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

Detective Kathy's June Favorites

WOW I cannot believe that we are already into July!  These months are flying by.  Anyhew, I thought it was about time that I got on here and wrote about my June favorites.  Some are the same as last month but I have also discovered some new favs that are at the top of my list! Here we go -

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

Hair - Instead of body products, since they are exactly the same as last month, I thought I would put my favorite hair products.  In a recent trip to Ulta I discovered that they sell one of my all time favorite conditioners.  The conditioner is called Terax Crema.  I used to get this at my salon years ago.  For those of you that don't know me, I have VERY course, thick, curly hair.  I color it myself so it tends to be on the drier side.  The Terax gives me a lot of moisture and I only use a tiny bit.  It is a little expensive, $22.00 for the tube.  I used my 20% Ulta coupon so was able to save a little on the product.  I have to be honest, it is TOTALLY worth the money for me and my curly locks.  Below you will find a photo of the hair products that I currently use.  The first is Biolage Ultra Hydrating Shampoo, I like to change it up when it comes to shampoo.  I will use up this bottle and try something else.  I think I will be sticking with the Terax especially since it is available at my home away from home - ULTA!  The next is TIGI Catwalk Curls Rock Amplifier.  I have been using this product for years and years.  One pump is all I need for all of my hair.  With my hair LESS IS DEFINITELY MORE.  The next is another old favorite - It's a 10 Miracle Leave In Product.  I like to spray this all over to help heal and protect my hair from the blow dryer.  The final step in my absolute favorite of all time hairspray - Paul Mitchell Super Clean Spray.  I love, love, love this.  It is the only hairspray that doesn't make my hair dry out. 

Perfume - If you follow my posts you already know that I am a perfume-aholic!  I LOVE perfume and want to buy more and more.  Lately there is a combo that I am absolutely loving.  I use Fresh Sugar Lychee and spray it all over.  I then use my Tocca Giulietta Solid Fragrance and put it on my pulse points.  The two together are absolutely beautiful.  I usually like the dark, sexy, and sultry fragrances and this combo is the total opposite.  It is quite understated and romantic.  It reminds me of walking in a long white dress through a garden filled with beautiful flowers with the ocean directly in the background.  Um ok like I do that EVER! Well that is what I feel I should be doing while wearing this. 

Lips - Last but not least is my favorite lip products.  I am quite tan so I had to change up my lip colors a bit to compliment my skin tone.  I am back to loving the nude lip these days.  When you see these colors below, remember that I DO NOT apply them straight out of the tube like you would a normal lipstick.  I remember when I first started buying nude colors I would do this and not like them at all.  They actually have to be put on very gently so that you don't look like Halloween, especially when you are dark.  I have been loving my Tom Ford (now lets talk about sexy, this man could sell me anything) Lipstick in Vanilla Suede.  This is like the name suggests a vanilla with a bit of gold shimmer.  If you can get your paws on a Tom Ford lipstick I highly suggest it.  They are very expensive but they definitely are PURE LUXURY!  From the case, to the scent, to the color payoff, I have to say they are definitely worth the $$$!  I have been liking this with my new Chanel Glossimer in #287 Aurore over top.  I have also been loving YSL #2 Sensual Silk with the same Chanel over it.  These have been my go to lip colors for last month. 

Well friends, I think my June favorites have to come to an end at this time.  I have a few things already for July that I have been loving so next month I will be changing it up a bit.  I purchased a few Dior products so I will be blogging about them soon.  I also did my pre-order for the Chanel Anniversary sale.  I will be posting on that as well. 

In the case of getting through the month of June using some old favs and discovering some new - This case is SOLVED!

Ok so one non makeup favorite, well he is the creator of one of my favorite lipsticks : ) TOM FORD!

Detective Kathy