A Touch of Sunshine in the Morning NOTD Chanel Le Vernis Mimosa 577 from Les Fleurs d’Été

Above: Chanel Le Vernis Mimosa 577

I have always like yellow nailpolish because they are fun, bright and cute. My very first yellow nailpolish was Wet n Wild’s Tweety and that was even before the yellow trend. However, yellows are notorious to work with because they tend to apply sheer and streaky. Despite these challenges, I was seduced by the beautifully subtle Chanel shimmer.

Although Chanel makes beautiful and high quality polishes, the yellow nailpolish application woes affect Mimosa as well. I was going to skip this colour but when I saw the colour in person and tried it in store, I thought I could make it work. The texture of the polish is a little thick and the brush picks up a lot of polish. I have to really tried to keep the application thin to medium to prevent polish overload.

In contrast to my other yellow polishes, Mimosa does apply less streaky and sheer; however, though I can get an opaque finish in three coats, I can still notice streaks on my nails. As for the application, I think one thin coat followed by two medium thick coat is the best method. I also waited for each layer to completely dry before each layer, making sure the polish is dry to the touch and not tacky. This also applies to the a base coat and top coat as well.

The colour is very pretty and I think it reminds of the Peeps marshmallow bunnies and chicks at Easter. Mimosa is what some people call a faux cream: a cream base with a very subtle micro-shimmer. What I like about Mimosa is that the shimmer is fine and subtle but still noticeable. The colour and shimmer in the bottle is exactly what you see in the nail. It also dries to a satin/semi-gloss finish. I did not apply a top coat because I misplaced my top coat polish. Yellow and Chanel Le Vernis lovers should check this colour out and try it at the counter, but at $26 CAD, it is definitely a splurge for an imperfect polish.

Above: Chanel Le Vernis Mimosa 577 without top coat

Above: Chanel Le Verins Mimosa 577 without top coat

A Dip in the South Seas NOTD Chanel Le Vernis in Black Pearl

Above: Chanel Le Vernis Black Pearl

Chanel’s Le Vernis in Black Pearl was hyped up late last year as a hot new spring nail colour for Chanel 2011. I was so busy with school that I missed the initial released; however, luckily I got a chance to pick it up, while picking up goodies from MAC for Wonderwoman. I was surprised the counter have it in stock.

Black Pearl is a pretty steely blacken green that is pearlized with a silvery gun metal tone and green micro-shimmer. It has all the lovely unique nuances Chanel is known about. The polish’s texture is smooth and medium thick. I have had no problems with application and it applied like butter on my nails. I used one thin coat followed by one medium thick coat for a fully opaque finish. Some people have describe this colour has a green oil slick colour, but I really think Black Pearl looks like the colour of lovely shimmery iridescent black pearls.

Above: Chanel Le Vernis Black Pearl

Above: Chanel Le Vernis Black Pearl

Bringing Back a Little Paradise with Chanel Birds of Paradise Les Ombres À Paupières Quatuor Blue, Green, Yellow and Orange

Chanel’s Birds of Paradise Les Ombres À Paupières Quatuor was originally released as a limited edition holiday 2009 palette; however, Chanel has bought it back for this spring.

The colours are gorgeous and compliment each other very well. It includes turquoise, chartreuse, yellow and orange. Chanel eyeshadows are baked and can be worn wet or dry. Overall, I think this quatuor is very sheer, especially when worn dry without a base. The best results are with a base and wearing dry. Wearing the eyeshadows wet, gives decent pigmentation but gives a sheerer more watercolour painting quality. Although these shadows are a bit sheer, I find them easy to build pigmentation and blend.

The turquoise and orange is the most pigmented. Although the orange looks very bright in the pan, the colour looks burnt when I wear it on my eyes, looking more brown.The orange looks more natural on the skin than it looks in the pan. The turquoise colour is oh so gorgeous and current right now. It is vibrant without being too over the top. The yellow and chartreuse are the most sheer. The yellow is a bit chunky and has a bit of fallout, while the chartreuse looks more golden on my medium skin tone than green.

Having the right bases is important for this palette to work. It is best to experiment to see what works for you to get the results you want. I have tried Bird of Paradise several times with different bases. Below are the results.

Above: Chanel Birds of Paradise with no base and worn dry

When worn dry and without a base, the color payoff is very sheer and takes a lot of effort to build up the colour. It took 3-4 layers of colour to get the colours to show like this without a base. I also got some fallout with the yellow.

Above: Chanel Birds of Paradise worn dry with Medusa’s Makeup Stick It Primer

Medusa’s Makeup Stick it Primer is a clear wax based primer. I find that a sticky primer helps adhere the eyeshadow and colour the best. The colour looks the most vibrant and true to pan. Urban Decay Primer Potion works well too, but I find that it neutralizes the colour a bit. I think if you want the colour very vibrant, it is best to wear a clear base or a colour base that is the same as the dominate colour you are wearing. Any neutral colour bases, such as Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in Hunny Bunny or Recess will tone the colour a bit.

Above: Chanel Birds of Paradise with Medusa’s Makeup Stick It Primer worn wet

I swatched the shadows with Medusa’s Stick It Primer and sprayed my brush with MAC Fix+Rose. It is more pigmented than wearing it dry without a base (first swatch picture), but a little less pigmented than wearing it dry with a base (second swatch picture). In fact, I think wearing it wet creates decent pigmentation that is very natural and gives a watercolour painting quality to the eyeshadows. Wearing Birds of Paradise wet and with a base is my favourite method, thus far.

Check out the FOTD, I posted wearing Birds of Paradise with different bases, wet and dry.

Neutral colour base worn wet (Benefit Creme Creaseless eyeshadow as base)

Clear waxy base worn dry (Medusa’s Makeup Stick It Primer as base)

Clear silicone base worn dry (Urban Decay Primer Potion as base)

FOTD Chanel Birds of Paradise Les Ombres À Paupières Quatuor Sheer and Natural Yellow, Green and Orange with MAC Pearlglide Intense Liner Black Line

Lately I have been playing around with the Chanel Birds of Paradise Les Ombres À Paupières Quatuor a lot. I wanted to experiment with different bases, wear the shadows wet/dry and wear different colour combinations. Being that it is expensive at $61.00 CAD, I should wear it a lot to get my money’s worth. Also the colours are gorgeous for spring. For this FOTD I used a neutral creme eyeshadow as base and the eyeshadows wet. It created a very sheer, water colour quality. Although the colours came out sheer, I can still clearly see each colour distinctively. The eyeshadows also blend well when wet. I quite like wearing Birds of Paradise sheer because it is subtle.

MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer for under eye area and imperfections

Benefit Creaseless Creme Eyeshadow in Hunny Bunny as eyeshadow base
Spray brush with MAC  Fix + Rose to dampen brush to wear eyeshadows wet
Chanel Birds of Paradise in yellow for inner eye area and inner 1/3 of crease
Chanel Birds of Paradise in green for middle of lid
Chanel Birds of Paradise in orange for outer eye corner and outer 1/3 of crease
MAC Accentuate/Sculpt in Sculpt (brown) for above crease to blend
MAC Accentuate/Sculpt in Accentuate (peach) for brow bone highlight
MAC Accentuate/Sculpt in Sculpt to fill in brows
MAC Pearlglide Intense Liner in Black Line for upper and lower lash lines
Medusa’s Makeup Waterproof Volume Mascara in Black for upper lashes

MAC Paint Pot in Coral Crepe for apple of cheeks

MAC Lipstick in Ever Hip for lips

Les Verts, Oranges, Bleus et Jaunes FOTD Chanel Birds of Paradise Les Ombres À Paupières Quatuor

Hello Happy Saturday. This is another Chanel Birds of Paradise FOTD I did that is a little bit more colourful and vibrant. I used Medusa’s Stick It Primer. It is a clear wax based primer that adheres product and colour better for the Birds of Paradise quad. If  you want something more vibrant and are using Birds of Paradise, definitely use a clear sticky base.

Benefit That Gal Face Brightening Primer as base for foundation
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation and mixed with Benefit That Gal for face
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer for under eye and imperfections

Medusa’s Makeup Stick It Primer as eyeshadow base
Chanel Birds of Paradise Quad yellow for inner eye corners and 1/3  of inner crease
Chanel Birds of Paradise Quad green for inner 1/3 of eye lid
Chanel Birds of Paradise Quad blue for middle of lid
Chanel Birds of Paradise Quad orange for outer 1/3 of lid and at 1/3 of outer crease
MAC Shape/Sculpt in Accentuate/Sculpt using Sculpt (brown) for above crease and Accentuate (peach) for brow bone hightlight

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Liner in Flipside for upper and lower lash lines
Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara Black for upper lashes

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick Glow Blush for cheeks

MAC Lipglass Fold and Tuck for lips

A Little Bit of Paradise FOTD Chanel Les Ombres À Paupières Quatuor Birds of Paradise 15

Here is a look I played around with for work the other day with Chanel Quadra Birds of Paradise 15. Even though this was released during the holidays, I find this palette best for spring and summer. There is just a nice water colour quality to the colours. I did this in about 15 minutes and it was just right for my office. A little bit of colour but not over the top. I will be testing this palette with several different eyeshadow bases to test the pigmentation of the colors. More to come and stay tuned for the review.

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation mixed with MAC Care Blends Essential Oils for face
MAC Studio Sculpt Concealer for under eye area and imperfects

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion for eyeshadow base
Chanel Birds of Paradise in yellow for inner corners of eye
Chanel Birds of Paradise in green for middle of lid
Chanel Birds of Paradise in blue for outer corners of eye
Chanel Stylo Yeux in Jade to line upper lash line and lightly on lower lash line
MAC Shape/Sculpt in Accentuate/Sculpt using Sculpt (brown) for crease to blend
MAC Shape /Sculpt in Accentuate/Sculpt using Accentuate (peach) for brow bone
Perscriptives Brow Shaping Kit to fill in brows
Dior Diorshow Mascara in Black for lashes

MAC Paint Pot in Coral Crepe for cheeks as blush

MAC Dazzleglass in Utterly Post for lips

EOTD Chanel Stylo Yeux Contour des Yeux Longue Tenue in Jade 50 (Waterproof Long Lasting Liner)

Chanel’s Stylo Yeux in Jade is a pretty shade of turquoise, it is not as green as I expected for a colour called “Jade” but more of a blue green with a soft satiny shimmer to it. This is a fun, lovely and unexpected colour to be in Chanel’s permanent line because Chanel usually launches their more unusual colours as limited edition. The liner is easy to use and comes with a sharpner at the end of the pencil. It is soft and thin, I was able to draw a nice thin line close to my lash line and thicken the line if I wish. What I like about these twisty self-sharpening liners is that I will never scratch myself with the wood from pencil liners. That tends to happen when the pencil is not sharpened properly. I find the colour a bit sheer and needed a bit of layering to achieve opacity and to cover up bald patchy spots. The liner dries within seconds and it is smudge proof and waterproof.  I tend to rub my eyes by mid-afternoon or end of the day and the liner did not move at all. I needed to use MAC cleansing oil to cleanly take off all the liner.

LOTD Chanel Rouge Allure Laque in 78 Phoenix

Chanel’s Rouge Allure Laque in 78 Phoenix is a lovely shade of hot watermelon pink. I think Phoenix is perfect for summer. It is my favourite pink shade to wear during the spring and summer months. I love to have hot pink lips with a nude eye and black or brown liner. Phoenix is a fuchsia that runs warm against my skin tone. The colour applies much more pigmented and opaque then Ming 76. Phoenix lasted on my lips for 6-7 hours and that is after eating lunch and drinking water. I only need one layer to achieve full colour coverage and opacity. The colour is so pigmented that I don’t have bald and steaky spots on my lips. By the end of the day, I still have a nice dose of colour on my lips, minus the shine. At the end of the day, Phoenix looks like a lip stain but with a creamy look and texture to my lips. I love the way the Rouge Laque feels on my lips because it is smooth and creamy. It has a light sheen to it, so bellas that don’t like high, over the top shine will like this. Phoenix is also glitter and shimmer free. It is also non-sticky; however, since it is not sticky, it does have a bit of slip to it, I noticed that the colour did smudge out of my natural lip line. Despite this small drawback and that it is expensive ($39 CAD), I really like Chanel Rouge Laques and there is still one or two I want to get!

Feeling the Blues NOTD Chanel Le Vernis Les Pop-Up de Chanel 2010 Nouveau Vague 527

Yesterday after work I went to the Chanel counter to pick up my bottle of Chanel Le Vernis in Nouveau Vague 527. I pre-ordered and paid for mine two weeks ago to ensure that I would get a bottle. I not sure how well it is selling yet, as the counter hasn’t put out the Nouveau Vague on display yet, but I am sure it would be very very popular and sell out very fast, as of most Chanel Le Vernis that are new and limited edition.

This colour is PRETTY. I love this shade of blue, as it reminds me of my childhood when I go around looking for robin bird’s egg shells because I love the light blue shade. Nouveau Vague, means “new wave” en français. It is a pale milky turquoise with just a hint of shimmer. I also find this turquoise a bit muted. The shimmer is more noticeable in the bottle but on the nail it is almost non-detectable. I can only see it in sunlight and when I really examine my nail.

The formula is smooth and buttery. It is not too thick or thin, I find it just right; however, Nouveau Vague does apply streaky. I am surprised because the other two Chanel polishes I own (Kaliedoscope and Particulière) are very pigmented and opaque within two coats Nouveau Vague is semi-sheer and streaky. I used three coats for full opacity and at certain angles, I can still see some streaks and dragging at the cuticles. Although I have been painting my nails turquoise for two weeks straight now, I am not tired of this colour yet. Nouveau Vague is another yummy colour that makes me smile and I can’t stop looking at my nails.

Sharing My Stash: Silver Nailpolishes

Hey Ladies, Happy Thursday! It is time to share some of my goodies again. This time I want to show some of my silver polishes. From left to right: Chanel Le Vernis 479 Kaleidoscope; MAC Nail Lacquer $$$$$ Yes; MAC Nail Lacquer Studded; and Dior Vernis 604 Gris Perle.