8/28/2014

Still Picture Perfect!

September's issue of Vogue Japan had me squeeing in the bookstore. I'm loving this resurgence of the 90's supermodels. As beautiful as the current faces in fashion are, in my humble opinion, they pale in comparison to their iconic predecessors. Aside from their unearthly beauty, the original supermodels possessed this hypnotic, edgy, yet, ethereal undertone that enslaved your gaze.

Although not all of the supermodels appeared in this issue (i.e. Christy, Karen, Tatjana, and Yasmeen to name a few; also some of my favs), it was fun revisiting some of my beauty inspirations.

Linda, Linda, Linda. Out of all the supermodels, Linda Evangelista, the legendary fashion chameleon, was (and still is) my favorite. I can go on and on, but I'm going to save that for a future post I'm planning on writing.

Naomi Campbell was a stallion on the catwalk.

I loved Stephanie's unique beauty...and Nadja (a fav) has some of the most amazing features.

Kristen McMenamy, the androgynous, "unconventional" beauty is another favorite. I love faces that have something quirky about them; it makes them much more appealing and beautiful.

Carla Bruni my second favorite supermodel of the 90's. Gosh, I just love her feline features, don't you?!

Did you enjoy this nostalgic trip down the runaway as much as I did?

Who was/is your favorite supermodels from the 90's?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/24/2014

The Last Rose Of Summer

For the last eleven days, I've been trying to get this post up. But, with work, and all of the above, I've been too mentally exhausted to go through all the pictures and look for the ones that are not as blurred (lens still on the fritz), and write something. Today, I'm finally able to give birth to this laborious post.

For comments and swatches of Givenchy's Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette, please click here.

Givenchy Le Prisme 86 Rose Attraction (¥7,245/$71.55).

Givenchy's Over Rose S/S 2014 Collection was another beautifully edited release from the brand. The 86 Rose Attraction quad has two satin eyeshadows on the top row, and the bottom row has two glitter eyeshadows that, when layered, accent the lid wonderfully.

First swatch: a brown based lilac-taupe.

Second swatch: a rosy-pink peach.

Third swatch: a glittery, blue-based, barbie pink.

Fourth swatch: a glittery, icy peach.

Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow: 3 Rose Dentelle, 5 Taupe Velours, 8 Prune Taffetas (¥3,360).

Back in January, I purchased 3 Rose Dentelle, 5 Taupe Velours, and 8 Prune Taffetas, as I thought they would pair perfectly with the Over Rose Collection. I've worn the Ombre Couture cream eyeshadows every which way: as a base, as an eye shadow, on top of other shadows, as a liner, etc. The Ombre Coutures have an airy texture, and once applied, give a blurred-out wash of color that can be intensified; and what I love most, they don't dry out or emphasize dryness on the lids. 3 Rose Dentelle, 5 Taupe Velours, 8 Prune Taffetas were my first Ombre Coutures, but they definitely have not been my last; I've add several more to my collection.

Ombre Couture swatches from left to right: 3 Rose Dentelle, 5 Taupe Velours, 8 Prune Taffetas.

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus.
Givenchy Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette (first row, third shade and second row, first shade mixed) .
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 (on the brow bone).

Givenchy Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow in 5 Taupe Velours (all over the lid and in the crease).

Givenchy Le Prisme in 86 Rose Attraction:

The rosy-pink peach eye shadow (all over the lid, inner corner, and the inner half of the lower lashline).

The brown based lilac-taupe eye shadow (in the crease and the outer half of the lower lashline).

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).

Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 1 Black Stain (upper lashes).
Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in 4 Rose Pulsion (on the lower lashes).
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Givenchy Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette (first row, first shade and second row, first shade mixed).
Urban Decay XXX Shine in Naked.

My hair is naturally curly, but it's been so himid, that my curl have quit!

Look Breakdown:

Face:
Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Santa Fe (medium 2).
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Plus.
Givenchy Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette (first row,third shade and third row, third shade mixed).
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 (on the brow bone).
Givenchy Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow in 5 Taupe Velours (all over the lid and in the crease).
Givenchy Le Prisme in 86 Rose Attraction:
The brown based lilac-taupe eye shadow (all over the lid).
The glittery, blue-based, barbie pink eye shadow (patted on the center on the lid).
The glittery, icy peach eye shadow (barely tapped in the inner corner).
Givenchy Ombre Couture Cream Eyeshadow in 8 Prune Taffetas (lower lashline).
Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil in Gypsy (used to tightline and on the waterline).
Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara in 1 Black Stain (upper lashes).
Givenchy Noir Couture Mascara in 4 Rose Pulsion (tips of upper lashes and on the lower lashes).
Lips:

Mac Lip Pencil in stripdown.
Givenchy Le Prismissime Euphoric Pink Lip & Cheek Palette (second row, middle shade).
Urban Decay XXX Shine in ID.

Did you pick up any items from Givenchy's Over Rose Collection?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/13/2014

But For Five Days I Had Roses...Givenchy Le Vernis 16 Rose Addiction

Released with Givenchy's Spring/Summer 2014 Over Rose Collection, 16 Rose Addiction is a glossy, deep, rose-pink.

Out of all the Givenchy polishes I own, I found Rose Addiction's formula to be a little thick and goopy; if I didn't have enough polish on the brush, it would clump on the nail. Despite the application learning curve, I was able to get a shiny, smooth, opaque nail in one stroke, but I always applied a second for good measure. As with my other Givenchy polishes, the wear time was great. Rose Addiction wore for five days before showing tip-wear.

Givenchy Le Vernis retail for ¥3,240 ($32.46)

Have you tried any of Givenchy's Le Vernis?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/09/2014

Celebrating My Leather Anniversary!

Jinkies! Today marks So Lonely In Gorgeous's 3rd birthday. So, what better way to celebrate, and show my appreciation, than with a "Three from THREE" cosmetics giveaway.

Here's what you get:

A THREE Pressed Eye Color Palette Duo (color of your choosing).

A THREE Flash Performance Eyeliner Pencil (color of your choosing).

and either one THREE lip product OR blush (color of your choosing).

What you have to do:

You have to be a gorgeous member.

Please, write a message that includes the names of your top 3 favorite beauty products. in the comments section of THIS post.

This giveaway will end three months from now, on December 9th (just in time for the holidays).

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/09/2014

Pinch My Cheeks! Studio Gear In A Pinch Gel Cheek Stain

Truth be told, I have no idea when, or where, I purchased the Studio Gear In A Pinch Gel Cheek Stain in Aunt Rose, but it's been in my collection for some time. The one thing I do remember is, it was the name Aunt Rose that attracted me to buy it. I envision a spinster in the 1920's, wearing a beaded-lace tea dress, and pearls, draped around her neck; her hair fashioned in a Marcel Wave, kohl-rimmed eyes, an exaggerated cupid's bow, and bright, pinched rose-red cheeks.

In A Pinch Gel Cheek Stain is a long-lasting stain that truly gives your cheeks a natural, dewy flush. Aunt Rose is a reddish, English rose shade that goes on sheer, but can be built-up. The best way to apply this gel-base product is with your fingers. The stain blends easily, but a word of advise: make sure to wash your hands after blending because it will stain the finger tips.

A look I've been wearing a lot when I'm bumming around:

My brows au naturel. I'm so happy that my brows have almost recovered from a bad waxing incident.

Product Breakdown:

Face:

Guerlain L'or Radiance Concentrate With Pure Gold Make-up Base.

Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Healthy Glow Fluid Foundation SPF 20 (the sheer coverage of Joli Teint allows the two birthmarks on the left side of my face to show through).

Studio Gear In A Pinch Gel Cheek Stain in Aunt Rose.

Eyes:

Dior Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20-PA++.

Mac Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Utterly Becoming (all over the lids).

Clinique Soft Pressed Eye Shadow Single in shade: I don't know because it's very old and the label has worn off, but For color reference, it's a muted cognac with micro gold shimmers.

THREE Shimmering Glow Duo in 01 ( tapped the darkest shade on the center of the lid).

Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara in black.

Lips:

CANMAKE Stay-On Balm Rouge in 01.

I checked online, and you can purchase the Studio Gear's In A Pinch Gel Cheek Stain in Aunt Rose on the brand's website.

Studio Gear In A Pinch Gel Cheek Stain in Aunt Rose contains .6OZ/17G, and retails for $12.00.

Have you tried anything from Studio Gear?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/08/2014

Something To Conceal...Dior Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20-PA++

While I was breaking my base-product "no buy", I figured it was okay to get a new concealer, the Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20-PA++...how does the saying go?..."give Liz a finger and she takes the whole hand."

Anyway, my evil shopping excess didn't go unpunished. Knowing the shade wouldn't work for me, my favorite Dior SA talked me into getting the shade in 004 (a light rosy shade). All the way home, visions for a reverse raccoon kept plaguing my thoughts; I knew it had to go back. The following week, I returned to the counter, and prayed that they would allow me to exchange it (Japan's exchange/return policies are nonexistent), and they did. Yay! I asked the gentleman for the 010 shade, and purchased a few other items as well. When I got home, I noticed the SA had given me the BB Eye Creme in shade 020. I guess there was a mix-up while we were chatting (he couldn't believe that my curls were not a perm). Anyhow, since I'm getting more sun, 020 works well...but 010 would have been a little more brightening.

Dior's Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20-PA++ is an eye treatment, and concealer, in one, and it claims to diminish uneven coloring and dark circles, while illuminating and protecting the skin against UV rays; exactly what I was looking for this Summer. Diorsnow BB Eye Creme has a thin consistency that feels weightless under the eyes; a must for me in hot and humid climates. I don't have issues with dark circles, but if you know me, you know that I barely sleep. So, the BB Eye Creme provides natural looking coverage with enough pigmentation to brighten and make me look well-rested. And most importantly, I wanted a concealer with SPF. Your gracious hostess isn't getting any younger, and any form of UV protection is a must!

Dior's Diorsnow UV Shield BB Eye Creme SPF 20-PA++ comes in three shades and retails for ¥5,400 ($54.19).

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/06/2014

The Lovely Face Of August...Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Healthy Glow Fluid Foundation SPF 20

Summer is not the season for me...especially, in Tokyo. The homes here don't have central A/C, public transportation and stores rarely turn the air conditioning on, and if they do, it's set to one degree lower than the temperature outside...I don't get it. The Summer sun has felt exceptionally cruel and relentless this year. So, this is my poor excuse to break my base makeup "no buy," and pickup a foundation for Summer. I really wanted something to give warmth to my complexion (I've tanned just walking seven minutes...yes, I timed it) to my grocery store), and provide a thin veil of coverage. At first, I was going to repurchase Guerlain's Terracotta Skin Healthy Glow Foundation (love this one), however, I went with the new Terracotta Joli Teint Healthy Glow Fluid Foundation SPF 20.

The Terracotta Joli Teint Healthy Glow Fluid Foundation SPF 20 hasn't made it's way to Japan, so, I got mine from the states. I love the plastic tube packaging, and that it has a pump; making it travel friendly. I chose the shade in Natural, a little dark for me, but I make it work by blending it down the neck and onto my ears. I use only one pump of foundation, and my phalanges to spread and press the product onto the skin. The Joli Teint provides high sheer coverage that smooths, corrects and even-outs the complexion. If you have any problem areas, you will need to go back and spot-correct.

Keep in mind, the inside of my area is a lot lighter that my face.

I've only been using this foundation for two weeks and, so far, I like it. The shade stays true and doesn't oxidize, but gives subtle warmth to the skin. The Joli Teint has a soft, luminous-satin finish, however, I have noticed that throughout the day (both indoors and outside), my skin looks dewier; this can be remedied by using a setting powder or blotting papers. Personally, during Summer, I stay away from setting powers (bronzers are okay), as the mixture of power and sweat is a catastrophe waiting to happen. However, I like the extra luminous sheen as it looks more natural.

What are some of your favorite tinted moisturizers, bb creams and foundations for Summer?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/06/2014

Freshly Squeezed Orange Body Wash...The Body Shop Satsuma Shower Gel

Some time ago, someone on the blog recommended The Body Shop's Shower Gel in Satsuma. I picked up this jumbo bottle during one of The Body Shop's 50% off shower gel sales. I used Satsuma for the first time today, and you know I love citrus scents during Summer, but Satsuma has this sweet, musky Flintstones "vitamin-orange" scent that I'm not sure I like it. Now, I had a migraine this morning, so that may have affected my sense of smell. I'm going to continue using this shower gel, but so far, the jury is out.

Have you tried any products from the Satsuma line?

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.

8/02/2014

Special Delivery: Swap with Sakura Lovely!

I love receiving packages, and my swap with Justine (from Sakura Lovely) just arrived...joy! Don't you love how she decorated the box :) Justine was one of the first people to reach out and contact me

I got backups of some of the Illamasqua cream blushers (didn't know they were discontinued...sad), products from Chanel Summer, a few YSL Nail Lacquers and a some awesome bonus gifts from the lovely Justine <3

Justine, I hope you post your half of our swap.

Looking gorgeous one lipstick at a time.