Chanel, Hourglass, & MUFE haul!

Last night I finally got to hang out with one of my oldest friends. We decided that we would go to dinner and of course, SHOP!  We took a short trip to a mall that is about 45 minutes away.  This mall has one of my favorite things in the whole wide world - CHANEL!  Our first stop was Lord & Taylor to visit one of my favs George at the Chanel Counter.  He was helpful as always and I ended up purchasing a few goodies.  I bought my beloved bronzer that I have actually been out of all summer.  I had switched to Nars Casino and though I really like the Nars, there is just something I really LOVE about Chanel.  I bought the Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder in #63 Terre Ambre.  This is the best color for me.  It is not the darkest one because I feel that makes me look a little orange.  This color has just the right amount of pigment to give me that bronze look and even out my already tanned skin.  While I was there I tried on a lipstick and gloss.  They were absolutely gorgeous but I knew I had a few on my list to get from Sephora so I passed (now that is what I call control).  So I passed on the lippies but ended up with two of the most gorgeous eyeshadows ever.  They are two singles #89 Twilight, and #90 Fauve.  I read that they were originally only released in Europe and made their way to the US.  The Twilight is a gorgeous shimmery candy like pink with micro glitter.  The Fauve is a shimmery mauve-taupe with micro glitter as well.  The photo that I am placing below really doesn't do them justice.  They were just so pretty I could not resist.  I am excited to work with these since I have never owned any of the Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow singles from Chanel before.  Here are the photos -

Our next trip was to Sephora.  I had a few items on my list thanks to one of my favorite YouTube girls TheBombShellSuite.  Her name is Vanessa and I love her style and makeup.  She had purchased a few lipsticks and a liner that I had on my list to check out.  I ended up with a MUFE lipstick in #22.  That is not the one that Vanessa had because I thought it would be a little too bright on me.  I did however, love the packaging and feel of the MUFE so I got one.  It is a beigy nude and will be on the left of the photo below.  The next lippie that was on my list is one from Hourglass.  I had never owned anything from this line but wanted to try the color she had.  I ended up getting this one because it is right up my nude alley!  It is called Fable.  This is ironic because I have been on the hunt for another Fable which is sold out everywhere.  That Fable is by Illamasqua.  The Hourglass lipstick will be on the right of the photo below.  I could not leave without a trip to the perfume section.  I ended up with a back up bottle of my beloved Fresh Cannabis Santal, and also a new purse spray of Bvlgari Jasmin Noir.  Vanessa had said that she was going to purchase Mon Jasmine Noir from Bvlgari so I had to investigate!  I liked the Mon JN but decided that the Jasmine Noir was more me.  It is a woody Oriental which is what I tend to go for.  Those deep, dark, sexy, and mysterious fragrances.  I am also a sucker for purse sprays.  It was only $25.00 which is a great way to try, before committing to a large size.  Here are the photos below -

WOW these small hauls are really starting to add up.  I would say that I am going to stop purchasing makeup and fragrance for a while but we all know that is a flat out LIE!  I mean if I were to stop what the heck would I have to blog about!

In the case of having a long overdue 5 hour shopping trip with my oldest friend and getting some fabu goodies - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

New York City Haul - Lush, Sephora, & Inglot

Well I am back from NYC! I survived a Tornado warning on Friday, and a horrific hail storm today!  In between my coming and going, I had some gorgeous NY weather.  Saturday was a perfect day so we went to the beach.  No makeup there just fun, sun, and ocean waves! Oh and crab bites on my toes.  Let move on to Sunday now shall we?

On Sunday we made our way into the city.  Even thought I said it would not be a shopping trip, I did manage to sneak in a few stores.  The first store that I can face to face with was Lush!  I had never been in a Lush store before so was excited to venture in.  I was not the only one who ventured in, my son and husband followed.  Believe me, it was NOT to see what Lush had to offer, it was just a way to get out of the heat!  I have to say that I was quite overwhelmed going into this store.  Everything smelled so ah-mazing!  I didn't know what to look at first.  I ended up getting something that I thought was a body cream.  It was actually a face and body scrub called Ocean Salt.  The smell was Divine and I could not resist. It is described as sea salt, lime, and vodka. I need this in cocktail form for the pool!  This is something that I probably would have passed on if I knew it was for face and body.  With that said, I used it tonight and it made my skin feel so soft and silky.  This is definitely a keeper in my book!  The next item that I got was a chunk of soap.  I bought the Figs and Leaves which smells yummy! I am a sucker for anything that smells of fig.  I bought some lip products as well.  I had heard about the Lip Scrubs so I couldn't pass these up.  I got Sweet Lips which is cocoa absolute and vanilla extract.  This makes your lips feel soft and smooth and it tastes yummy!  I also bought the Lip Balm in Honey Trap.  This is a creamy scent with honey, vanilla, and shea butter.  The final lip product that I bought was a Lip Tint in Double Choc.  This is a dark chocolate, vanilla, and brandy scented tint.  You can apply it very sheer or darker for more color.  These lip products are ah-mazing!  The final product that I bought from Lush is a perfume solid in Vanillary.  You know what a sucker I am for perfume.  This is real vanilla, and tonka absolute.  All in all I will say that though Lush is a little on the pricey side, it is definitely worth every penny!  Thanks to Lush I don't think I will ever need to eat dessert again!  Here are the products -

Next was Sephora!  I was excited to visit Illamasqua when I went to Sephora since I don't have it here in mine.  Unfortunately, the stock was a little low on the products that I wanted.  I really wanted the Metal Palette, and also Fable Lipstick.  Those were two products that I was so excited to try and review.  I will just order from Sephora.com to get the products that were out of stock.  I was so happy to at least see a display.  I love the name and have always been curious about the brand.  I ended up with Sonnet Lipstick which is a gorgeous coral nude.  This color looks so pretty on and is a wearable nude.  I also got the Powder Foundation in PF240 which is the darkest that they had.  I used it today and it matched my skin perfect.  I am so happy with my purchases from Illamasqua.  I cant wait to order more!  I only bought two more items from Sephora, once again husband and son standing there getting cool, (feeling like I have to rush, I hate that)!  I got a YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Glossy Balm in #1 Lush Coconut.  The packaging is absolutely gorgeous, typical YSL.  The gloss is VERY sheer.  I just swiped it on my lips quick when I got home so I will have to report back on this one.  I want to try it with my liner to get the true color payoff.  I am thinking that it will be sheer. This is a great color to throw on when your lips need a little moisture.  I was thinking about trying it over the Illamasqua Sonnet for a little shine.  The final product that I got was a Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut.  Oh my I have typed Coconut quite a lot tonight!  Here are my Sephora goodies -

Just as we were about to wait in the long line at Hard Rock Cafe for dinner, I detected something in the distance - was it - could it be - did I lose my mind and forget that INGLOT was in Times Square??? I was so excited..well you know how that goes!  I could hardly contain myself.  I had to just run in quick and take a peek!  A peek I did, I ended up getting something that I love, love, love!  It is one of the palettes in the Freedom System.  I did purchase one for lips at IMATS in April, along with a lot of other products from this brand. I wanted a palette that held eyeshadow, bronzer, and a blush.  That is exactly what I created.  The bronzer is a soft shimmery shade #17.  The blush that I bought is a shimmery berry #32.  I bought two shadows for the palette, one a shimmery grey # 393, and the other a matte gold #498.  This palette was only $44.00 and TOTALLY worth every penny!  Here is my palette -

There was one more item, cosmetic related that I bought.  This product is by Comodynes and it is the Make-up Remover wipes for face and eyes.  I used these the other day when I got them and they are wonderful.  Very soothing on the skin and they removed all of my makeup!  I will definitely be purchasing more from this brand again.  I hear they have a wonderful self tanner. 

Well that was my small NYC haul, not bad for only one day in the city with my husband and son in tow!  NYC is one of my favorite places, I love the excitement and all the different people.  Here are just a few of my favorite photos -

In the case of spending the day in NYC and grabbing some blog worthy goodies - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

My Chanel order from Nordstroms!

I was so excited yesterday to FINALLY come home and see 2 boxes at my door!  I absolutely love waiting for packages to come.  When I see that brown UPS truck rolling down my street, my heart begins to skip a beat.  The anticipation as to whether or not he will stop at my house.  I sit and peer out the window praying that he will just slow down a little, park his big brown truck, and pop out with a package! OMG it is so exciting...well, not when he keeps on a rolling down the street passing my house : ( I am sure you have all been there one time or another, come on girls, and/or guys, you know the feeling! Ok now on to our regularly scheduled blogging!

As you all know I placed an order from the Nordstroms Anniversary Sale! I ended up only getting a few products but they are fabu!  From the Anniversary Sale I only got one limited edition (UH that word) product.  It is a Rouge Allure Lipstick in Desinvolte.  I wasn't sure if I would like this from the swatches that were online.  I thought it might be a little too dark for me.  It is actually very pretty.  On my skin it turns very pink.  Thought it is not my typical nude pink, it is very pretty and I am happy that it found its way into my makeup bag.  I used this today with Chanel Glossimer in #151 Aragonite.  This is a white color with pink and blue sparkles.  The combo, along with Whirl liner from MAC, was absolutely gorgeous.  Here is the lipstick below, with the glossimer in all their pinkyness -

I had originally thought I ordered the Pearl Shimmer Powder from the Anniversary Sale.  I guess after talking with Ondrea we decided that since I am very tan, I should go with the gold highlighter instead of the pearly white one.  The next Limited Edition product that I purchased was from the Byzantine Collection.  This is the Joues Contraste Powder Blush in OR.  This is a gorgeous sparkly gold!  I actually had this color many years ago.  It was called Eldorado years ago when I purchased it.  As soon as I saw this OR, I knew it had to be mine.  I know you are thinking, why don't I just reach into my stash and pull out the Eldorado but unfortunately, that has gone to Chanel heaven, the place where I hope to go one day!  I used the OR today on my cheeks and thought it gave a slight gold shimmer.  I read that makeup genius, Peter Philips, the Creative Director for Chanel, used this on the runway.  He wet a shadow brush and swirled it into the powder and placed it all around the eye as a liner.  This gave a wonderful 24k gold effect.  I will definitely be giving this a try.  Here is the powder below in all its shimmeryness-

The final product that I decided to purchase is another product that I had years ago when it first came out.  Remember I have been a Chanel girl since Vamp made its way onto my nails in 1994!  The product that I ended up purchasing is the Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base.  Since YouTube and all the reviews on this product, it has made its way to becoming a cult favorite!  Since I am a tanner, I wasn't sure if this product would actually show up on my skin.  I had to order it anyway and get it into my greedy little paws.  Rumor is that it is being discontinued.  I still haven't found out if this is a horrible sick rumor, or the sad truth.  This product is a large pot filled with bronzey goodness.  For my skin it doesn't work as a bronzer.  It is not much different than my skin tone.  Today I used it with a MAC brush #130 and applied it all over my face.  I then continued on with my Ambe Dual Powder Foundation on top.  The combo was absolutely perfect.  I am so happy that Soleil Tan De Chanel and I were reunited!  I definitely have to find out if this is going to Chanel heaven.  If it is I will be getting a back up.  Here is the product in all its bronzeyness -

Now my small but expensive Chanel haul must come to an end.  I am totally happy with my purchases.  There is something about opening a box and when you first make eye contact with the Chanel logo.  Don't worry, I won't give you a play by play like the UPS man rolling down the street!  I am sure you have felt this way about something too! 

I will be taking a short break from blogging because, I am going to NYC to visit my sister!  I am so excited because I LOVE NEW YORK!  Though my sister made it clear that this trip is NOT for shopping, I will hit up the local Sephora while I am there.  I am interested in some Illamasqua products.  Also Chelsea Market is the home of Inglot cosmetics so I might have to hit them up.  Oh and there is a Fresh store on Broadway with that nice girl Jessica, oh and there is the Nars Boutique that just opened up, oh and there are the Chanel and Dior Boutiques. OH MY.... sister is going to be mad!!! So much for not shopping!

In the case of purchasing even more Chanel makeup - The case is now and forever OPEN, until I go to Chanel Heaven that is!

Detective Kathy

Review - St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse

If you follow me on Twitter you know that I recently tweeted about purchasing from the St. Tropez Self Tanning Mousse from QVC.  I used it a few times now and wanted to post a quick review.  I usually use a spray self tanner from Body Drench that I have been using for years.  I self tan my arms, legs, chest, and my face on occasion.  I had always like the color that the Body Drench gave, and I also liked that it did not have any smell or funky odor. 

I ended up buying the St. Tropez last Friday night when I saw it on two flex pays on QVC.  I had always wanted to try this but have never taken the plunge.  I am so happy that I finally did.  The product itself is a huge 8 fl. oz bottle.  It also came with an application mitt.  I tried it on my chest, face, and arms first.  Last night I tried it on my legs as well.  The color is a gorgeous bronze.  I am already pretty tan from being outside but I like a self tanner to get the backs of my legs and arms.  I also like it to even out my tan from the sun. 

The only negative point that I can write about is that it takes a little longer to dry then my Body Drench.  This could also be due to the fact that it is about 110 degrees in my house!  There is no odor and the color seems to be a bit darker than the Body Drench.  I like the fact that it came with a mitt.  This protected my hands and nails so they did not get stained.  Even though I would wash with soap right after application, it seems my hands would always have that weird self tanner look.

All in all I am totally happy with this product.  I would definitely recommend it.  It is easy to apply and you don't actually have to use a lot of product.  I am an addict so I will probably re-apply this on my chest and arms nightly.  As for my face, I will still stick with my Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse that I have been using for quite some time.  When I want to kick the color up a notch, I will use the St. Tropez as well.   If you would like to find other reviews on this product there are a ton on YouTube.

In the case of finding a product that will still make me a bronze goddess when the sun no longer shines in Upstate New York - This case is SOLVED

Detective Kathy

My Friend Jerusha on YouTube!!!

Here is my wonderful friend who I met on YouTube.  Her name is Jerusha and she is wonderful!  I started watching her videos and commented on one of them.  We have been friends ever since! This is a video where she tries out my glitter nail!  Check it out and check out her other videos! You will not be sorry!

In the case of finding a friend for life on YouTube....This case is SOLVED!!!!

Detective Kathy

Dior Diva Rewards Gift has Arrived!

I just happened to walk outside and there was a box from Dior!!! I have to say that this process was super fast.  I have read that it can take up to 3 months for people to get their gifts.  This whole process from mail to my door took less than 3 weeks.  I think it was 2 to be exact!  I received a pink makeup bag, a full size Dior Diorshow Extase Mascara in Black, and a deluxe sample of Capture Totale.  I am so happy with these gifts, especially the Dior makeup bag!  Dior rarely does a gift with purchase so this is something nice that they do for their customers.  Remember the more you spend the bigger your gift!  Here is a photo -

As you can see it is really cute!  The mascara sells for $28.00.  I am excited to try this mascara.  I will let you know what I think.  My current holy grail mascara is ... believe it or not... Cover Girl Lash Blast!  I have been using this for years.  I am going to try the new Dior tomorrow and see if it compares.

In the case of getting a cutie patootie gift for free....This case is SOLVED!

Are you a Dior Diva?

While wondering around Sephora last week I discovered the new line of Dior Addict Lipsticks.  Even though I have enough lipsticks to last me the remainder of my life, I still felt compelled to purchase one of these beauties.  The case is absolutely gorgeous.  I am a total sucker for a beautiful case.  I love Guerlain, Chanel, YSL, and Dior cases because of their exquisite beauty.  The new line of Dior Addict's are very sheer and also moisturizing  They are much like, and often compared to Chanel Coco Rouge Shines.  I have one of the Chanel's in Boy.  It is a gorgeous pink but I prefer more nude, as you all know if you follow me.  I ended up picking up the Dior in #178 Urban.  This is a gorgeous light shiny nude pink.  It looks wonderful with MAC lip liner in Whirl.  I like this because it does not need a gloss over top.  It is very shiny and glossy.  Also while I was there I picked up a Dior Bronzer in Original Tan.  I ended up purchasing #002 Honey Tan.  I normally would go for the darkest of the bunch which I believe is #004 Spicy Tan.  I got the lighter one because I wanted to only even out my already tanned skin, and not add more color over top.  This is a wonderful shimmery shade.  I like the way it looks over my holy grail summer foundation - Ambe Aesthetics Dual Foundation in Cafe Latte.  This is the best powder foundation I have ever come in contact with!  Here are the photos -

I am so happy with my Dior purchases.  I actually own quite a few Dior cosmetics.  In case you don't know, Dior has a program called the Dior Diva Program.  They send you free gifts depending on the amount you spend on Dior in one year.  I just sent them out my receipts a few weeks ago and got confirmation today that they shipped me out my presents!  I am so excited.  If you check out their website - http://www.dior.com/ it will tell you all the details about becoming a Dior Diva!  I also took this from the website -

Adorable Diva - 100 points
Receive deluxe travel sizes of Dior best sellers in an adorable mini Dior shopping bag.

Diva Deluxe - 250 points
Receive a full size Diorshow Extase Mascara in Black and a deluxe skincare miniature in a must-have pouch.

Runway Diva - 500 points
Receive a full sized Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum and Primer, Dior Addict Lip Glow Color Awakening Lipbalm, and a deluxe fragrance miniature in a chic makeup pouch.

Divine Diva - 1000 points
Receive a full size Diorshow Extase Mascara in Black, Dior Addict Lip Polish in Fresh Expert, 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Earth Reflection, and two deluxe skincare miniatures in a signature Dior makeup trunk.

Who doesn't love getting something for free?  I had about 350 points and I was nearing the end of the year so I opted for the Diva Deluxe points.  I will do a post and show photos once I receive it in the mail.  Speaking of in the mail, I am waiting for a few other treats to come in the next week or so.  I ordered from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale.  I got a few Chanel items, 3 to be exact, and I also ordered a self tanner from QVC.  Once I get these products I will do a blog post as well. 

Until then, in the case of finding more Dior products to get me one step closer to the Divine Diva points - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy