Tuesday, August 26, 2014

CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet foundation in B20 review + (swatches)


         It's no secret that I'm a fan of the CHANEL Perfection Lumière lineup. I'm on my third bottle of the original Perfection Lumière (reviewed here) and I've hit pan on the powder version, Double Perfection Lumiere (reviewed here).

          My interest was piqued, to say the least, at the launch of CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet. While I was disappointed to find out that unlike the original Perfection Lumière,  this formulation contains chemical sunscreens (which I can't wear), I did get my hands on a the cutest little sample so I could share my thoughts with you today!



          I found that CHANEL Perfection Lumiére Velvet does indeed have a velvety feel, probably similar to the 'dry oil' (read : silicone) feel popularized by Armani Maestro. It smooths on and blends in very nicely. I'd say finger application is best, unlike the original Perfection Lumière which takes a bit more effort and seems to work best with tools. In terms of coverage, I think it conceals more than the original, and is more matte. Though the square squeeze bottle is reminiscent of CHANEL Vitalumière Aqua, it's almost the opposite in formula; it's opaque while the latter is sheer and oil based while the latter is water based.

          My CHANEL shade is B20, generally speaking. I've made some comparison swatches with CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet so that you can see how it looks next to other foundations in my collection. It's slightly darker and more beige than CHANEL Perfection Lumière in B20 and NARS Sheer Glow in Deauville (formula reviewed here). I'd say the color is quite similar (though more opaque) than MAKE UP FOR EVER Face & Body in 20.



          Overall, I really like the CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet formula. It has a great velvety feel going on, with an opaque matte finish. I'd most likely have invested in a full size bottle by now, if it weren't for that pesky chemical sunscreen (story of my life). In terms of color, I could probably do my usual B20 for my summer skin, however I might consider mixing in some B10, as B20 does make me look a little more tan.

        Thanks for reading! Have you tried CHANEL Perfection Lumière Velvet? What CHANEL foundations do you enjoy? What foundations have you been reaching for lately?

Love, Dovey.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Butter London Colour Hardware Nail Art Tool Kit review + swatches



         When you're painting on one of life's littlest canvases, it's pretty tricky to achieve fine detail when working with a nail polish brush. (And that's not even counting your wide paddle shaped applicators!). With that in mind, here's a reason to rejoice: the new Butter London Colour Hardware Nail Art Took Kit!

        Butter London has packaged a set of five miniature nail art tools and a shaping file into a cute tin, perfect for the aspiring DIY nail artist. The tools are quite mini (most likely smaller in real life than you're seeing here on your computer screen) and include the following :



  1. Clean Up Brush - to clean up any messy edges
  2. Dotting Tool - this is my favorite tool and is the easiest to use; there are two different ends to give you two different sized dots
  3. Long Striping Brush - I haven't figured out the perfect use for this brush, but it seems good for stripes; the long head makes it easier for longer, continuous strokes
  4. Ombré Brush - this one is also easy to use for creating a gradient effect on the nail; I bet it would be great for those with long nails
  5. Striping Brush - theoretically this seems useful for drawing in little details, however practically speaking, it's still a work in process for me
        Overall, I really dig the idea of Butter London Colour Hardware Nail Art Took Kit ($30). There is a learning curve to effectively use some of the tools, and I don't think I'm anywhere near pro-artist status at this point; however the experience is so much more facile and fun than trying to make do with your typical polish brush. Cleaning up is pretty simple too --- just a little polish remover and paper towels are necessary.

       Thanks for reading! What do you think of a DIY nail art tool kit? Do you enjoy experimenting with nail art?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Monday, August 18, 2014

Kiehl's Super Multi-Correcting Eye-Opening Serum review


        I've noticed quite a bit of Kiehl's in my skincare routine as of late. Kiehl's Powerful Strength Line Reducing serum is an A.M. staple, while I let Kiehl's Midnight Recovery serum work its magic at night! I've been testing the latest addition to my collection, the Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening serum (0.5 fl. oz. for $48), courtesy of Kiehl's ---  let's take a closer look, shall we?

         The new Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening serum follows in the footsteps of the popular Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream. The "super smart" serum contains botanically derived rhamnose to promote cell proliferation, sodium hyaluronate for holding water at the skin's surface, skin-illuminating minerals to provide immediate luminosity.

        Practically speaking, the serum comes in a handy pump bottle. One push dispenses enough to pat onto both eyes. The serum itself is pearly and on the more viscous side; it sinks in nicely, and leaves a protective layer you can feel after it dries. I'm happy to have a new eye serum in my collection - it's a great alternative to more emollient eye cream formulas!

     Thanks for reading! For more Kiehl's check them out on Instagram or Twitter. What Kiehl's products have you been loving lately?

Love, Dovey.

Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup SPF 15 in Light review


         Miró, Miró on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? I like to start my beauty routine with a bit of color inspiration; today I'm loving Personages with Star (1933) by Joan Miró. It's a fitting mix of fall with summer color - just what August calls for!

         As for my complexion (or should I say canvas?), I've been experimenting with Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup SPF 15, courtesy of the folks at Almay. It's a no fuss foundation that provides light coverage that's perfect for the weekend.


         So, what is Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup anyway? I find that it's along the lines of a sheer foundation, tinted moisturizer, or BB cream. Fingers work well for application, which is the kind of simplicity I crave on my days off. So far, the formula has been friendly to my sensitive skin (as Almay is known for), and I can't tell you how happy I am that the broad spectrum sunscreen consists of physical, not chemical sunscreen (which I can't wear!).

       Almay Smart Shade comes in three shades, which takes the guesswork out of choosing. I chose Light, the lightest of the three. When the product first comes out of the tube, it's a pale, almost chalky color with small beads. However when you work it into skin, the color changes to what you see in my swatch below! It's a fun effect. I also like that the finish is more matte than dewy.


Pretty good match, right?
       Overall, I'm a fan! Almay Smart Shade Skintone Matching Makeup SPF 15 adds a touch of natural polish to my makeup routine. It's sensitive skin friendly, which makes me happy. Plus, the cute squeeze packaging is convenient for travel and on-the-go situations. It's a good option for those who need a break from full-foundations on the weekend--- or just prefer a lighter coverage product on a regular basis.

       Now that I've got canvas coverage, I'm off to experiment with some Miró inspired colors! Thanks for reading! Have you tried Almay lately? What kind of foundation finishes are you enjoying this August?

Love, Dovey.

P.S. For more Almay cosmetics, find them on Twitter and Instagram!
Disclosure: This post contains product(s) sent to Cute and Mundane for consideration / compensation. The ideas and opinions in this post are genuine and my own. As usual, no ads or affiliate links!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Currently coveting



















        What's a weekend without a little beauty-browsing? Lately I've been on the hunt for collection staples to incorporate into my everyday (read : work) routine. During my ten-minute morning routine, I achieve a great face / base and a precisely lined eye. Color is kept conservative - usually at a minimum and matte. With that in mind, here's what I'm currently coveting :

1. CHANEL Resychronizing Skincare
Lately I'm loving all-Chanel-everything. The foundations are a staple in my routine; more recently I've been experimenting with skincare. I love the frankincense scented sample I have of Nuit de CHANEL. I'm hoping to try Jour de CHANEL and see how I like that as well. Best Things in Beauty has a nice review / overview of all three items.

2. Clé de Peau concealers
Clé de Peau is a brand that's always at the edge of my radar (largely due to their gorgeous packaging!) The concealers are considered holy grail --- I don't often reach for concealer in my routine, but I'm tempted after seeing swatches and review on The Beauty Look Book. I'm thinking Beige might be my color?

3. Jour de Hermès Absolu
The original Jour d' Hermès has been my signature scent for quite some time now. I can't get enough of the lemony gardenia bouquet! Naturally, I've been wanting to try the new variation, Jour d' Hermès Absolu since it debuted. We're promised peach blossoms and jasmine, which sounds fabulous. I found a good review on NST.

4. Tom Ford lipsticks
I can't bring myself to splurge on Tom Ford lipsticks, but that doesn't stop me from looking! I've had my eye on Blush Nude and Nude Vanille forever. I've been browsing and re-browsing those shades, as well as the rest of the lineup on this vintage KarlaSugar post.

5. Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals
I loved these on Atlantic Pacific! (I wouldn't mind an aviator-cool outfit either). This will probably remain on the covet list for some time, though. I have a set of work / interview pumps that need to be acquired first!

        Thanks for reading! What are you coveting lately?

Love, Dovey.

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Saturday Snapshot


        Happy Saturday! I've been having way too much fun shopping J.Crew recently. Thanks to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (or so I'm assuming), there have been some pretty good deals to be found at J.Crew and around the web! Here are a couple of recent pick-me-ups.

1. J.Crew Puff-Sleeve dress in Super 120s (Heather Flannel) - I've been all about fitted dresses this summer. It's a perfect addition to my work wardrobe (and outside of work as well). That, and I love grey anything. If you're interested, I think they're still around, however I'd caution that the underarm area is a bit anteriorly cut. Usually I'm wearing a coat on top, so it's a non-issue.

2. J.Crew Lanie Stacked Heel Sandals (Black) - What isn't to love about a 4" heel? I've been obsessing over the Lanie heel all spring and summer. I love the narrow stacked heel - it's a bit more casual than a stiletto point, without being too chunky/casual (you know what I'm talking about, right?!). I wish I had a nude pair as well, but they sold out in the blink of an eye.

      I've amassed so many new wardrobe finds in the recent weeks --- I hope I'll have time to share more of them with you in the near future! What  good finds have made their way into your wardrobe recently?

Love, Dovey.