudging or melting.

Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil in Acaidisiac

Did it deliver?  Oh, did it ever!  On my slip-’n-slidey eyelids, I wore this without any eye primer before I went out for a day in the park.  It was very humid and on top of that, this sweaty girl rode her bike by the lake.  Ten hours later, my eye makeup was still in tact.  Seriously amazing, yes?

Annabelle also claims that the pencils are waterproof, and this is mostly true.  I found that it faded a little when I put a puddle of water on my eyelids and blotted.  Yes, I know it’s extreme, but what if I get caught under a really bad storm?

After seeing this colour, I got inspired to recreate a look from the Christian Dior S/S 2011 RTW runway, featuring bright colour blocking makeup.  It’s quite clowny and costume-y in person, but damn was it ever fun to recreate!

Source: Style.com

Wearing Annabelle Smoothie Eyeshadow Pencil in Acaidisiac

I’m also wearing Annabelle Le Big Show mascara (on Fembotika lashes), Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum, MAKE UP FOR EVER #17 Espresso Eyeshadow (to contour cheeks), and MAC Lady Danger lipstick.

And another face photo, complete with freaky blank expression

They are available now at pharmacies and mass retail stores.

What’s Your Favourite Long-Wearing Eye Makeup?

Besides this, I also love Giorgio Armani waterproof pencil, Smashbox Jet Set gel liner and of course, MAC Fluidline.  They last even on my waterline!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 49 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Looks, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: drugstore, eyeliner, eyeshadow, fotd, holy grail, inspiration, looks i'm loving

For Fall 2011, Lise Watier released this beautiful limited edition Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Quad in Équinoxe ($35), which is also the name of the collection.  The inspiration comes from the colours of nature — the earth and sky — in September.  The greys, muted blues, and chocolate browns make up a romantic colour palette that is captured perfectly in this eyeshadow quad.

Lise Watier Quatuor Wet & Dry Eyeshadows in Équinoxe

The palette contains a muted denim blue, medium grey, icy white, and a deep chocolate brown.  When applied dry, all the eyeshadows have tiny, barely there sparkles, which keeps the eyeshadows from being chalky.  These eyeshadows are silky smooth; there isn’t a single dud in the group.  In a pinch, dark haired ladies can even wear the chocolate brown as a brow powder; just apply lightly!

Lise Watier Quatuor Wet & Dry Eyeshadows in Équinoxe

But Wait… There’s More!

(Cue infomercial voice.)

When you buy the Équinoxe Quatuor Wet & Dry Eyeshadows, Lise Watier will also throw in Mini Métamorfix Liquid Transformer absolutely free.

Lise Watier Mini Métamorfix Liquid Transformer

The Métamorfix Liquid Transformer lets you apply the eyeshadows wet, resulting in a more vibrant colour and sparkle.  Don’t believe me?  Check out the dry and wet swatches of these eyeshadows.  The wet swatches were done as follows:

1. Swipe the eyeshadow pan with a dry finger, dip it in one drop of Métamorfix, then swatch it.  This creates a sheer-ish base.
2. While the base is still damp, go over it with another dry swipe of eyeshadow.
3. Watch it sparkle.

Lise Watier Équinoxe Quatuor Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Swatches (dry / wet with Métamorfix)

Lise Watier Équinoxe Quatuor Wet & Dry Eyeshadow Swatches (dry / wet with Métamorfix)

With the Équinoxe quad and Métamorfix, it’s like you’re getting 4 eyeshadows and 4 sparkly, long-wearing cream eyeshadows or liquid eyeliners.  This thing is never ever leaving my makeup bag.  You need this!  I give it a spot on my holy grail.  Stay tuned for a look I wore using these eyeshadows.

The Lise Watier Équinoxe collection is available now until October 2011.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 13 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Fall 2011, Lise Watier, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: eyeliner, eyeshadow, holy grail, palette

I don’t know if I’ll receive major stink eye for mentioning the dreaded F-word here, but the Giorgio Armani Beauty Fall 2011 Jacquard Collection is breathtaking.  It will be available in August exclusively at Holt Renfrew.

For now, here’s a sneak peek at some of the products from this collection:

• Quatuor Eye Palettes ($70).  Two textured eyeshadow palettes with four shades each: an eyeshadow duo, a highlighter and a deeper shade.
• Blushing Fabric ($45).  Silky smooth cream blush in two shades, a camel and Scarlatto.
• Rouge d’Armani ($38). Limited edition lipsticks in glowing nudes (beige, rose beige, mauve pink) and a classic red, Scarlatto.

Blushing Fabric, Quatuor Eye Palette, Rouge d’Armani

Blushing Fabric in 6, Quatuor Eye Palette in 1, Rouge d’Armani in 406

Blushing Fabric in 6, Quatuor Eye Palette in 1

Quatuor Eye Palette in 1, Rouge d’Armani in 406

Rouge d’Armani in 406

 What do you think?  Did your heart say yes?  I haven’t had a chance to play with them just yet, so check back for swatches and reviews in the next couple of weeks.  I am most excited about — surprise, surprise — the Rouge d’Armani lipstick.  That red lipstick has my name written all over it.  Who’s with me?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2011. | Permalink | 29 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Fall 2011, Giorgio Armani, Makeup, Sneak Peek | Tags: blush, eyeshadow, lipstick