Giorgio Armani Orient Excess Palette for Holiday 2014, Review, Swatch & FOTD

You might have noticed that I was silent a few days. This is what happens if your company sends you for training at a hotel which has a free casino entrance. Last time I gambled was eight years ago, so I thought I can give it another shot. I know the topic is taboo for some, but here is my approach, gamble small amounts and leave the game before everything is gone. I invested three cinema tickets to start with, left with seven of them, more than the double. Only works if you wait some years before you gamble again, beginner's luck is real (last time I have won as well!). Oh and be sure not to drink too much. Those drunk guys who must have realized I was sober were also investing on my box on black jack. They must be thanking me as well *grins*. There was one who asked for additional card after hitting black jack, can you imagine? Never drink and gamble ;-)

Giorgio Armani's Holiday Palette Orient Excess is one of my last reviews of this season. It is an interesting one, very different from others that I have reviewed so far. It has no sparkles and the shade selection is very wearable. Today I would like to tell you how I feel about it...

Giorgio Armani Orient Excess Palette for Holiday 2014 comes in a chic clutch

Max Factor Excess Shimmer #15 Pink Opal, #20 Copper, #25 Bronze, Review, Swatch, Comparison & FOTD

Drugstore make-up haven't been one of the things I focused since I started blogging. The reason for it was not because I was not buying any but because I didn't find them very exciting to show or write about. Each post requires various hours from shopping to photography, trying out products to writing. Be it drug store or high end, some of the products I purchased out of curiosity have never made it to blog posts because I was not convinced that I would like to put so much effort in them, just to write that they don't work for me.

Two weeks ago something happened. A new drug store product knocked me off my feet. So today it is about them, Max Factor Excess Shimmer cream eye shadows.

Max Factor Excess Shimmer #15 Pink Opal, #20 Copper, #25 Bronze

MAC Casual Color in Red Obsessed from Red Red Red Collection, Review, Swatch, FOTD and Promo Photos

I hope you are all having a great weekend. I have lots to do even on the weekends once the end of the year is getting closer, so I am a little bit stressed even on Sundays, what a bummer. Nevertheless I didn't want to hold back from one product I would like to show you today. It is MAC Casual Color in Red Obsessed from upcoming Red Red Red Collection, which will be released at the end of December in USA and in February elsewhere. I love the idea of having a collection named after a color and I am wishing for a purple collection right after that one! Good news is that there are many shades of red in Red Red Red Collection, so even if you are not a fan of red, you will find something in there.

MAC Casual Color Red Obsessed from Red Red Red Collection

Yves Saint Laurent Encre de Peau Fusion Ink Foundation B20 and BR50 Review, Swatch & Comparison

One of the most talked about new foundation launch of 2014 must have been YSL Encre de Peau Fusion Ink. The first buzz appeared online early this year and it was released in August to September around the globe. I have been testing it over 6 weeks now, and I am ready to shade my thoughts with you on this beautiful sunny Saturday before I am off to the city for some shopping. 

Yves Saint Laurent Encre de Peau Fusion Ink Foundation

Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro #2 Wenge Wood, #5 Auburn, #6 Copal, #9 Gold and Applicator, Review, Swatch & FOTD

I hope you are all having a great week. Weekend is almost there, which means I can't wait Saturday morning to take a long deep sleep! But before that, right on time for Friends & Family Sale in the States, I would like to share my thoughts about the new wonder product from Giorgio Armani, Eye & Brow Maestros.

Giorgio Armani Eye & Brow Maestro #5 Auburn, #6 Copal and #9 Gold

Laura Mercier Eye Transformation Trio Black Diamond for Holiday 2014, Review, Swatch & FOTD

Each year Laura Mercier releases lovely sets during holiday season. This year there are several eye and face palettes for travels, brush collection as well as a mini caviar stick set. 

But to me holiday is the time all that glitters come out to play! Sooo when I noticed their new and limited "Eye Glace" last time when I visited the counter and I was intrigued by it since it looked and swatched like nothing I own and it blinked like nothing else! It comes together with a mini eye kohl and a mini black mascara.

Laura Mercier Eye Transformation Trio Black Diamond

Smashbox On The Rocks Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette for Holiday 2014, Review, Swatch & FOTD

I hope you are all having a good start in the week. I was very much stressed at the end of last one, but this started to be fine. Let's see how it ends. 

On the beauty front, Smashbox released their jewel themed "On The Rocks" Collection for Holiday. I had the chance to try out one of the palettes from the collection, which is my first Smashbox product ever. I have learned that they are more known for their base products. If you haven't tried their Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette yet, you may want to keep on reading.

Smashbox On The Rocks Photo Op Eye Shadow Palette

Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Luxury Eyeshadow Palette for Holiday 2014, Review, Swatch, Comparison & FOTD

Charlotte Tilbury added a new look to her look book, Supermodel. I am not so much into her advertising ways but a new palette caught my eye the moment it was announced. I have seen a gorgeous taupe, a lovely copper, no glitter shade (yes!) and some stars. Rest is history. Today I would like to introduce you Fallen Angel, a lovely palette with the most gorgeous name!

Charlotte Tilbury Fallen Angel Luxury Eyeshadow Palette

MAC Heirloom Mix My Picks, Pressed Pigments, Sweet Sentiment Blush, Courting Chic Lipgloss, No Faux Pas Lipstick and Nail Polish in Just Jewels, Review, Swatch & FOTD

I know I am late to the party but I have just seen that almost all the pieces I would like to talk about today are still available online, so I would like to make sure you are not missing anything. When it comes to MAC I had been a bad girl this year and ended up hauling for each collection. My favorites were Alluring Aquatics, Moody Blooms, Pedro Lourenco and Osbournes. When Heirloom Mix was first announced and swatches started appearing, I was a little unsure about what to get. As much as I liked the packaging, nothing was calling my name. I decided to get the hyped items and stop there. (Victorian Plum and Enchantment Pressed Pigments, Salon Rouge lipstick). When I have seen the collection in person though, the following (and much more) happened...

MAC Heirloom Mix My Picks, Pressed Pigments, Sweet Sentiment Blush, Courting Chic Gloss and No Faux Pas Lipstick

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte #05 Plum Lush and #10 Black Dahlia for Holiday 2014 Collection, Review, Swatches, Comparison & FOTD

I hope you are all having a great weekend. Today I woke up early to get the only MAC pigment kit I was missing from Breuninger, the bronze one. Oh good make-up lord, why do you make it so complicated. I went there early just to hear that Bronze set was an online exclusive. I dragged myself through the city to overcome my sorrow and ended up buying some boots and books. When I came home a beyond deer friend offered me to send hers, yay! I love happy endings.

Social Media is shaking with the news of mini Tom Ford lipsticks which will be released in 50 limited editions shades online for one single day, then these will eventually make it to stores as well. After I learn more about the availability of these in Germany, I will let you know. At the moment, it seems to be US and Selfridges (UK) release. Needless to say I have already made my list, hah!

Back to the subject shall we? Today it is about my ever growing Tom Ford lipstick collection and two more mattes to present. Check out my previous reviews of Pink Tease, First Time and Pussycat. And let me introduce you to Tom Ford Lip Color Matte #05 Plum Lush and #10 Black Dahlia.

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte #05 Plum Lush and #10 Black Dahlia

Lancome Hypnose Dazzling #201 Rouge Cabaret and Manucure Poussiere D'Or Nail Tattoos for Parisienne Lights Holiday 2014 Collection, Review, Swatch, Comparison & FOTD

I hope you are having a great Friday and ready to start the weekend. Until now I haven't made plans other than hitting the MAC Counter tomorrow early to catch the bronze pigment which I missed when it was sold out during the first hours of online release. I am going to also check out Lancome Counter in Breuninger and see if they have already received the Holiday Collection. Today I would like to share you two of the products I received with you. Can it get any more Xmassy than red & gold.

Lancome Hypnose Dazzling #201 Rouge Cabaret and Manucure Poussiere D'Or Nail Tattoos

Guerlain Rouge G #820 Rouge Parade for A Night At The Opera Holiday 2014 Collection, Review, Swatch, Comparison & FOTD

Guerlain's Christmas Collection this year is one of my favorite. I am especially loving Petrouchka Palette and the golden nail polish with foil finish. I was initially not interested in limited edition Rouge G #820 Rouge Parade but after feeling the hype about it and seeing it literally flying off the shelves, I started thinking about getting it. Then I have read a review on a "big blog" stating this is very close to Tom Ford Vampire Kiss, my favorite red at the moment, I decided to get one without swatching since there were no testers at the counter, just to find out that it has nothing to do with Vampire's Kiss. It is like not even close...

Guerlain Rouge G #820 Rouge Parade and my Rouge G Collection

Burberry Winter Glow Collection of Holiday 2014, Complete Eye Palette #25 in Gold, Nail Polish #447 in Gold, Review, Swatch & FOTD

Burberry is a brand which is so close to my heart. Although the pieces of their Winter Glow Collection for Holiday 2014 won't be hitting the stored in Germany, I went ahead and ordered two pieces from their online store. Here are my picks from Burberry's interpretation of a festive look in an understatedly beautiful way. With my own words, trench of gold and festive season.

Burberry Complete Eye Palette #25 in Gold, Nail Polish #447 in Gold

A-England Elizabeth & Mary Collection, Gloriana, Virgin Queen, Fotheringhay Castle, Queen of Scots, Crown of Thristles, Review & Swatches

Pretty nail polishes always make my heart skip a beat. What could be a better day than a so-called Mani-Monday to check out a-england's last collection. I have presented you Burne-Jones Dream Collection back in June 2013. A-england doesn't bring out many collections but when they do, all the shades have very good quality. I really appreciate this more than pushing collections all the time with less quality or inspiration. That said I haven't reviewed a-england's Ballerina Collection which was released right after Burne-Jones but they all appeared almost the same on my fingers, so ended up not being very convinced of that one.

Now back to Elizabeth & Mary Collection, which is just released... This one is my absolute favorite of a-england within the last collections they released. Just keep on reading to see ho pretty these are.

A-England Elizabeth & Mary Collection

Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity. Is the Hype worth it? Review Swatch & Comparison

It might be the prettiest eye shadow palette designed, like ever. The time photos starting spreading the internet, it has been one of the most talked, most wanted. After its debut at Barney's New York, I was able to get my hands on it thanks to a dear friend. I could play with it the last week and here is my answer to that question, is it worth the hype?

Hourglass Modernist Eye Shadow Palette Infinity

Suqqu Christmas Kit B, featuring Blend Color Eye Shadow Ex-23 Tsukianzu, Review, Swatch & FOTD

It is no secret that Suqqu is one of my favorite brands of all time. I am especially in love with their eye shadow formula, which applies and layers so beautifully. The shimmer in these are very complex and can be worn by anyone at any age. I appreciate the subtle beauty of the permanent line but I am always waiting for that time of the year when glitters come out to play. Xmas!

Suqqu Christmas Kit B, featuring Blend Color Eye Shadow Ex-23 Tsukianzu

Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge #246 Rose Comtesse for the Roses Collection, Review, Swatch & FOTD

Today I would like to step back from the holiday collection reviews craziness and appreciate a precious rose which reached me quiet late. It has been a ridiculous mistake from the post which was delivering all my packages from Lancôme to an online shop which I have never heard of. Amusingly nerve-wracking experience was over after we issued a complaint. Could you believe that this one took almost a month to come to me, within the country. Talk about 21st century and post in Germany being oh so reliable!

Have you noticed that Lancôme released five new lipsticks, each being designed and named after a type of rose? I find the idea so creative, especially because rose is in the logo of the brand...

Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge #246 Rose Comtesse

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte #04 Pussycat and #09 First Time for Holiday 2014 Collection, Review, Swatches, Comparison & FOTD

They are matte, they come in lovely colors and have funny names... They are the new Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Lipsticks and I can't stop myself until I have them all. Damage is done, I reached with my grabby hands and picked up five of the eight shades.. I am trying to stop here but I have to be talked out of it. Help me please! Tell me that I only have two lips!

Tom Ford Lip Color Matte Pussycat, Pink Tease and First Time

Chanel Le Vernis #38 Rouge Flamboyant, #71 Laque Rouge, #19 Rouge No 19 for Les Rouges Culte Collection, Review, Swatch & Comparison

Chanel made a smart move that makes a nail polish collector's heart skip a beat. They remade three of their cult reds from 1980s. How cool is that?

By the time I knew what fashion is and that I could dress up appropriately, 80s were already over. I was more interested in music and my fashion sense followed along when I was a teen at 90s. I loved 60s, early 70s, the music, hippies, all the ideologies they believed whole heartedly but I was never into 80s. I remember my mom having to remove the shoulder pads from my shirts when I was a little girl because I wouldn't wear anything which had them. My childhood passed by as I was hoping 80s would be over and I was all ready when 90s arrived.

Chanel Le Vernis #38 Rouge Flamboyant, #71 Laque Rouge, #19 Rouge No 19

Chanel Le Vernis #687 Phenix for Chanel Plumes Précieuses Holiday 2014 Collection, Review, Swatch & Comparison

Precious Feathers is the theme of Chanel's Holiday Collection, so what could be a better name than Phenix for their new red nail polish...

Chanel Le Vernis #687 Phenix

Guerlain Petrouchka Eyes and Blush Palette for A Night At The Opera Holiday 2014 Collection, Review, Swatch, Comparison & FOTD

It must be the worth thing ever to have a public holiday on Saturday. It is then two days of shopping break. Possible I can use it as rehabilitation if there wouldn't be internet... Hmmm...

I have already started to tell how excited I am to find it out that Guerlain's Holiday Collection theme is Russian Ballet and some of the items are named after Stravinsky's timeless compositions. I wished there would be Rites of Spring (my favorite) in the names but I believe since it is a Christmas collection, it wouldn't be so appropriate after all. Check out my previous post to see a lovely gloss named after Firebird, one of his early works. Today it is about Eyes and Blush Palette Petrouchka, named after the composition which is known to be the piece "Stravinsky become Stravinsky". It all makes sense that it is the center piece of the collection as well.

Guerlain Petrouchka Eyes and Blush Palette