FOTD – Smiling at the Spring Sun

Tags

By Terry, by terry hyaluronic-hydra powder, dior, Dior Trianon 2014 Spring Collection, fotd, high end, makeup, review, rose, Rosy Glow, spring

This time I wanted to do a different type of blog post… So I gathered all my courage and did a face of the day, centered on my favourite lipstick at the moment –  the Dior Trianon Spring 2014 Collection #744 Allégresse.

The photo was taken a few days ago, before I went to work. It was a cold, windy, gloomy day… I thought that if at least my makeup was a bit happier, the sun might see it and decided to show up… And it worked!!!!!…

I used NO foundation. Just a bit of that Bourgeois Healthy Mix Concealer, in #52 Medium Radiance for under my eyes and to cover the areas I have redness or discolouration on ( it is the lightest shade I think ). Then I dusted a bit of By Terry Hyaluronic-Hydra Powder ( review here ) on my t-zone.

On the cheeks I slightly applied a bit of the Dior Rosy Glow 001 Blush ( review here ), for a healthy flush of color.

On the eyes, I used as a base a Sephora brand eyeshadow in Strawberry Macaroon # 42. Then I added a bit of MAC‘s Wedge in the crease, darken it with a bit of Satin Taupe and blended everything really well. To finish up the look I put a bit of Diorshow Mono Wet & Dry Backstage Eyeshadow #826 Bikini in the center of the lid to brighten up the eye. Then I lined my mobile lid with a dark brown eyeliner from Clarins in #2 Brown, just at the base of the eyelashes to create definition to the eye and to make the lashes look fuller.

Final step for the eyes was mascara. I used Dior Diorshow 090 New Look Black and applied it generously.

Since it was a daytime look, I didn’t went for a bold brow. Just brushed and fixed them in place with a clear gel.

And now my favourite part: the lips. On the lips I used the Dior Trianon Spring 2014 Collection, #744 Allégresse – a beautiful bright pink lipstick, so soft and creamy ( see review here ). It made my lips look smooth and sensual. (  Yeah! I am bold like that, sometimes!… )

Here is the complete look! I hope you like it!

See you soon, beautiful!

xx, Annie

Favourite Lip Combo – Dior Addict #525 Vintge and Clarins Lip Perfector #6

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clarins, cosmetics, dior, high end, lipgloss, lips, lipstick makeup, review, swatches

I am always on a hunt for the perfect lip. This next one has been my go-to perfect lip combination, until Miss Spring decided to show herself again to the mere mortals. When that finally happened, I went for colourful, bright, happier colours.

But let me tell you more…

I bought the Dior Addict Lipstick a while ago because I needed a nude lip for an everyday use. It is in the colour #525 Vintage. In store, I only swatched it on the back of my hand  because I was in a rush and when I came home and put it on, I decided that it was not what I wanted. So typical me!

Although I was pleased with the formula, the darkness the product showed in the bullet scared me. At that time it crossed my mind that it looked like an old lady lipstick. So I put it away and forgot about it for a while.

The Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector is in #6. I bought it because everyone loved it and praised it so much… So I decided to give it a try. It is a good product. Creamy, glossy, non-sticky, smells like vanilla and caramel cookies ( yuuum! )… But I have to say that it dries my lips a bit and it doesn’t last too long. That’s why I decided to use it as a final touch in lip combinations – on top of a lipstick or over a lip liner to add some shine and definition.

In the picture above you can see the result of the two combined. It is a my-lips-but-better colour. Not dark at all right?! It is not too much for an everyday use. And you can easily reapply it when it wears off, even without a mirror or if you are on the go.

What are your go-to lip combos? Please let me know!

See you soon, beautiful!

xx, Annie

CHANEL VITALUMIÈRE AQUA

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aqua, buildable, chanel, foundation, high end, makeup, review, rose, sheer, spring, vitalumière aqua

I sure was a Chanel fanatic! Still am!

Anything Chanel used to be like a little trap for me. Now things are worst… Next to the Chanel addiction, I developed other few brand obsessions: Burberry, Dior, Diptyque, Annik Goutal… I have used the words “fanatic’, “addiction” and “obsession” all in 4 lines… Is that bad?!…But that is another blog post! Now I want to tell you about my all time favourite face base.

I bought my first Chanel Vitalumière Aqua several years ago and repurchased it a few times already. And even if I’m always trying new foundations, I seem to go back to this one. It just is so easy to apply, easy to blend… A light feeling foundation that I find myself reaching for more and more.

Mine is in colour B30 and it matches my skin perfectly! It’s almost like a second skin!

It is light to medium in terms of coverage and the lasting power is not that of a heavy duty foundation. But, again, with a product that has kind of dewy, glowy finish to it you will never have hours of wear. A good thing is that the packaging is so small and compact, that you can put it in your purse and reapply, if you need to.

It has a fluid consistency and you have to shake it well before you put it on. I used to massage it into my skin with my fingers, but then I discovered that buffing it in with a flat kabuki-type brush helps with the dewy, awake effect I want on my skin.

If you have an oily skin, I am sorry, but I don’t think this will work for you.  You know, anything dewy on your skin will make it look greasier. Unless you use powder and blotting sheets. Also, I would not recommend it if you have acne issues. By itself, this base would never cover enough! You can make it work by using a good concealer!

I’m about to finish the 30 ml bottle I currently use, and I already have another one on stand by.

Right now, I am actually lusting over another base product – the Dior Nude BB Cream… What can I do?! I love me some healthy looking, glowing base! Especially for spring and summer…

See you soon, beautiful!

xx, Annie

Dior Trianon Spring 2014 – my signature colour for this season

Tags

dior, Dior Trianon 2014 Spring Collection, high end, limited edition, lipstick, makeup, pink, review, spring

I’ve never been this excited about the launch of a make up limited edition line since last year in spring, when Chanel launched “Printemps Precieux de Chanel” Collection.

So, when the Dior Trianon Spring 2014 Collection hit the counters at my Sephora, I went there and picked up the products that will feed my lip-anything obsession this spring.

I’m talking about the Rouge Dior Lipstick #744 Allégresse and the
Dior Addict Coral 004 Lip Glow.

The inspiration behind this season’s collection was queen Marie-Antoinette and her private domain, the Petit Trianon. Macaroon shades and Fontange bows, the atmosphere of Versailles and its gardens flourishes beautifully in blushes, eyeshadows and lipsticks. The pastel shades give the whole collection a very light and girly feel.

Dior believes that every woman has to have her signature colour, her own attitude. Mine was Rouge Dior Spring 2014 Limited Edition #744 Allégresse.

It is a timeless shade, perfectly balanced between the bright pink and the blue undertones. The Rouge Dior voluptuous care formula is enriched with criste marine*. It gives smoothness, reshapes the lips and maximizes the expression of each shade.

*criste marine = plant stem cells that delay premature aging

I had high hopes for this one as I wanted a bright happy colour to wear in spring. And again, Dior didn’t failed me! It is perfect for the spring season; it applies beautifully and stays true for hours.

On the website Dior wrote that: “The new Rouge Dior sets the tone as a beauty and style accessory.The couture lip colour that is all it takes to change everything, to make you look stunning. Like a Dior bag, it leaves the mark of ultimate, timeless elegance and tops off the silhouette.

 A good-luck charm, definitely Dior.”

Dior addicts will read between the lines…

Although I have one mention…

  …in this picture you can see the Dior Addict Coral 004 Lip Glow that I bought with the lipstick… I actually had to return it because I didn’t like it on me… At all! Blame it on the impulse buy…

*Note to self again: Stay away from orange toned lip products!

See you soon, beautiful!

xx, Annie

CHANEL JOUES CONTRASTE # 72, ROSE INITIALE

Tags

blush, chanel, high end, Joues Contraste, makeup, peach, pink, review, swatches

My fascination with Chanel makeup goes back so many years! I clearly remember the day I bought my first item. It was an Aqualumière Lip Gloss, in a rosy shade; sadly I don’t remember the name of it, nor the number… But I know it was similar in color to Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick – Magnolia ( # 117 ), in a lip gloss formula.

Today I’ m bringing you a review on a Chanel favourite that has a special meaning to me. Here you have my very first Chanel blush in Rose Initiale, #72.

It came out with Les Essentials de Chanel Fall 2012 Collection and it was a great addition to the permanent line. The instant I saw it, I fell in love. ( I know! You are right! I have a weird relationship with my makeup… Anyone else?… No? Oh! ok!… )

It is a warm-ish pink that doesn’t lean too warm. It shows a bit of peach in it and this makes it suitable for many skin tones. I see it similar to NARS Orgasm, except without, the overpowering shimmer. I’m not a fan of glittery blushes!

The pigmentation of a Chanel blush never disappointed me. It wasn’t the case with Rose Initiale either. Like many Chanel blushes it is just the right amount of colour; not too little, not too much. It is great for an everyday blush, but I find it easily buildable for a night out.

        – Chanel Joues Contraste #72 Rose Initiale, heavily swatched and a just a swipe of color

The formulation is very soft, very smooth and a little bit powdery, but only because it is so finely mild. It is a good thing that when applied on your cheeks it doesn’t make you look as if you put flour on your face.

I wore it without any fading problems for about 8 hours, at work. After that I reapplied it a bit.

Another plus: it smells like a bunch of roses, picked up from a french garden, in the morning.

The compact is all black with the Chanel logo ( No surprise there! ). The entire lid is a large mirror on the inside, and it comes with a little brush, that you already know I use without complaining.  For best results, use a decent size brush, or the one you are used to and use the little brush that comes with the compact for touch ups, or if you are on the go.

See you soon, beautiful people!

xx, Annie

My experience with BY TERRY at MADISON LUXURY PERFUMERY – Part 2: Get ready with me…

Tags

anniversary, Baume de Rose, beauty, By Terry, cosmetics, event, France, high end, luxury, madison, makeup, perfumery, rose, soft pink, Sophie KIlian

Earlier last week, I’ve got an email from the beautiful Alexandra – professional make-up artist that works at Madison Luxury Perfumery. Madison is one of the most amazing places to shop for makeup, skincare and fragrance in Bucharest. But that’s a whole other story!

Since Tuesday, the 18th of February was the date of a special event – 10 years anniversary of By Terry’s Baume de Rose, they had a special guest: the international make-up artist for By Terry, Sophie Killian. So Alexandra asked me if I want to come… I confirmed my presence in less than 2 seconds, as you can easily imagine!

–  photo – courtesy of Madison Luxury Perfumery, on Facebook

I couldn’t wait for Tuesday to come! And when I arrived there was instantly mesmerized. The atmosphere was warm, with slow music in the background and Sophie working her magic. Alexandra greet me and offered me a coffee and some appetizers, then she showed me around; this is how I found out the history behind the brand By Terry – that I shared with you in my previous post.

Then, Sophie was kind enough to perform a personalized makeup session on me. ( Imagine the excitement! )

Here is a list of the products she used on me:

– first of all, Alexandra prepared my face by cleansing it with By Terry Pureté De Rose Refreshing Cleansing Gel

– then she applied a base Cellular Rose ® Brightening CC Lumi Serum, in no 3 – Apricot Glow ( love at first sight )

– foundation: Sheer – Expert Foundation, in #07 – Vanilla Beige

– for lips – contour: Crayon Lèvres Terrybly, in #02 – Rose Contour and the Rouge Terrybly Lipstick, in #404 – Carnal Attraction

– blush: Hyaluronic Blush, in #03 – Bubble Glow

– eyes: Ombre Blackstar in #14 – Blue Obession and the Crayon Kohl Terrybly, in #01 – Black Print;

– mascara: Terrybly #01 – Party – Pris

– eyebrows: Crayon Sourcils Terrybly, in #02 – Ash Brown

The brushes Sophie used to apply the makeup, were: Pinceau Teint Précision #6, Pinceau Joues-Biseau #3, Pinceau Levres Rétractable Précision #7, Pinceau Sculpteur Biseau #1 and Dome #3.

Everything Sophie used to do this makeup look is available online at Madison, ByTerry website and at my favourite online beauty shop SpaceNK.

And here is the final result… A sultry night makeup face, with blue smoky eyes and dark lips. I loved it to death! So much that I even dare to post a close up of this look, after a few hours of being out in town with the girls!…

– I know I look tired here, but bare with  me!… Point is the makeup was still in place, even after all that time… I’ve only reapplied the lipstick!

See you soon, beautiful!

xx, Annie

By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Powder

Tags

beauty, By Terry, high end, hyaluronic acid, make up, powder, review

Since this week was under the sign of By Terry’s 10th year anniversary of the cult-product Baume de Rose and I got the amazing opportunity to meet Sophie Killian, one of the international make-up artists, who work for this brand, here I am with an “avant première” for another blog post I will soon write. You will discover there my whole experience with By Terry Cosmetics, the the amazing Sophie Kilian and her delightful french accent and with Madison – luxury perfumery Bucharest.

But until then, I thought it would be perfect to write a review of the By Terry product I’m absolutely obsessed with, ever since I bought it at the beginning of last year.

It is the Hyaluronic Hydra Powder, THE powder that made me forget about any other powders I own ( Chanel – Poudre Universelle Libre and Chanel – Poudre Universelle Compacte 20 Clair, Lancôme – Color Ideal Poudre Compact in 010 Beige Porcelaine and even my holy grail at that moment – the Burberry Sheer Powder Luminous Pressed Powder – # Porcelain No. 02 ).

On the By Terry website, the Hyaluronic Hydra Powder is described as a “colorless hydra-care powder, extra smoothing, multi-zones correction, no pores – no lines, matte invisible finish”;  “Micronized Hyaluronic Acid fills visibly and instantaneously wrinkles, pores and imperfections to leave the skin even and flawless. Silica micro breads prevents shine in target areas with no drying effect and corrects imperfections with a matte invisible finish. “

Aaaand there’s little left to add… Hydra-Powder is a première in its range; a loose powder formulated with hyaluronic acid that does make your skin soft, hides your pores (particularly does well at “blurring” those nose pores that irritate everyone ) and feels utterly weightless, because it is so, soooo finely mild.

You can use it in many different ways: during the day to set your makeup and banish shine without drying your skin ( the hyaluronic acid acts as a barrier locking the moisture in ).  You can use it at night after your night cream, to prolong its action, and also to allow the powder to perfect the skin by smoothing it and work on them pores.

I apply it a bit at the time. I put some product on the lid then swirl my fluffy brush ( in the picture I use The Body Shop powder brush ) in it, then on my face it goes! I mainly focus on my t-zone to help control oiliness and hide some imperfections, but I also lightly dust it all over my face.

The other day I did something I’ve never done before. On bare, moisturized skin, without primer or any other base ( except for some concealer ), I dusted the powder insisting in the areas I knew they were trouble. No kidding! It was the best “no-makeup-make up-face” I ever experienced! I have to admit that it was one of those days when my face was almost flawless even without any make up on.

I can’t rave about this product enough, even though it is phenomenally expensive. The price they sell it on their web site is 46 euros, for 10 g of product. I bought it for almost 60 in Madison but believe me it’s worth every cent you’re paying for it.

One last advice: open the lid carefully, otherwise you will spill the product all over yourself and it would be a shame!

See you soon, beautiful!

xx, Annie!