I have another obsession besides makeup....

My posts always have something to do with beauty products, fragrance, or skincare.  I have another obsession that I don't talk about here on Makeup Detectives.  I am going to go off topic a little and tell you a little bit about my obsession with Louis Vuitton.  I have a small but fabulous collection of Louis pieces that I have acquired over the years.  My first piece was purchased by me in 2006.  This piece was the classic and iconic Speedy in the size 30.  I carried this bag everyday.  I used to say the relationship between me and my Louis was much like a marriage, I would look at others, but never bring any other home.  Shortly after I purchased her, I continued on with my obsession.  I bought a small item called a Perforated Plate in the color orange.  This was a limited edition (those words) piece designed by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton in the spring of 2006.  Totally useless but I had to have it.  After that came an item called the Monogram Koala Agenda PM in the color Mandarin.  This I have used as a wallet since the moment I got it.  Then a cosmetic bag called the Toiletry Pouch 19, and finally the multi functional Pochette Accessories a few years later.  I use this as a clutch and also in my larger handbags to carry receipts, business cards, and my check book.  Through the years some refills for my agenda such as day planners, note paper, and sticky notes with LV's were purchased.  It wasn't until May of last year that I got the one and only Louis Vuitton Monogram Neverfull GM!  This was something that I had wanted for so long.  I absolutely adore this bag and carry it everyday unless it is raining.  Lately I have been having some mixed feelings about this bag.  This is due to the fact that the leather has darkened  (patina) so much over the past year.  I am sure this is because I carry it everyday.  I was just about to put my Neverfull away and give it a chance to rest and then I saw the new ad for Louis Vuitton -

There is the beautiful Angelina Jolie photographed with her aged and elegant Louis Vuitton Cabas Mezzo.  She has been photographed with this bag for years.  This made me see my bag in a new light.  The patina that the Louis Vuitton bags get actually give them character.  To me this bag does not look old or dirty, it looks lovely.  I am going to continue to carry my much loved Neverfull bag.  I hope that it darkens and takes on the look of Angelina's gorgeous loved bag.

This just goes to show that sometimes it takes a photo to capture beauty!

Speaking of beauty, here is a photo of my small but loved Louis Vuitton collection -

In the case of finding beauty in something that I thought was not beautiful anymore - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

Fragrance Addict - Party of one!

If you follow my posts by now you know that I am not only addicted to makeup, I am also addicted to fragrance.  My newest treasure is one that was tweeted about by YouTube guru Dara - BelleDuJourNYC.  She said it was a must have, to me those two words are much like my favorite words, "limited edition".  As soon as I read that, I immediately went to the computer to order.  What exactly did I order?  It is a solid perfume from Tocca called Giulietta.  Yes, I ordered this based on a recommendation.  I knew that there was not a place around me that sold Tocca.  I had Tocca Cleopatra in the past and remember how gorgeous it was.  I figured this would be equally as gorgeous a scent.  The notes of the fragrance taken from  the Tocca website are -
Top notes: Bulgarian Rose, Ylang Ylang, Green Apple, Pink Tulips
Middle notes: Lily of the Valley, Iris Pallida, Vanilla Orchid, Lilac, Heliotrope
Bottom notes: Cedar wood, Musk, Amber, Sandalwood

I truly enjoy fragrances that have Bulgarian Rose, Vanilla Orchid, Amber, Musk, and Sandalwood so I knew this would be a winner.

This arrived at my door from Sephora.com on Thursday.  I actually got to see it in person when I went shopping with my son the day before.  I was unaware that the Sephora there would have it.  Anyhew, here it is, (ohhh how I wish I had a scratch and sniff blog) -

On the right you will see the container that the perfume came in.  The left is the actual product.  This is awesome because it is portable.  I always keep perfume with me in my handbag.  I sometimes feel that my scents wear off throughout the day.  Portable fragrances are a great way to stay smelling fresh, and not weigh down your handbag.  This little cutie can fit in the smallest of evening bags! 

I like to put this on my pulse points and also spray one of my Fresh scents along with it.  For being a product that is solid, the scent seems to stay with me.   I have been using this fragrance with Sugar Lychee from Fresh.  The combination seems to work well together.  The Giulietta calms down the citrus in the Sugar Lychee. Together they are pure perfection. 

In the case of finding, yet another fragrance to add to my growing collection - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

Shopping trip with my son!

Yesterday I decided to take a ride to the mall with my son Tyler.  He had been saying that he wanted a new cologne.  He is all out of his 10 bottles and says my husbands all smell like tobacco.  He is absolutely correct in saying that.  If you follow my posts you will know that one of my favorite scents is tobacco.  This is found in my Fresh Cannabis Santal, Tom Ford Black Orchid, Fresh Tobacco Caramel (obviously) and I am sure a few others that I wear. 

First things first, I went to Sephora to surprise him and with some new cologne.  I bought him a bottle of Versace Eau Fraiche.  This is an amazing scent especially for my son who is 17.  He told me that he wanted something clean and fresh.  He usually wears the colognes from stores like Express and Hollister.  Here are the notes in the Versace -
NOTES
Top Note: Carambola, White Lemon, Rose Wood
Middle Note: Cedar Leaves, Tarragon, Sage
Base Note: Sycamore, Musk, Amber

No wonder I like it there is musk and amber involved! Needless to say he loved it too and was happy with my choice.  He of course did not come in Sephora because he said that it is for girls.  I think he headed to GNC while I was in Sephora.

Since fragrance is quickly becomming one of my favorite things to purchase, I could not leave Sephora without a little treasure for MOM!  I ended up getting Fresh's Sugar Lychee.  This is a gorgeous scent that will mix well with my Cannabis Santal.  When I was at the Fresh store in NYC the girl told me to mix two fragrances to create a custom scent.  Here is the description of the Sugar Lychee taken from the website -
NOTES:
Top Notes: Grapefruit, Italian Lemon, Lime Blossom
Middle Notes: Lychee, Lotus Flower, Freesia
Base Notes: Sandalwood, Tonka Bean, Amber

These fragrances are right up my alley!  The tobacco is missing but I am totally loving the amber and sandalwood that give this fragrance just the right amount of spice. 

No trip would be complete without a quick tour of the Chanel counter.  I  could not leave there without a little shimmery treat.  I purchased Chanel Glossimer in #287 Aurore.  This is a gorgeous shimmery light peach.  I am totally in love!  This looks gorgeous on top of MAC's Playing Koi lipstick!  Finally after a trip to Johnny Rockets, (it can't be all about me all of the time), we went to MAC to visit Detective Lynn.  I backed to MAC 12 empties and ended up getting 2 lipsticks, one in Honeylove and the other in High Tea.  These are gorgeous NUDES!  Yes, I know I said that I would not be going nude anymore however, I can pull these two off since they are a deeper nude.  Oh one more thing, I picked up a back up Stripdown liner.  I start to shake if I don't have a back up of Stripdown stored away in my collection.  I mean come on, what if I lose the two that are in my makeup bag and the one that is in my car?   I am going to put some pictures below for your viewing pleasure.  The lipsticks are as follows - High Tea on the left, and Honeylove on the right.  Honeylove is a matter color, and High Tea is a sheer lustre. 

All in all my son and I had a wonderful trip to the mall.  Just so you know the mall is about 45 minutes away.  We talked, shopped, ate, and bonded over fragrance.  What more can a makeup lovin momma ask for!

In the case of spending quality time with my son and making both of us happy - This case is SOLVED

Detective Kathy

Le Blanc Chanel Collection - Exclusive Preview

I could not wait another minute for my Chanel rep to call me about the Anniversary Sale so I did some investigating!  What I found out is that the items in the Chanel line will be available for pre-sale only with a Nordstrom card for now.  I believe that Nordstrom card holders can pick up their goodies on July 15th.  For the general public, the collection can still be pre-ordered but won't be rung up until July 24th.  Nordstrom card holders will also be the first to receive an email from Nordstroms with all of the specials.  This will go to them before the general public.  I guess it pays to be a card holder.  If you are not wanting a credit card because you cannot be trusted with one, (oh I think I was talking out loud about myself), you can apply for a Nordstrom debit card.  This card will allow you all of the perks and rewards, and will be hooked up to your checking account, (oh I can hear the angels singing right now). 

Without further ado - Here are the products, (shhhh don't say they came from me) -

Le Blanc Collection or Nordstrom 2011 Anniversary Sale will include:

• Chanel Joues Contraste blush in 65 Rose Tourbillon
• Chanel Les 4 Ombres 31 Rose Envolee - (White, Bright Pink, Soft Pink, & Grey)
• Chanel Rouge Allure 86 Desinvolte - (Nude Peach)
• Chanel Rouge Allure 87 Joyeuse - (Bright Pink)
• Chanel Glossimer 152 Blossom - (Shimmery Pink)
• Chanel Glossimer 154 Liaison  - (Clear Sparkle)
• Chanel Poudre Lustrante - (Highlighting Powder, soft shine no shimmer)
• Chanel Eau Douceur Cleansing Water - (Was limited edition in the Asian Market)

Oh how I wish I had a photo to share but unfortunately, it is no where to be found.  I had my list of products all ready for pre-order and then I was told by Ondrea at Nordstroms, Seattle, WA that the highlighting powder (Poudre Lustrante) will be too light for my dark skin : ( That saddened me for a moment, but I am over it and will continue on with my list of treasures from this Limited Edition (UH those two little words) collection! 

Just a quick note that Chanel Fall Collection is available RIGHT NOW online at Chanel.com! 

In the case of FINALLY finding out what Nordstroms has to offer from Chanel in their Anniversary Sale - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

A bloggers confession - Today I Cheated on My Love

My love Chanel of course! Thanks to the one and only Twitter I now have a new nail polish in my greedy little paws..or should I say on my greedy little paws.  If you follow my blog you know I have had a love affair with Chanel nail polishes since the 90's.  On Saturday I made the decision to stray away from my one and only Chanel and purchase a Nars polish.  I saw a TwitPic of this and could not resist.  I immediately ran to the computer, and did not even think twice.  Nars nail polish in ECUME was in my cart faster than I could say goodbye Novelle Vague here is something brighter and whiter.  Whiter is actually an understatement.  This color is full on white out white.  I have one thing to say about this, in the words of Jessica Simpson circa 2007, "I Think I'm In Love".  I am going to post a picture that will probably make my nail tech shake in her shoes, since I am not a good polisher.  With that said, I could not wait to get this on my paws.  Ok the wait is over, here it is -

I know, I know, this is a love it or hate it kind of color.  It is VERY trendy and I do actually remember white being in a few years ago.   This is not a color for someone who does not like attention, oh wait who doesn't like attention!  In a past post I wrote about some Chanel colors that were a little off the beaten path.  When people asked me why I wore them my response was, "Um Chanel made it, of course I will wear it."  I think my response to this polish will be, "Um Francois Nars made this color, of course I will wear it."  Actually if they know me, they expect just about any color under the sun to show up on my nails!

I am sure I will go back to my beloved Chanel polish, but for now it is fun to change it up a little!

In the case of cheating on my love and feeling no remorse...This case is SOLVED! 

Detective Kathy

Chanel Novelle Vague = AH-Mazing!

Since I have the best Nail Technician in the city, I really only get my nails done every 3 weeks.  As you know from my last few posts I have been loving Chanel's Mimosa polish.  I was looking at my collection and re- discovered a favorite from last summer Chanel's Novelle Vague.  This is a gorgeous teal color with a slight shimmer.  

*  If you would like a less expensive color to the Chanel, I would suggest For Audrey by China Glaze.  For Audrey is very similar to the Chanel with the exception that it is a little deeper and more creamy.  Just a little history on the color For Audrey by China Glaze.  It was actually inspired by the color from Tiffany & Company.  The color is identical to the Tiffany & Co. boxes.  Below you will find a photo of both colors for comparison -

Here is a photo of my freshly polished nails using Chanel Novelle Vague.  On my ring finger you will find another favorite, Starry Silver Glitter by NYC.  This NYC polish was found at Rite Aid and was $.99.  Can't beat that with a big fat bat now can you?

I am sure that I will go back to Mimosa next month but for now I am loving this gorgeous teal!  In the case of finding another absolutely gorgeous Chanel color to wear on my nails this summer - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

Cannabis, Tobacco, & Caramel Oh My!

I bet you really didn't know what to expect with a title like that!  What I am referring to is three of my favorite scents by Fresh.  When Detective Lynn and I were in NYC for IMATS we stopped into one of my favorite little shops called Fresh.  I love how bright and clean the Fresh store is and it always smells amazing.  The associates are always wonderful and happy to assist.  I used to wear a fragrance from Fresh called Fig Apricot a few years ago.  I loved this fragrance so much though today it is a little light for me. 

When I was in the store this time I remembered one of my favorite YouTube gurus Dara (BelleDuJourNYC) talking about a fragrance called Cannabis Santal.  When she would describe this I thought it was right up my alley.  This is actually a unisex scent and is quite unique. 

The description on Fresh.com actually reads -

CANNABIS SANTAL EAU DE PARFUM is a forbidden blend of patchouli, cannabis and rose. This sensual fragrance captures the raw energy of a man and the desire for him. 

When I asked the girl at Fresh, she told me that it is definitely unisex and that a ton of woman purchase it.  This is a very sexy fragrance which is similar to my beloved Tom Ford Black Orchid.  When I hear that a fragrance contains patchouli and rose, I am definitely on board! 

I purchased this while I was there, and Detective Lynn purchased a limited edition (you know how I feel about those two words), fragrance called Tobacco Caramel.  They only had one bottle of the Tobacco Caramel left at the store we were in.  They said that it was something that probably would never be made again.  This past Friday was time for me to call up Fresh and purchase another bottle of the much loved Cannabis Santal.  Of course with me the words limited edition were still lurking in my head.  I had to call around to see if anyone had the Tobacco Caramel.  I found it on Union Square in NYC.  They actually said they had a lot left.  I ordered that, which only comes in a very small size, 0.05 fl. oz for $22.50, and a 1fl. oz of Cannabis Santal for $32.00.  I ordered this on Friday and today, to my surprise, the UPS truck came to my door.  I received the two perfumes, a sample of another fragrance (which is amazing) called Citron de Vigne, sample of Sugar Rose Lip Treatment, and two skincare samples, Black Tea Age -Delay Serum, and Black Tea Age Delay Cream.  Below is a picture of my goodies from Jessica at Fresh. 

I am so sad that I don't have a Fresh store near me.  What makes up for it is the super duper fast shipping and all the goodies that were included.  What a wonderful shopping experience.  If you don't have a Fresh store near you please don't hesitate to call Jessica at 212.477.1100.  You will be treated very special just like I was. 

There is one thing about me posting this on the blog, I  hope Detective Lynn does not read this!! Her birthday is in August and this would be a perfect present for her since she thinks that it was limited edition!

In the case of me always smelling Fresh - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy

I wish fall would get here!

Of course I don't mean the season fall.  Please, we haven't even had our summer yet.  I am totally not one to wish the seasons away.  I just get excited for the new color collections to come out.  The collections are always a month or two ahead of the season.  For example, I called my favorite Chanel Beauty Advisor Heather today at Nordstroms, Mall of America.  She told me that fall is ready to ship out soon.  It should be here by the end of June beginning of July.  I am so excited because I have already been googling like a mad woman trying to see what I want to reserve.  Chanel by far is my favorite collection wise.  I get so excited to see what they come out with next.  They also make everything mostly limited edition and they sell out so fast.  I want to get my greedy little paws on some items, especially nail polish!  Those two little words, "limited edition" uh they get me every time!

Well, I ordered a powder from Heather because I cannot call her and not place an order.  That wouldn't be right (well that's what I tell myself anyway).  She will be calling me early next week with the exciting news about the fall collection and also the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale in July.  If you are not familiar with the sale, this is where cosmetic lines offer limited edition (uh that word again) products for pre sale.  Last year it was an eyeshadow palette that looked like Coco Chanel's buttons from her suits.  I will post back after she calls  and also do a haul when my package comes.  I only ordered the powder but she is always so generous with wonderful samples.  I will also post her information in case you don't have a Chanel counter near you.  She is absolutely AH-MAZING!  She always goes above and beyond.  Just like I always tried to do with my clients when I worked at counter. 

She did tell me that Chanel is coming out with a new Velvet Lipstick which will be totally matte.  She also said there is going to be a new foundation with a wide range of colors, especially deeper tones (like me).  I will leave you with this photo of Chanel gorgeousness that will have you too wishing fall would get here -

Hello gorgeous Peridot and Graphite don't worry you will be mine soon! 

In the case of getting my greedy little paws on some limited edition Chanel for fall - This case remains OPEN! 

Detective Kathy 

Detective Kathy's May Favorites

When I originally posted about doing my monthly favorites, I never expected it would come so soon.  As you all know by now I am a total makeup and product junkie.  With that said, there are some products that I find myself going back to month after month.  Below I will post a list of some favorites that I used for the month of May.  I will not put descriptions, so please if you have any questions about any of the products, please comment below or email me personally (Makeupdetective@gmail.com).  I will list the categories, the products, and put a photo below. 

Face - Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover, Clarins Delectable Self Tanning Mousse (evening), Chanel Ultra Correction Line Repair (morning) 

Face Makeup - Ambe Aesthetics Dual Foundation in Cafe Latte, MAC Blush in Love Joy, MAC MSF Bronzer in Give Me Sun

Body - Victoria's Secret Pink Soft & Dreamy Lotion, Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect After Sun Moisturizer (This leaves your skin with the most gorgeous glow and gold shimmer), Victoria's Secret Pink Soft & Dreamy Body Mist (I used the Victoria's Secret last summer as well, it smells amazing)

Nails - NYC Starry Silver Glitter Polish (on ring finger only over the Mimosa), Chanel Mimosa Polish, Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat (I have been using this for years and years)

Perfume - Fresh Cannabis Santal, Purr by Katy Perry, Stella by Stella McCartney (I sometimes mix these together to create my own signature scent)

Handbag - Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM (I am so happy winter is over so I can carry this pretty girl everyday)

So there you have it!  These are a few of my favorite things for the month of May.  I know that a lot of these will carry over to June and possibly even July!  I didn't post a favorite in the lips catergory.  If you follow this blog you know that my lips are always changing.  New combos and trios are always showing up on this blog. 

In the case of getting through the month of May using some old favorites, and discovering some new - This case is SOLVED!

Detective Kathy