Deep Shu Sea...Shu Uemura Depsea Water Bergamot Mist

Last month, while I was at the Shu counter picking up another oil cleanser, I realized I had never tried their Depsea Water Mist. Retailing at ¥2,300, I decided to forgo repurchasing one of my facial mist staples (there are five or six sprays I like to route between, and yes, they will be featured on the blog), and try the Shu Uemura Depsea Water Mist. I love bergamot anything, so, of course, bergamot would be the one I'd pick up.

I'm a fan of facial mist sprays. Are they vital to one's skincare regime? No. But, my dry skin surely appreciates what they have to offer.

There are many ways to use misting sprays, and some of the ways I like to use them are:

After cleansing my face, in place of a toner (or before), I mist my face, and follow-up with my usual morning/night time skincare regime (i.e. serum, moisturizer, etc.). I find this added step helps lock in moisture of whatever products proceed it.

Also, If I don't have time to wait for a moisturizer to sink in before applying my makeup, I'll prep my skin with a facial mist, and then message in a few drops of a facial treatment oil. I love, love, LOVE the gorgeous, radiant glow this combination ejects into my skin and makeup.

I don't use facial mists as setting sprays, but they are great in helping the makeup settle into the skin, instead of sitting on top of it and looking powdery. I don't know anyone who likes that look.

Another benefit to these sprays are how they refresh my skin/makeup throughout the day. If my face feels taut or looks tired, a few spritzes help to soothe and rejuvenate. Most of these facial mists have a soft, pleasant fragrance; they give an extra boost that helps me relax and feel uplifted (acting as a form of aromatherapy). 

In addition to using this product for skincare, I also use it to apply eye shadows wet, with pigments, cake liners, etc., as well as to dampen brushes and sponges.

After one month of using Shu Uemura's Depsea Water Mist in Bergamot, I really like it. I love the sturdy plastic packaging of this product; the spray cap's glossy finish and how it curves to hug my finger perfectly. Also, I have a little crush on the nozzle; the way it disperses and splays the product out evenly is brilliant. I've been without a misting spray for three weeks, and I'm not staying that it's solely because of this product, but once I incorporated it into my regime, the tiny dry patch I was getting on my right cheek is gone. My skin looks and feels calm, smooth, soft and hydrated. Will it replace the other facial mists I use? No. But, I will be adding it to my lineup; also there are a few other fragrances in the line I want to try.

What's your take on Facial mists?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Couldn't Drag Me Away...Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette

2014 marks the year of the horse (also my Chinese zodiac sign), and I thought it would be fun to create something theme related using Chantecaille's Wild Horses palette (thank you, Justine :D).

I wanted the Wild Horses palette when it was first released, then convinced myself that I didn't need it (I told myself, "self you have a trillion shades like that in your collection, you DON'T need it!"). But, that was short lived and now I bring you this post.

Wild horses is a beautiful palette! Yes, the shades are not monumentally original. However, as I say (and, mostly to Aki), "it's not only about the color, it's also about texture, finish, quality and performance," and Chantecaille is a brand that excels in all those departments.

 Wild Horses Palette (swatched without over-spray), Hydra Chic Lipstick Persimmon. 

The four shades included in the palette are:

Palomino: a creamy, beige-blonde, can be used as an eye shadow or highlighter.

Freedom: a warm, yellow-based pink. My only issue with the palette was the over-spray on the blush, I LOVE it! When mixed together, I adored the stunning russet sheen it gave my cheeks. I didn't want it to go away, but was able to replicate it by layering the blush over a shimmery reddish-bronzer. Look beautiful on the eyes or cheeks.

Mustang: a soft, chestnut-bronze. Besides the eyes, look amazing on top of blushers.

Black Stallion: a rich black with a hint of midnight blue, can be used as a eye shadow or liner.

And another Chantecaille love, the Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon. A vibrant, hydrating, glossy, Juicy persimmon color that leans a bit on the red side, but not too much. 

Rainy days = angry frizzy hair!

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (all over the face).
Benefit Hoola (bronzer).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Freedom (on the apples of the cheeks and blended into the bronzer).
Palomino (highlight).
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20.
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (applied all over the lid).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Palomino (all over the lid up to the brow bone and inner corner).
Mustang (in the crease).
Freedom (on the upper lashline).
Black stallion (pressed closely to the upper lashes).
Black stallion and Freedom (mixed together and blended on the lower lashline).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero (tightline).
Lips:

Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

FACEatelier Ultra Foundation in #5 Sepia.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three colors mixed together and placed on the center of the face).
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (all over the face).
Benefit Hoola (bronzer).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Freedom (on the apples of the cheeks and blended into the bronzer).
Palomino (highlight).
Eyes:

Addiction Pressed Duo Eyebrow in 01 Cinnamon Duo.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer in NW20.
MAC Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (applied all over the lid).
Chantecaille Wild Horses Palette:
Mustang (all over the lid and lower lashline).
Freedom (in the crease).
Palomino (on the brow bone and inner corner).
Black stallion (blended from the outer corner to three-fourths of the upper lashline and one-third of the lower lashline over mustang).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero (tightline and on the waterline).
Lips:

Chantecaille Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon.

Did you pick up Chantecaille's Wild Horses Palette or the Hydra Chic Lipstick in Persimmon?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

A Celebrated Polish...Color Club Diva In Brown

I have no idea how this brand/polish came into my collection, but I'm sure if I look further, I'll find a few more Color Club polishes. Question, is it just me, or do you find yourself wondering how certain items made their way into your beauty collection?

Misleading in name, Diva In Brown is a pretty, neutral, pale tan with a glossy, creme finish. A two to three coater polish, I just love the mannequinesque appearance Diva In Brown gives my nails. I'm not sure if this shade is still available, but I'm sure you can find it on amazon or ebay.

What are some of your favorite mannequin shade polishes?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

If You Don't Have It. Fake It! Lavshuca LavFake Red Fake 01

 Cute Packaging, no!

Lavshuca's LavFake (limited edition) in Red Fake 01 is a multitasking stain that can be used on the eyes, cheeks and lips. I'm a sucker for all things red, so I had to buy this.

LavFake has a velvety dry, silicone consistency, yet still creamy in texture. It's long-lasting on the eyes, cheeks and lips; creasing slights on the eyes and, in this case, I don't mind) and lacking moisture in the lips department.

Red Fake 01 is a pretty rose-red, that gives you a sheer (yet buildable), semi-matte flush. I found LavFake performed best when applied with my phalanges.

Wearing LavFake Red Fake 01 on my lids, cheeks and lips. Sorry for being a little out of focus.

Yes, I cut my hair. I'm not a stranger to short hair (I've had it shorter than this), but it's been a while and I feel odd. 

In a rush to get out the door, I forgot to take a picture of me looking down to give you a better view of Red Fake 01 on my lids...Oops.

Overall, I enjoy Lavshuca's LavFake in Red Fake 01, but I wouldn't say it's a must have for our beauty arsenal.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Red Tea For Two

Finally, a morning all to myself :) It feels great not having to start my day at 3:00am (the time I usually wake up during my work week).

Since Valentine's day, I've been enjoying Suqqu's EX-16 Benichagasane Blend Color Eyeshadow Palette.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow EX-16 Benichagasane.

From left to right: Balancing Cheeks 03 Hinageshi, Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist EX-13 Beniaka.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

Suqqu Frame Fix Cream Foundation SPF 25 in 202.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three shades mixed together).
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (apply over the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette).
Suqqu Balancing Cheek in 03 Hinageshi (the peach shade).
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Stone gray 05.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder #1.
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-16 Benichagasane:
The matte cream-white eyeshadow (all over the lip and up to the brow bone).
The taupe-bronze eyeshadow (on the lid and blended into the crease).
The matte bitter-chocolate eyeshadow (blended into one-third of the outer crease, upper and lower lashline).
The bright pink eyeshadow (used to blend out the bitter chocolate shadow on the lower lashline).
The champagne-gold eyeshadow (in the inner corner and lightly dusted on the brow bone).
Make Up For Ever La Boheme Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline the upper and lower lashline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.

Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist in EX-13 Beniaka.

This is the look I wore on Valentine's day.

Look Breakdown:

Face:

Suqqu Frame Fix Cream Foundation SPF 25 in 202.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (all three shades mixed together).
Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (apply over the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette).
Suqqu Balancing Cheek in 03 Hinageshi (both shades mixed together).
Eyes:

Shu Uemura Hard Formula brow Pencil in Stone gray 05.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder #1.
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-16 Benichagasane:
The matte cream-white eyeshadow (all over the lip and up to the brow bone).
The champagne-gold eyeshadow (on the lid, inner corner and one-half of the inner lower lashline).
The taupe-bronze eyeshadow (in the crease).
The matte bitter-chocolate eyeshadow (blended to create a soft cut-crease, upper lashline and one-third of the lower lashline).
The bright pink eyeshadow (blended into the inner corner, outer crease and one-third of the outer lower lashline).
Make Up For Ever La Boheme Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline the upper and lower waterline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.

Lips:
Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Suqqu Creamy Glow Lipstick Moist in EX-13 Beniaka.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time. 

Ch Ch Ch Ch Ch Cherry Berry!

Revlon's nail enamel in Cherry Berry (280) was my polish of choice for V-day.

I applied two coats of Cherry Berry. 

Cherry Berry is a magenta-based, cherry-red with a creme finish. Not a terribly unique color, but the polish is insanely pigmented (basically opaque in one coat) glossy, and wears beautifully for five days.

What did you wear on your nails for Valentine's Day?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

One Can Bathe On Almonds Alone...L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

February's (and march's since I purchased the 16.9 fl oz bottle) body wash is L'Occitane's Almond Shower Oil. I've been using the almond shower oil (as well as all the other products from the almond line) for many, many, many years, and it's my favorite scent amongst all of L'Occitane's collections. Almond Shower Oil is a mixture of sweet almonds and marzipan (If that makes sense, given that marzipan is generally an almond paste. However, there is a difference between the two, and I've rambled for too long, but I hope you understand).
So many great memories are tied into this heavenly fragrance. The scent always makes me feel nostalgic and I find myself staying in the shower longer than needed.
When the almond shower oil comes into contact with water, it emulsifies into a luxurious milky lather; leaving my tight, dry, itchy Winter skin feeling nourished, soothed, amazingly soft and yummy.

Have you tired any products from the Almond Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.