NARS Pleasures of Paris (Doucers de Paris)

by Kimberly (aka Storybookheroine)

Generally,I am skeptical of any purple eye shadow. I'm not sure why but the tendency to make me look like I got socked in the eye is quite high and most of the time they clash with my natural coloring. But the raves I saw online and the photographs made me think I could pull it off most of the palette with the exception of the darker purple shade. Also this contains 4 shades I was familiar with and I think are some of NARS best singles/newer releases. So I went for it and I have to say I am extremely surprised and pleased. It's beautiful, hands down it's a fabulous palette and in truth I even find the purple shades rather neutral and complimentary to my coloring and they make a great day time eye.

Pleasures of Paris is perfect for a light day look but can go to a super smokey eye with little effort. The top row has Nepal, Violetta and Demon Lover. Violetta is a matte smokey lavender that blends nicely into all colors. I found it to be more pale than I expected from the NARS swatches but still pigmented and well covering of any imperfections. Demon Lover is a deep indigo. Now this one I really thought I would have an issue with but I don't. I think the indigo really helps make it more wearable and it's a matte shade as well. Demon Lover blends very well into the other shades and looks somehow neutral. Nepal is a pretty shimmering rose pink that I though would be sheer and lighter in color on but instead it's well covering again and a great wash or highlight shade. The bottom row has some of my personal favorites: Fez, Abyssinia and Cordura. Cordura (shimmery sooty dark brown), a gorgeous deep brown packed with shimmer makes the perfect dark, smokey eye and is great as used wet as a liner (all NARS shadows are also cake liners and can be used wet). Abyssinia, a delicate pearl sheen, is one of the best singles NARS has put out in years. It's the perfect wash, a beautiful highlight, really a multi-tasker and so fresh and pretty on and brightens tired looking eyes. Somedays I just do a wash of this and go, it's that good. Fez (velvety cocoa), another recent single, is the ultimate shimmering neutral lid shade. It's shimmer is just perfect and not overdone and the neutral shade plays well with others. Fez and Cordura and highly pigmented, Abyssinia is a sheen but will cover imperfections and is not sheer or see through.

Really this palette is a gem and one that I think would please almost anyone looking for one basic palette to take them from day to night with a unique take on neutral shades. It is a Saks exclusive but I've seen it on the NARS website (where I purchased it) and I'm sure it will turn up at other local department stores. I highly recommend this palette.

For reference I'm my eyes are a green/gray/blue mixture, I'm NARS Mont Blanc/Siberia or BECCA Sand in foundation and my hair is a warm light brown with a lot of auburn mixed in.

http://www.narscosmetics.com/Artist-Palette-C19_category_4.aspx

Photo Credit: Storybookheroine
Disclosure: This product was purchased by the reviewer, Storybookheroine.

Lipstick by Buzzcocks
Youtube Link via Storybookheroine

Do You Know Why Lipstick Was Invented?

Credit: Youtube, link via storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging: Sleek, straight metal lines of BECCA Sheer Tint Lip Colour

Credit: Storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging: Vintage Helen Rubinstein "Stay-Long" retro glamour lipstick packaging

Credit: Storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging: Candy Coloured Glossy Plastic Disk with Printed Cherry Blossoms- Fresh Gloss Absolute Compact

Photo Credit: Storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging: Luxuriant, opulent, glossy pearl pink metal, butterfly adorned Guerlain Kiss Kiss Lipstick Collector in Delicate Butterfly

Credit: Storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging: Clean clear and modern, acrylic packaging of Shu Uemura

Credit: Storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging: Rubberized Black Textured Monolith- NARS Lipstick


Credit: Storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging: Black Lacquered Cylinder Looped Ribbon Base-Benefit Silky Finish Lipstick

Credit: Storybookheroine

Best Lippie Packaging:
Silver Shot Black Plastic Bullet with Silver Banding by MAC





Credit: Storybookheroine

The Lowdown On Upcoming BECCA Items Plus GWP Creme Blush Duo

by Makeupalley's Storybookheroine

If you love BECCA like I do you may want to start saving for the months ahead. BECCA will release so many products in the near future it is making my head spin but if you know the line you will see new shades of some of your favorite products like 3 new Beach Tints (including Raspberry) and Eye Tints as well as new favorites like Sheet Tint Lip Colours in 3 additional colors (these are incredible and I'll be reviewing the 1st 7 lipsticks released in the coming weeks). Also coming are brushes that remind me of the MAC 187 in 2 different sizes, a new foundation/concealer brush and a multi-use creme brush (these can be seen at the following link-http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/brand/183/BECCA/suppliers ).

I think the most exciting thing for me will be the Mineral Powder foundations. I feel like I've been waiting forever for BECCA to release one of my favorite forms of foundation, not to mention the fastest and easiest for me but with that natural look I've come to love from BECCA foundation products.

For those of you who need their BECCA fix now, BECCA has a special GWP offer of a free creme blush duo in Lotus/Frangipani with any 3 products purchased (item will not show up in cart but will be added to the order automatically when shipped) good through 2/14 at http://beccacosmetics.com/.

So for my fellow BECCA addicts here is a list of upcoming items, enjoy!

Raspberry Beach Tint
Dual Ended Brow Brush
Multi-Use Creme Brush
Foundation/Concealer Brush
Polishing Brush- Medium (similar to the MAC 187)
Polishing Brush- Small (these can be seen at the following link http://www.adorebeauty.com.au/adorebeauty/brand/183/BECCA/suppliers)
a range of Mineral Powder foundations + Kabuki Brush (starting with five shades)
Illuminate Wash Liquid Highlighter
Brow Shaping Gel
Lip Plumping Moisture Gloss
Sheer Tint Lip Colour in a caramel beige shade
New Eye Tint shades
More new brushes + a new brush set
Tinted Mineral SPF Primer
two new Beach Tint shades
Sheet Tint Lip Colour in a fresh pink and fresh peach shade
Kohl pencil for eyes

Now I just need to start saving!

Becca Scoop from Storybookheroine

BECCA FRIEND'S AND FAMILY AND THE SANTA ROSA COLLECTION ARE HERE...

and all I want for Christmas is BECCA's Santa Rosa Collection! Just wanted to share a quick peak and the new Aurora palette, eye tints, soft touch blush and other goodies from the collection as well as the FF code. BECCA's elves are now feverishly working to unpack the new Santa Rosa Collection and update their website but the Friend's and Family has begun as of today! So enjoy these pictures curtsy of BECCA and don't forget to use FF1108 at checkout! It is 20% off of entire purchase.

beccacosmetics.com

Aurora Palette
Eye Tints
Paracas Eye Tint

Vicuna Eye Tint
Songbird Soft Touch Blush
Pressed Mineral Bronzer in Duende

Small Red Leather Bag with Worry Doll and Pompoms

Lipsticks are now due out sometime in January....

NARS Sephora Flame Lipstick (exclusive from Sephora's 10th Anniversary)
Review by Storybookheroine

This limited edition lipstick is only available at Sephora stores and Sephora.com as an exclusive for their 10th anniversary celebration.

I am a huge NARS lipstick fan and have owned, in either regular form or palette, almost all the shades at one point or another but one thing I've not found is a very deep matte red brown shade. Flame is it for me. The formula is semi-matte, highly pigmented and long wearing. This shade does not go pink, it does not go fuchsia and it is not bright in the least (I think the touch of brown really helps in this). Sephora Flame is a true retro deep red shade worthy of a pinup and maybe slightly gothic to some. It's what I call a redhead red. Now I'm not exactly a redhead but I have light brown hair with a lot of copper in it so I do lean a bit in that direction and any redhead will tell you a good red is hard to find if you do not feel comfortable in brights. My skin is fair, some light freckles and neutral to leaning warm and Flame really flatters my complexion. It makes my eyes, which are a mix of green, gray and blue, really stand out so if you have any of those shades this could be a great red for you. This is the POW! factor I've been searching for!

I had hoped Fire Down Below (semi matte pure blood red) or Spanish Red (satin sangria) would have been this shade but as Fire Down Below is a brighter fresh blood red and Spanish Red turned a odd shade on me, Flame is more a dried blood red. Sorry if that sounds terrible but I want to describe it as accurately as possible. I do not find it drying but if you do I suggest using a bit of lip balm under the color. Overall I love this and it's just in time for the holidays. I can't wait to try it with Misbehave or Moonfleet gloss over it!
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P223426&categoryId=C7010

Credit: Storybookheroine
Disclosure: All products mentioned in this review were purchased by the reviewer.

Nars Dolce Vita Blush Review by Storybookheroine

When the first pictures of Dolce Vita popped up on the internet I have to admit I was disappointed. It was dark, muddy, matte and did nothing to make me want it. Now I love Dolce Vita lipstick. It's an easy staple to love with it's flattering muted dusty rose color and go with everything appeal, but I saw little resemblance to my beloved lipstick in the picture (nor did it look like the DV Velvet Matte or Lipgloss). When the collection hit the internet I decided to give in and order it and I have to say I am very pleased I did. The initial pictures did not show the true color and for those of you looking at the pictures I shot this is a more accurate depiction of Dolce Vita blush and it is not as dark once applied.

So, what does Dolce Vita blush look like on? On me (NARS Mont Blanc, BECCA Sand, PPP/FFF) it's a nice, muted, fresh from the cold flush that is not too pink or too bright. Dolce Vita has a touch of red to it but the "dustiness" of the color mutes enough to save me from looking like a clown. As for it being a matte, I love the look. It's a perfect choice for rosy cheeks (even for us neutral to warm tones) and if you have not been able to pull off rosy cheeks before without looking like you have rosacea, Dolce Vita may be just the blush you are looking for.
The soft pomegranate color is perfect for the fall, it just about screams it but I can not help but wish it was more the same shade as the lipstick.
Let me explain.
I think, though the bit of red makes for a gorgeous blush it is not true to the original Dolce Vita shade. So really my only compliant is the name since I don't find it is true to the spirit of the color NARS has managed to duplicate in three lip products (and I'm sure a future nail polish and who knows what else). I wish it was that color because I feel it would be a great shade for my coloring. What has been released is a beautiful shade but not what fans the lipstick would think it would be based on the Dolce Vita name.

Dolce Vita is a very pigmented and I recommend just touching your brush to the pan and building to the intensity you like. I use the standard NARS blush brush, tap the color on one side, apply to the apple, then flip the brush over to the clean side and drag the color from the apples back and up. It is not as challenging as say Exhibit A which I gave up on years ago but I don't think anyone will be hitting pan on this in a very long time. It has the same quality of other NARS blushes, long lasting, silky texture and high pigmentation. If you have a skunk brush or the MAC 187 this would be a good choice for application to fair skin and I think this would look great from the lightest to the darkest of skin tones and maybe that is the point for intensifying the color for a more universal appeal.

Overall I think this is a great blush for Fall and Winter, just remember it's very pigmented, it is not going to be the same shade as the lipstick and apply sparingly and I think you will be very happy with the results and product.

Photo Credits: Storybookheroine

Disclosure: All products mentioned in this review were purchased by the reviewer.

BECCA Paradise Lost Spring 2008 Collection
by storybookheroine





Sensual femininity is accentuated this season with BECCA’s Paradise Lost Collection, an alluring selection of coquettish shades fit for enchantment. Inspired by a garden of earthly delights, lips and cheeks are in full bloom with windswept pink, eyes are gilded in bronze, and skin is effortlessly illuminated with a dusting of golden beige shimmer.

This is going to be a beautiful collection! The cheeks and lips are a soft pinky-coral that is surprisingly wearable and feminine. The eyes are a simple wash of shimmering bronze. New items for Paradise Lost are a Lip and Cheek Creme in Tuberose, a Soft Touch Blush in Coquette, an Eye Tint in Gilt and a Nude Lip Liner Duo in Fondant. Daiquiri Glossy Lip Tint and Ultimate Mascara in Black (new from Holiday 2007) are repromoted items.


As of now I have Tuberose Lip and Cheek and Daiquiri Glossy Lip Tint so I tried to fake the look with my extensive BECCA collection and I was surprised at the fresh soft coral pop of the cheeks and lips and how comfortable and flattering the look is (one of these days it will stick in my head that coral shades are one of my favorites). I faked Coquette with Wisp Soft Touch Blush but Wisp is darker than Coquette which is much closer in shade to the super popular Hyawatha Pressed Shimmer Powder according to BECCA. I cannot wait to get my hands on it! Fondant is a pink matte nude with a skin tone beige highlighter (I asked and it is slightly different than the highlighting end of Nougat Lip Liner). Gilt Eye Tint is a shimmering bronze which thrills me to no end. Some of you may know I am a huge fan of BECCA Eye Tint. It makes a fabulous, crease-proof, waterproof, base to any shadow as well as looking good on its own and perfect for setting BECCA Shimmer Powders, Jewel Dusts and Soft Touch blushes (I love to set Wisp into Baroque, the original Eye Tint shade).


I wish I had all the products to give you a full review but these are some of BECCA's most tried and true items and knowing their good taste in colors I can only assume I will be very happy when my box of BECCA Spring arrives on my doorstep!




Please click on the pictures of the collection and the two models for larger images.







BECCA PARADISE LOST SWATCHES AND INFORMATION






Eye Tint - Gilt ($24) golden bronze
An ingenious eye crème with a unique formulation that glides on as a crème and sets to a powder. This
long-lasting, water-resistant, crease-resistant and easy to apply tint glides on effortlessly for highly
pigmented, streak-free colour. Apply with fingers or a brush.






The Ultimate Mascara - Black ($24) rich black
This advanced, water-resistant, micro-tubing mascara formula lengthens and thickens the lashes while a
conical shaped brush curls, lifts and separates in one easy coat. Contains anti-oxidants, vitamins, and
minerals to strengthen lashes and reduce lash loss.






Soft Touch Blush - Coquette ($32) golden beige shimmer
Exuding a celestial-like glow, this semi-matt formula has a sheer, silky texture. Infused with micro-fine
shimmer particles, this streak-free, delicate powder provides an angelic veil of colour to the cheeks and
is preservative and paraben free






Lip & Cheek Creme - Tuberose ($29) watermelon pink
The richly pigmented formulation of BECCA Lip and Cheek Crème makes it the ultimate multi tasker.
Created to suit any complexion, this versatile, super blendable crème can be applied over or under
other make-up for an effortless finish without shimmer. Apply to cheeks and lips with fingertips or a
crème blush brush or lip brush.







Nude Liner Pencil - Fondant ($23 ) skin tone beige/pink nude
This convenient, dual-ended pencil can be used to both plump and define lips. It has a light, skin toned
beige colour on one end, and a darker pink toned shade on the other end. Use to lighten just outside
the lip line to create fuller looking lips and help prevent lipstick from bleeding. Use the neutral pinky-
nude side to define lips and as a base beneath lip tints, lip crèmes or lipsticks.








Glossy Lip Tint - Daiquiri ($23) shimmery fleshy pink
A long lasting translucent gloss that delivers radiant shine with a splash of colour. Deliciously scented
with a hint of strawberry parfait, this luxurious formulation is silky-smooth and completely non-sticky.











GET THE LOOK
• Skin – Follow the Skin Perfecting Makeup System for sheer, natural and
flawless skin.
• Cheeks – Apply Lip and Cheek Crème in Tuberose to the apples of the
cheeks for an innocent, pretty-in-pink flush. Next, dust Soft Touch Blush in
Coquette onto the cheekbones to add an illuminating sheen to the skin.
• Eyes – Softly wash Eye Tint in Gilt is across the eyelids. Coat top and bottom
lashes with The Ultimate Mascara in Black.
• Lips – For a sexy pout, define lips with Nude Liner Pencil in Fondant, then top
with Lip & Cheek Crème in Tuberose. Add Glossy Lip Tint in Daiquiri for added
shine.




Paradise Lost is due out mid March and can be purchased from the following stores

beccacosmetics.com


Neiman Marcus


makeup.com




Thank you to BECCA Cosmetics for all images and information!

NARS Shanghai Lily Spring 2008 by Storybookheroine





NARS Shanghai Lily Spring 2008


Frankly I find this "Kiss of the Spider Woman" look a bit scary but don't be put off by the drama of the ad, NARS Shanghai Lily looks very promising when you look at the new additions. The shades are very fresh, clean and perfect for Spring. I have already tried Dolce Vita lipgloss and the Orgasm Multiple (I think this multiple orgasm thing will make for lots of laughs on beauty boards and blogs). Trying to take an existing classic and beloved product and translate the color into another type of product leaves a wide space for disappointment. At this point I can say Dolce Vita lipgloss and the Orgasm Multiple live up to the hype. The Belle De Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil looks promising and I have the single versions of Stolen Kisses Lipgloss (one of my personal favorites) and Pampa Lip Stain and I like the idea of putting these two together as a duo. I hope more duos are coming in future collections.

Usually I find Spring collections boring or in colors that do not appeal to me but this Spring NARS has my attention and I ordered the collection as soon as it came online. A thorough review is to follow but until now take a peek at the collection.






























Disclosure: The products reviewed in this post were purchased by Storybookheroine