Review! Guerlain's Terra Ora Bronzing Powder

When I think of luxury, Guerlain is it.

This Terra Ora Bronzer is the top of the line bronzer I have in my collection. Sometimes I don't even want to touch it since the pattern is so intricate and beautiful.

Although this bronzer is beautiful, my wallet hates me. This bronzer was a whooping $72!

I bought this at the beginning of June and thought that I would get a ton of use for the up coming summer. To be honest, I am still really pale and really need to use a self tanner!

I have used this bronzer a few times on my face, collar bones, arms and legs. This bronzer instantly gives my skin a sunkissed glow without looking orange. I do have to note that it smells floral and reminds me of something a grandma would wear as perfume (Sorry Grandma!) It's just not my style.

The bronzer has two rims. On the outside is a warm rose gold color and in the core is a classic gold. When mixed together it creates a beautiful summer glow that looks like you have been bathing on the pacific coast on your yacht. (Too specific?)

The packaging is super luxurious with a deep wood like shell that closes with a magnetic twist. 

 When I was purchasing this item I also noticed that Guerlain sells a kabuki brush that goes with the Terra Ora but I figured I am already dishing out this much money for a bronzer, I am not going to push it.

When I applied this I found that it held up good on my skin throughout the heat. Even in the winter months I can still use the inner core of pure gold as a highlighter!

Overall I like using this bronzer for when I have been out in the sun all day and want to bump up my skin to sunkissed goddess level. I do have to say though that this bronzer will last for many summers to come!

Since we still have a month left of summer and you are willing to splurge on a luxurious bronzer then check this out!

Overall Grade: B

Hope you guys enjoyed this post!

Talk to you soon!

XO

V

Review! Le Blush Creme De Chanel!

Fall Collections are here & I am super excited to start sharing with you guys my reviews!

I first off would like to apologize how Inspiration looks like a mess. I am sorry! I picked this blush up first and couldn't wait to try it!

Chanel's Fall 2013 Collection is called Superstition. The headliner of the collection was the new Creme Blushes($38). There are a total of six shades and only two are limited edition.

The two shades I picked up are called:

Inspiration: A light baby pink
Revelation: A warm coral pink

I have found that the best way to apply them is with your fingers. I have also tried using a traditional foundation brush and that works good but for the most natural looking flush I found applying with my finger tips and blending is the best.

The formula of these are super creamy and immediately when you touch them they feel like they are melting (but in a good way!)

Once the blushes are blended in to the skin, I found that it gives a slight powder finish. I would say to make the blush last longer, apply a similar powder blush on top.

Revelation is a bright coral pink that would look great on all skin tones. I think that this is a must have summer staple.

Inspiration is a beautiful soft baby pink that would look beautiful on those with very fair completions. I love the way this looks on my cheeks.

I know with some brands, some colors are better than others, but in this case they are both super pigmented, creamy and beautiful on the skin.

Overall I highly recommend these cream blushes to anyone who loves cream products or loves natural looking makeup.

I am interested in getting one more color, but for any of my reader who are darker skinned toned there is a bright deep berry shade that looks beautiful. Go to you local Chanel counter and check these babies out!

Overall Grade: A+
Where you can get this product: At your local Chanel counter or chanel.com

Hope you guys enjoyed this post!

Stay tuned for more Fall 2013 products!

XO

V

Nordstrom Exclusive! Nars Voulez Vous Check & Eye Palette!

When I first saw this palette I knew that it had to be mine! Nars is one of those brands that I love and would love to own more of!

This palette called Voulez Vous ($59) includes two blushes that are carried in their permanent collection

Deep Throat: A shimmery coral pink
Dolce Vita: A matte dusty rose

I only own Orgasm and I love it, so I was super excited to have two other Nars blushes in my collection!

As for the four eyeshadows, they are all new shades that are inspired by permanent colors. I do not know though if these shades will be apart of the permanent collection.

Molokoi: A nude champagne color
Antananarivo: A neutral warm nude color
Ragoun: Chocolate brown with green glitter
Lhasa: A lavender grey

 These shadows and blushes swatched beautifully. I have heard that some NARS shadows can be a miss but fortunately all four are beautiful pigmented, super soft and easy to blend.

I can't wait to use this palette!

Hope you guys enjoyed this post!

XO

V

Nordstrom Exclusive Bobbi Brown "Telluride Glow" Set

I am back! I didn't leave I promise! I have been very busy with scheduling class for my upcoming fall semester.

I have quite a bit of beauty to catch up with you guys! Fall collections are out, sales are going on! AH!

I am so sorry Bobbi Brown that it is only until now that I have tried any of your products!

Nordstrom is having the yearly anniversary sale (Woo!) If you are unfamiliar with it, Nordstrom every year has a sale that covers everything in the store and I mean everything. The sale at first is only available to those who have Nordstrom cards and then after a week it is open to the public! The sale is until August so if you are eyeing anything get it quick before it's gone and the prices go back up!

In the beauty department, so many brands take part by having special gifts and sets. I limited myself to only getting two but I am really pleased with what I got!

I got another NARS palette which will be up shortly! 

Bobbi Brown has four different sets that are all Nordstrom exclusive. I got the Telluride Glow set which I think is greatest deal of all!

This bronzing powder was the reason why I was interested in this set because not only is it a full size product, but it is unlike anything I own. I first thought it was a blush since it comes across as being a warm rose color.

I can see this however working on me as a bronzer. I think this would look great on the backs of my cheekbones and in the fall/winter time placing it on the apples of my cheeks to give me that flushed look!

I also was intrigued by this set by this adorable eyeshadow palette. I thought the colors were beautiful and I knew I would get a lot of use out of this palette.

I did notice one thing while swatching these was that the shade Blazing Star was very chunky. I suppose it was the glitter since there really is no pigmentation to it. But I will see how it wears on my eyes!

Overall I think this a beautiful palette and if you are a lover of neutrals and soft pinks with shimmer then this is for you!

I have heard many times that Bobbi Brown has one of the best gel eyeliners on the market so I was happy that this was included in the set and I believe that it is full size as well! I can't wait to try it!

I think almost every set that is available (besides the brush sets) includes a lipgloss and I am not complaining! I love trying lipgloss cause it is such an easy thing to slap on your lips and I am a sucker for neutral shades :)

This lipgloss called Billini is a beautiful soft coral pink with lots of shimmer. This baby is coming with me in my purse! I love how creamy and smooth it is to apply on my lips. I did notice that when I ran my lips together, I did feel a slight stickiness but nothing to complain about.

I would have to say mascara is one thing I will never turn down. Is it just me or do you love that first POP when you pull the wand out for the first time?

I won't lie that when I first saw the wand to the Extreme Party Mascara, I was little disappointed by the shape. I have this judgement of mascara wands that look fat and traditional looking. I always assume that they will clump my lashes and not do anything but I really need to stop because when I applied this mascara, it made my lashes look fuller. Not really lengthening but I don't mind!

My New Chanel Moisturizer & Serum Review!

So when it comes to my skin. I have no problem spending a little more money because I really do care about my skin and I make sure to keep it hydrated, clean and protected!

A few months ago, I did a video discussing my skincare routine morning and night. During this time, I was not using these products and wanted to tell you guys the new goodies I got. In the video above, I used the Philosophy moisturizer hope in a jar which I thought was great but after getting my Chanel Spring 2013 collection and getting a sample of the Chanel Hydra Serum, I told myself that I would treat myself to Chanel after I use all of hope in a jar.

My skin in combination oily. In the winter months it is more dry and in the summer it is more oily. However, I find that if I moisturize my t-zone well enough, it won't get so shiny.

 The Hydra Beauty Serum creates a hydrating feeling to my skin and makes my skin glow. I only use this at night since it is very pricey! ($135 for 1.7 oz...EEK) They also have it available in a smaller size for $97.50 for a 1 oz bottle.

Chanel Description:
 At the heart of the HYDRA BEAUTY range is Camellia Alba PFA,¹ an active ingredient that promotes optimal moisture retention within skin cells. When combined with an improved, more-powerful version of Blue Ginger PFA (a vital antioxidant), the perfect synergy of ultimate hydration and protection is created. With added hyaluronic acid, the serum immediately hydrates and protects the skin. Fresh and soothing, it comforts and boosts overall radiance. Ideal for all skin types.

¹PFA: Poly-Fractioned Active. It's an ultra-pure, ultra-powerful ingredient created through an exclusive purification technique developed by Chanel.

One pump on the back of my hand.

 When I was at my Chanel counter I planned on getting both the serum and creme since they are meant to work together.

This Hydra Beauty Creme completes the process of my skincare routine making my skin feeling baby butt soft. I would say however to work into the skin for a few minutes so it can really sink into the skin.

Chanel's Description of the product:

At the heart of the HYDRA BEAUTY range is Camellia Alba PFA,¹ an active ingredient that promotes optimal moisture retention within skin cells. When combined with an improved, more-powerful version of Blue Ginger PFA (a vital antioxidant), the perfect synergy of ultimate hydration and protection is created. The crème, with added shea butter and canola oil derivatives, will quench the driest, thirstiest skin. Ideal for normal-to-dry skin. 1.7 oz.

¹PFA: Poly-Fractioned Active. It's an ultra-pure, ultra-powerful ingredient created through an exclusive purification technique developed by Chanel.

With the protective cover

Without the cover

A small amount on the back of my hand. It comes off as a little thick but is easily blendable

The Chanel Hydra Beauty Creme $87 for 1.7 oz and although it is pricey I really do think it is worth it.

I should warn you Chanel is notorious for having heavy scented cosmetics and skincare and yes these products both have a strong clean scent to them (which I am in love with!) but for some of you who have sensitive skin, I would be cautious trying this since the scent is quite powerful.

Overall Review:

Final Thoughts: I am pleased with my purchase from these products. I love the way my skin feels afterwards but unfortunately my wallet isn't too happy. Would I repurchase? Not sure but I would recommend this to someone who has similar skin to myself or even someone who has drier skin.

Where can you get this product: At your closest Chanel counter or chanel.com
Cost: Serum: $135 for 1.7 oz & $97.50 for 1 oz. Creme: $87 for 1.7 oz
Overall Grade: Serum: A Creme: B+

Hope you enjoyed this post!

XO

V

Review! Le Vernis Nail Colour in Bel-Argus 667 From Chanel's Summer 2013 Collection!

Isn't this color beautiful?

I am not a huge nail polish gal but when I first got a glance of the Chanel Summer 2013 Collection I immediately told my self "Yup this baby is coming home with moi!" 

I am a huge fan of blue whether it be the deepest of navy or a baby blue I think it is such a beautiful color. Chanel has three different nail polishes in the collection. The other two are also beautiful as well but paying $27 per polish is (Yikes!) not friendly to my wallet. 

If you have been watching my videos for awhile (http://www.youtube.com/user/BasicBeauty88My Channel) I really never wear nail polish on my fingers because I have short nails and nail polish usually chips pretty quickly on me even with a top coat. But I really was interested in getting a Chanel polish because I have heard pretty good things about the quality and and wear time.

I have worn this polish for a few days now and have gotten so many questions and compliments on my nails.

As you can see in the picture I am not the best at applying nail polish to my hand (HA) but I have tried to make an effort this year to add more colors to my fingertips!

Hope you guys enjoyed my first nail post! And the start to many more in the future! WOO!

Where you can get this product: At any Chanel counter or chanel.com
Cost: $27 (ouch)
Overall Grade: A- (Because of the price)

XO

V