Going For The Gold! Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base

With all the new makeup base products coming out this season, and with some new acquisitions, I find myself repurchasing some of my old Summer staples. First oldie up, Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base.

Having normal to dry skin, I don't have issues with my makeup migrating or dissipating throughout the day; basically, once it's on, it's not going anywhere! However, I like using primers to smooth out the complexion, and boost hydration, for added skincare benefits...and yes, any extra assistance in prolonging my painted mug doesn't hurt. No?

Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base is a luxurious water-based gel product, and it contains 24-carat flakes of gold. The gold may seem gimmicky, but the use of gold in skincare products offers several benefits: stimulates skin cells, increases elasticity, and reduces sun damage to name a few. It's been four years since I used this product, so, I can't remember the exact effects that the gold had on my skin; however, I do recall my skin looking and feeling great. If you're worried, or hoping, the gold flakes in L'or will give a glittery sparkle to the skin, it doesn't; the flakes quickly seep into the skin.

One pump of L'or.

The way I like to use L'or is by applying two to three pumps all over my face (including under the eyes), and then mix another pump or two with my foundation or tinted moisturizer; resulting in beautiful, supple, revitalized, and radiant skin. Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold is a great make-up base for all skin types, but, even more so for us drier skinned ladies.

Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base retail for ¥10,800 ($108.53)

Have you tried Guerlain's L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Fruit Of Happiness...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related

With every season, I look forward to all the new seasonal tasties, and this Summer I've acquired an unquenchable thirst for Fanta's Pineapple flavored soft drink. Pineapple Fanta tastes just like a Pina Colada, but carbonated. My favorite mixed drink is a virgin Pina Colada (That's because I don't drink), and when I lived back in Miami, I would drink them like water. A perfect drink for Summer, pineapple Fanta is really helping me to cool down and survive this Summer...I'm even contemplating pouring this soft drink into the ice tray and making ice cubes out of it.

If you can find Fanta's Pineapple soda, buy it and drink it!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

The Shops Around The Corner

Last friday, I spent the day in Shinjuku with my friend, Sara, buying a few beauty bits and bobs. And of course, I had to stop by the Addiction counter and get a peek at the products for the upcoming 2014 Fall/Winter Tokyo Story Collection. 

Due to feeling overheated-Summer-time-gross, I forgot to swatch the eyeshadows and blushers. The collection features six new individual eyeshadows, and trust me, they're beautiful.

Also included are four new blushers, and do I have to tell you how stunning they are?...especially, the vivid red and orange blushes.

 From left to right: 108, Black River, Rikyu, Shikibu, Forbidden Colors, Tokyo Story. 

The new Liquid eyeliners are pigmented, and come with a good brush...and, although they are not waterproof, they seemed to wear well. My must-have shades are Tokyo Story (my fav), Shikibu, and forbidden Colors.

Included in the Tokyo Story Collection, but not photographed are:

The Film Mascara Long & Separate in Black River.
Liquid Eyebrow in Cinnamon and Marron.
Double Suicide (love the name) & Blue Moon Nail Polish.

After some shopping, we decided to take a break and grab some lunch at Harbs. 

I ordered the limited edition Sparkling Honey Lemon tea, and it was mellow and tasty.

Given my love for breakfast foods, I had their AH-MAZING omelette sandwich that is served with a refreshing side of coleslaw.



This sandwich has to be one of the best breakfast sandwiches I've ever had. The texture of the egg was perfect, the veggies were firm and crisp, and the ham was juicy and savory.

And, what a better way to end a fantastic meal than with a fantastic dessert. Harbs offers an array of delicious cakes. This time around, I ordered the Pear Cheesecake, and it was excellent!

After lunch, we continued shopping, and headed back to Isetan for some more makeup purchases. Now, Whenever I'm in Shinjuku, I have to have Laduree's soft serve ice cream in Paeva. To my horrified shock, it was not on the menu. I hope/pray that this is a temporary thing, if not, someone is going to be receiving a hostile petition!

I like pistachio, so I gave the new flavor a try...what a disappointment! I had my heart set on my beloved Paeva (posted on here), but instead I get this ice cream that looks as if Father Christmas was ill in a Laduree cup. There was NO harmony in these hodgepodge of flavors, finesse or artistry, that I would except from Laduree.    

What did you do last Friday?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

A Matte-r Of Life Or Lipstick...Revlon Matte Lipsticks

Last Saturday, I wore Revlon's Strawberry Suede on an outing that motivated me to rediscover my love for my Revlon lipsticks. Back when I was a little "beauty tadpole," swimming up and down the beauty isles of Rite Aid and Walgreen's, a Revlon lipstick was my first beauty purchase (and, the first cosmetic brand I got into)...and, after many, many moons, it's still my favorite drugstore brand.

From left to right: 001 Nude Attitude, 003 Mauve It Over, 004 Pink About It, 005 Strawberry Suede, 006 Really Red.

From left to right: 007 In The Red, 008 Cocoa Craving, 009 Fabulous Fig, 010 Wine Not, 011 Stormy Pink.

I forgot how pretty these matte lipsticks are...and, by the way, they also work beautifully as blushers (especially, Pink About It, Strawberry Suede, and Stormy Pink).

Which matte Revlon lipstick is your favorite?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Palette: Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow 15 Mitsucha

It's time for another installment of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Palette. This is a series that I have been toying with for some time, and I knew in partnering with the marvelous Bellyhead, from Wondegondigo (my crazed beauty sister from another mister), we would bring this project to life. If you missed the first edition, please visit here (belly's) and here (mine). For Belly's day and night looks from Suqqu's Blend Color Eyeshadow in 15 Mitsucha, please click here.

As always, photos of all the products and swatches used in this post.

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow 15 Mitsucha.

Suqqu's Spring 2014 collection was another knockout from the brand. I really love all three of the quads. In Japanese, mitsu means honey and cha is Tea. So, combined you get honey tea; a fitting name for the color scheme of this darling palette.  

Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro.

Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick 07 Akaanzu. 

Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow 15 Mitsucha.

From left to right: Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro, Bright Up Lipstick 07 Akaanzu.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. 

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro.
Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (used to prime the lids).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in 15 Mitsucha:
The yellow gold shade (all over the lid and one-third of the bottom lashline). 
The brown shade (lightly blended into the crease). 
The muted russet orange shade (on the upper lashline, outer corner and outer portion of the lower lashline). 
The ivory shade (in the inner corner and lightly dusted on the brow bone).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Fatal Black WP Mascara in 03 Captivating Bronze.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in 07 Akaanzu.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. 

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).
Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 01 Momoshuiro.
Eyes:

Browlash EX Water Strong W Eyebrow in Grey Brown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW25.
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (used to prime the lids).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in 15 Mitsucha:
The brown shade (all over the lid, in the crease and the lower lashline). 
The muted russet orange shade (used to blend out the brown shadow in the crease). 
The yellow gold shade (in the inner corner).
The ivory shade (lightly dusted on the brow bone).
Mac Fluidline in Past Twilight (line the upper lashline).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara in Jet Black.
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in 07 Akaanzu.

I hope you enjoyed our second installment. If you would like to join the sisterhood on this post (or a future palette post) send belly and I a link, as well as email me.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

If I Ever Wanted To Throw In The Towel...China Glaze Towel Boy Toy Nail Lacquer

Originally released in 2010, as part of China Glaze's Summer Poolside Collection, Towel Boy Toy is a vivid, deep caribbean-blue with a subtle blue shimmer.

As much as I like this color for Summer, I loathe the formula and its finish. Towel Boy Toy has a watery, chalky consistency that feels as if you've painted your nails with Mylanta. The first coat is sheer, and if you don't wait long enough between coats, it can apply patchy. Towel Boy Toy requires three coats to correct any bald spots and achieve opacity. As with the other polishes in this collection, Towel Boy Toy has a matte finish. I really HATE (yes, I said hate and I mean it!) matte polishes! This abhorrent finish can be remedied with a top coat, which seems to revive the shimmers in the polish that were lost with the matte finish.

What are some of your favorite blues for Summer?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

There's No Frivol About This Drivel...Special Delivery From Drivel About Frivol

Yesterday, I received an AMAZING package, from Kate of Drivel about Frivol fame. I love that she reused a Rouge Bunny Rouge box for this parcel :) 

Kate, I nearly squeed to death when I opened the box and the first thing I saw were these English Violet creams. Now, I've written about my love for all things violet, but was this a generous, happy coincidence or did you know about my affinity? Btw, I love that Charbonnel et Walker dates back to 1875.

This may just be me, but don't some of these violet petals look like...

These chocolates are luxurious in all aspects; from the handmade box, rich dark chocolate, the ambrosial violet-flavored cream that is decadently exquisite, to the crystallized violet petal accents. I need to force myself to savor these violet creams, because I can easily eat the entire box in one sitting. Thank goodness Charbonnel et Walker has a website and offers international shipping; this is one carving that must be satisfied!

My second squee fest was for this violet tea (actually drinking a cup of it now)...absolutely delicious!

Oh yeah, and the makeup :P Kate was kind enough to let me have these items sent to her place.

Kate, my admiration for you is boundless. Thank you for your constant kindness, generosity, and overwhelming magnificence <3

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.