The Darker The Cherry, The Sweeter The Polish...Tom Ford 32 Black Cherry Nail Lacquer

This Christmas' mani color was Tom Ford's limited edition Fall nail lacquer in Black Cherry. Befitting its name, Black Cherry is a rich, darkened (almost black) black cherry with a "grape juice" twist.

Black Cherry is a highly opaque, and only requires two coats for full flawless coverage. I found Black Cherry's formula to be a little thicker than my other Tom Ford Nail Lacquers. Also, controlling the brush is a little problematic and deposits a lot of polish; so, application can be tricky. On the other hand, the finish is a gorgeous glossy, almost glass-like, shine.

What are some of your favorite lacquers in this color family?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Words To Live By

Thought I would start a new series of post titled "Word to live by", were I share random ramblings that I find amusing and like. I definitely live by what's written above. Think I'm going to set this image as my background on my laptop.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Shower With A Twist...Bath & Body Works' Shower Gel, Twisted Peppermint

Since I've been using scents that I have already featured on the blog, I haven't done a monthly shower gel in a while.

And Although I've written about my holiday love for Bath & Body Works' shower gel in Twisted Peppermint (read here), I just want to talk about the new packaging and this season's adorable label.

Generally, I'm indifferent towards aesthetic changes of product packaging, unless it dramatically aides in the performance of the product. I find these minor changes to be a shallowly-unimaginative way for brands to hike up prices. With that said, I don't know when the new packaging was introduced, but I do like the new, wider, seemingly sturdier, cap.

However, the main reason I'm doing this post is because of the "to die for" adorable raccoon character on the label. Look at his (yes, I gave it a sex) cute mask, poofy tail, short arms and little fingers with opposable thumbs, holding that oversized candy cane...too precious. I love raccoons, and I've always wanted one as a pet. So, I guess this is a more practical alternative while I'm living in Japan.

Look gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Seasons Greetings!

Merry Christmas, and wishing you a festive holiday season.

Cheers,

Liz

Eleganza Extravaganza! Givenchy Extravagancia 2014 Fall/Winter Collection

Do you ever feel everything around you is moving at a crazy pace, hitting you like a freight train, and, although you've adsorbed the impact and moved along with it, you just wish for a moment you could gather your thoughts, let alone catch your breath? Well, that's been my life for the last few months. Anyway, onto the pretty pretties.

With every Collection, Givenchy always put my beautiful mind at ease. The Extravagancia Collection for 2014 Fall/Winter is voguish, darkly edgy, and (as the name would suggest) extravagant!

From the upper leather casing, with its gold embossed pattern, the silver, pyramid-shaped, stud closer, to the stunning textures and color combinations of the products within, the Extravagancia Lip & Eye Palette (8,206 yen) has me, wholeheartedly, under its spell.

I love when palettes come with a generous sized mirror...Bloody Mary anyone?

The Extravagancia Palette features four eye shadows, and a lipstick.

A mauvish-graphite with silver and violet glitter.

A satin, rose-based, brown with a mauvish-tinge and micro silver shimmers.

A satin, pink-based, violet-purple with baby blue micro shimmers.

A pale gold with gold glitter.

Eyeshadows containing larger glitters always make me weary (thank you, Dior), however, the two glittery shadows in the palette put those fears to rest; they applied and blended easily with zero fallout or migration. All four shadows are sickly beautiful! They perform wonderfully, and are perfectly pigmented.

At first, I wasn't convinced with the color of the lipstick in the palette. Why was I doubting my precious givenchy?...I don't know?! Givenchy would never steer my wrong because the lipstick, and the eyeshadows, pair beautifully with each other.

The Blush Memoire De Forme Pop Up Jelly Blush in Rose Extravagant (5,184 yen) has this wet, slightly whipped, bouncy jello-like consistency; It applied flawlessly...lasting all day, and giving the cheeks a beautiful, glow from within flush.

I picked up both of the Le Rouge Lipsticks that were released with the Extravagancia Collection, but in this post, I'll be featuring 208 Rose Extravagant.

Generally, 208 Rose Extravagant (4,644 yen) is not a shade I would reach for in Autumn/Winter. But, once again, Givenchy had the brilliant foresight of Rose Extravagant's exquisite harmony with the season;s eye looks. I like to either dab on the lipstick in a bouncing motion, or work it unto the lips with a brush and tone down the color's intensity. As with all the Le Rouge lipstick, 208 Rose Extravagant is creamy, moisturizing, seriously pigmented, and long wearing.

From left to right: The Extravagancia Palette Lipstick, 208 Rose Extravagant Le Rouge, Rose Extravagant Blush.

The lipstick is a warm, yellow-based, pink-blush.

208 Rose Extravagant is a yellow-based, bright (almost neon) rose-pink.

The gel blush is a bright, rosy-pink.

The looks:

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer.
Givenchy Teint Couture Long-Wearing Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Elegant Beige 4.

Givenchy Blush Memoire De Forme Pop Up Jelly Blush in Rose Extravagant.
Eyes:

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

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Givenchy Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow in 8 Prune Taffetas(all over the lid and lower lashline).

Givenchy Extravagancia Palette Lip & Eye:

The violet-purple  eye shadow (all over the lid and lower lashline).

The brown eye shadow (in the crease and the outer half of the lower lashline).
The pale gold glitter (in the inner corner).

L'Oreal Le Grande Kohl Line & Define Pencil in Le Plum (used to tightline and on the waterline).

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 5 Violet Etonnant.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in 208 Rose Extravagant.
Givenchy Extravagancia Palette Lip & Eye: layered the lipstick in the palette over 208 Rose Extravagant.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer.
Givenchy Teint Couture Long-Wearing Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Elegant Beige 4.

Givenchy Blush Memoire De Forme Pop Up Jelly Blush in Rose Extravagant.
Eyes:

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

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Givenchy Extravagancia Palette Lip & Eye:

mixed the violet-purple and brown and applied it on the lid, blended into the crease and placed on the middle of the lower lashline and blended out, but not connecting to the inner or outer corner of the lower lashline.

The pale gold glitter (applied wet on the brow bone).

L'Oreal Le Grande Kohl Line & Define Pencil in Le Plum (used to tightline and on the waterline).

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 5 Violet Etonnant.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick in 208 Rose Extravagant.

Tried to capture the gorgeous gold sheen on the brow bone, but failed.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer.
Givenchy Teint Couture Long-Wearing Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20 in Elegant Beige 4.

Givenchy Blush Memoire De Forme Pop Up Jelly Blush in Rose Extravagant.
Eyes:

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

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Givenchy Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow in 8 Prune Taffetas(all over the lid).

Givenchy Extravagancia Palette Lip & Eye:

The mauvish-graphite glitter eye shadow (all over the lid and lower lashline).

The brown eye shadow (in the crease).
The violet-purple(in the inner corner).

L'Oreal Le Grande Kohl Line & Define Pencil in Le Plum(used to tightline and on the waterline).

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 5 Violet Etonnant.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Givenchy Extravagancia Palette Lip & Eye lipstick.

Did you get anything from Givenchy's Extravagancia Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

If I Could Bronze My Love...Givenchy 20 Bronze Insense Le Vernis Intense Color Nail Lacquer

When I saw Givenchy's 20 Bronze Insense Le Vernis Intense Color Nail Lacquer sitting on the counter, on display, it was love at first sight.

20 Bronze Insense is a gray-based, metallic, antiqued champagne-pewter, ladened with champagne shimmers; it reminds me of the aged ornate accents of a Venetian mask or antique. If I could describe this vernis with one word, it would be: luxuriant!

In Japan, Givenchy Le Vernis Intense Color Nail Lacquers retail for 3,240 yen ($20 in the states).

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Covered With Violets From Root To Tip...Givenchy 5 Violet Etonnant Noir Couture 4-in-1 Mascara

For the Extravagancia Fall/Winter 2014 Collection, Givenchy released the Noir Couture 4-in-1 Mascara in 5 Violet Etonnant.

The Noir Couture 4-in-1 Mascara (in 5 Violet Etonnant) performs as marvelously as all its other colored variants. If you'd like to read my reviews on the other shades of the  Noir Couture 4-in-1 Mascaras, please read here, here, and for the waterproof version, here.

5 Violet Etonnant is a beautifully, fetching, blackened-eggplant purple. A comely substitute to black mascara this season, 5 Violet Etonnant enhances any eye color, especially brown, hazel and green.

Givenchy's Noir Couture 4-in-1 Mascara in 5 Violet Etonnant retails for 5,076 yen. However, if you live in the states, 5 Violet Etonnant is available on sephora.com for $32.

Have  you tired any shades of the Noir Couture 4-in-1 Mascara?

My THREE Cosmetics giveaway ends tomorrow.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

MU Delivery Service!

Another beauty package for Jane. Aside from the beauty products she assisted me in procuring (thank you sissy!), I just about keeled over when I saw all the extra glorious goodies she included in the box.

The beauty purchase. 

The opulent amount of extra beauty spoils! But, Jane's generosity doesn't end there...

Look at all these yummy treats that were stuffed in the box. There were two Reese's Peanut Butter Trees, but I ate one as I took the photo ;P It's been over five years since I've had a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup or Ritz Crackers 'N Cheese Dip Handi-Snacks. However, what had me doing a crocodile roll of delight were the Twinkies...TWINKIES, I say! I literally had a panic attack when Twinkies were taken off the shelves. I'm going to have to hoard these edibles like a squirrel hoards their nuts during Winter.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Warm...Warmer...Disco!

This purchase was entirely enabled by the Wondegondigo herself, Mrs.Bellyhead.

Being a fan of the film, I was excited when I heard Urban Decay was releasing a Pulp Fiction Collection. In high school, the film was a big deal to my best friend, Richard, and I. Minus the bands, my hair was unintentionally cut like hers, Richard dyed his blonde locks black, we would go by the names Mia Wallace and Vincent Vega, quote the movie, and randomly perform the Jack Rabbit Slims Twist Contest throughout our school. However, after seeing it on the brand's website, I decided to pass. During one of my talks with Jane (a.k.a Bellyhead) via the twitter, she asked if I was getting anything from the Pulp Fiction collection. Yup, just that simple innocent question, sparked me to take a second look at the collection that you see before you.

I am so happy with the items I picked up from the collection, especially the eyeshadow palette and lipstick!

In frankness, there is nothing original about the eyeshadow shades, but if you're into makeup, you know that it isn't only the color of the shadows; It's also about their texture, pigmentation, how they blend, finish, etc. At least this is how I justify owning hundreds of the same shade ^-^'

Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Eyeshadow Palette swatches. 

The eye shadows in the Pulp Fiction palette are silky, creamy, pigmented, and blend like a dream! I went on urbandecay.com to see if the palette was still available, and found that it was on sale from $34 to $16. The palette is a bargain at $34, but it's a steal at $16. 

I do love the cool-toned, medium-dark red color of the Pulp Fiction 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Mrs. Mia Wallace, but there is something about the 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil formula that I'm not completely sold on. Yes, the Mrs. Mia Wallace lip pencil is pigmented, applies evenly, is long lasting, and almost smudge proof...ALMOST...and that is were my issue lies. When applying darker lip pencils, especially reds, you do have to be a little more careful. But, with the 24/7 Glide-On formula, you have to be a surgeon in your application. At times, the formula tugs on the lips, causing the slightest error that can easily escalate into a red-stained mess. Don't get me wrong, I really like the  Mrs. Mia Wallace lip pencil (I just need to handle with care), even more so when paired with the lipstick in the collection.

I incessantly wore the Revolution Lipstick in Mrs. Mia Wallace last week, and what a stunner it is! The Revolution Lipstick in Mrs. Mia Wallace is a voluptuous, juicy, gorgeous, deep-blood red. This is my first time trying a Revolution lipstick, and if their formula is as rich, solidly-pigmented, long-wearing, I definitely want to buy more. Mrs. Mia Wallace is a gorgeous red that will look stunning on any skin tone, I heart this lippy.

From left to right: Mrs. Mia Wallace 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil, Mrs. Mia Wallace Revolution Lipstick.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).

Urban Decay Baked Face And Body Bronzer in Baked.

Eyes:

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

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20 (used under the eyes and on the lids).
Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Eyeshadow Palette: 
Apply Tranny in the crease, lower lashline and dusted lightly in the inner corner.

Blend Vengeance all over the lid and lower lashline.

Apply Righteous on the brow bone and over Tranny in the inner corner. 

Used Furious on the upper lashline. 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero(used on the upper and lower lashline, to tightline, and on the waterline).
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Mrs. Mia Wallace.
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Mrs. Mia Wallace.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Primer.
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).

Urban Decay Baked Face And Body Bronzer in Baked.
Eyes:

Mac Fluidline in Dipdown.
Smashbox Photo Op Under Eye Brightener.

MAC Mineralize Concealer in NW20 (used under the eyes and on the lids).
Urban Decay Pulp Fiction Eyeshadow Palette: 
Apply Righteous all over the lid.
Apply two layers of Tranny in the crease and lower lashline.
Blend Vengeance in the outer v and outer corner of the lower lashline.
Tap Furious in the outer corner and along the upper lashline.
Anger in the inner corner and brow bone.
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero(to tightline).
MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack (on the upper lashline).
MAC Chromagraphic Pencil in NC15/NW20 (on the waterline).
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Lip Pencil in Mrs. Mia Wallace.
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Mrs. Mia Wallace.

Did you get anything from the Pulp Fiction Collection?

Don't forget my THREE Cosmetics giveaway ends on December 9th!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Deep Red...Hollywood 825 Artic Red Nail Polish

I'm 99.999% sure that I purchased this nail polish from my nail salon in Miami. I know nothing of this brand named Hollywood, nor have I seen the brand outside of my nail salon, or heard of it since. With that being written, this unsuspecting, unknown little bottle of polish surely is a dark horse among all of my polishes.

Oddly, the first coat of Hollywood's nail lacquer in 825 Artic Red is a beautiful dark, pink-red, but after a second and third coat (third coat not needed, I was just overzealous with the polish's application, color, and high shine), Artic Red turns into this dark, seductive, virile brown-blood red with a new sports car shine jelly finish; I live for these shades of red.

What's even more impressive about Hollywood 825 Artic Red is how well it performs. With its effortless application, opacity, glossiness, and seven-day-wear time, Artic Red checks off all the "what I love in a lacquer" boxes.

If you are into dark, blood-red polishes, I would definitely recommend trying to get your hands on Hollywood 825 Artic Red.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Out Of The Ashes...Salon de Pro 5A Hair Dye

Last week, I was out of the country for a friend's wedding and, as soon as I returned, I had loads of work awaiting me. Also, on Friday my friend, Koen, arrived from the Netherlands; so, I've been showing him around town. Today is a national holiday, so, finally, I have a day to myself, and I have many things to post.

First up: I dyed my hair. I'm very much inspired/influenced by the seasons, as I like to change my perfume, makeup color scheme, and hair-color based on the time of year.

Salon de Pro is a foam-type dye that doesn't require any mixing. Just shake the metal bottle thoroughly, connect the plastic nozzle to the bottle, and squeeze.

Hassle-free dispenser. 

Due to my lighting, the color looks warm. In person, the color is a lot darker, and the grayish-green tinge is more prominent. 

This Fall, I wanted to go darker, so I chose Salon de Pro hair dye in 5A dark ash brown. I am infatuated with the rich, grayish-green tinge of this dark ash color. I've received many compliments since I've dyed it...and that never hurts.  

Do you seasonally change your hair color?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

YSL Beauty Friends & Family Event

Go get yourself something pretty!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

Giorgio Armani Beauty Friends & Family Event

I know what I'm going to be purchasing...Orient Excess Holiday Collection.

Are you eyeing anything from Armani Beauty?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

All The Holiday Cheer...Japanese Cosmetic Holiday Sets

Hey darlings, here is a sneak peek of the Japanese cosmetic brands Holiday sets I've picked up:

Suqqu Christmas Makeup Kit A (8,640 yen).
Suqqu Christmas Makeup Kit B (8,640 yen).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil Bijoux Box 01 (5,940 yen).
THREE Shimmering Color Veil Bijoux Box 02 (5,940 yen).
Addiction Tokyo Jazz Holiday Set (7,776 yen).
Les Merveilleuses Laduree Makeup Coffret 2014 (8,100 yen).

Review, swatches and looks coming soon!

What Holiday Sets have you picked up?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

When Paired With Oranges...Tasty Related, Not Beauty Related!

Another refreshment find from the convenient store is Orange Coca-Cola. I'm not sure if this is a new flavor pr not, but it's the first time I've seen it in Japan. Orange Coke tastes like a carbonated, orange-flavored Otter Pop (if you know what an Otter Pop is, give yourself two stars). 

I don't know if Orange Coca-Cola is limited edition or here to stay (pending its sales), but it's a flavor that I enjoy. 

Have you tried Orange Coca-Cola? 

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

My Little Peony...Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow EX-20 Natsubotan

When Suqqu released the Blend Color Eyeshadow in EX-20 Natsubotan (Summer Peony in Japanese) last Summer, I put it aside because the color arrangement didn't inspire me during the sweltering weather.

 Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow EX-20 Natsubotan. 

I finally cracked Natsubotan open a few weeks ago, and what a gorgeous palette it is! 

 Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow EX-20 Natsubotan swatches.

I totally adore the plummy-brown shadow in Natsubotan.

 Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 02 Usuzakura.

 From left to right:  Balancing Cheeks N 02 Usuzakura, Bright Up Lipstick 02 Hanabeni.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).

Suqqu Balancing Cheeks N 02  Usuzakura (the darker shade on the apples of the cheeks and the lighter shade to highlight).
Eyes:

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

Mac Mineralize Concealer in NW20.
Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (used to prime the lids).
Suqqu Blend Color Eyeshadow in  EX-20 Natsubotan:
The plummy-brown shade (all over the lid, blended into the inner crease and three-fourths of the lower lashline). 
The peony-pink shade (used to lightly blend out the edges of the plummy-brown shadow, and in the outer V). 
The barely-there ballet pink shade (in the inner corner)
The frosty pale pink shade (lightly patted on the arch of the brows). 
The ivory shade (in the inner corner and lightly dusted on the brow bone).
Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Rockstar (used on the upper and lower lashline, to tightline, and on the waterline).
Smashbox Hyperlash Mascara in Blackout.
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in Dervish.
Suqqu Bright Up Lipstick in 02 Hanabeni.

EX-20 Natsubotan will be getting a lot of use during this season, the next, and also Spring...I LOVE it!

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.