Dior Holiday ‘09 Collection: Cristal Boreale
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: February 5, 2010
We’ve all heard of Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights but have any of you lovelies heard of the Aurore Boréale crystal?
Influenced by the ornate, corseted gowns and decorative broaches of the 18th Century Louis XVI style and inspired by the delicate light-reflecting qualities of crystal, each product in this exquisite color collection is like a tiny jewel. Featuring shades of petal pink, deep silver and a wide range of purples to create a luxurious and festive look for holiday.
In the mid Fifties, inspired by the magnificence of Versailles, Christian Dior asked the Swarovski House to create a crystal that evoked the reflections of the sunlight going through the famous Galerie des Glaces in Versailles. This led to the creation of the Aurore Boréale crystal with its unique multi-colored reflections.
For its 2009 Christmas Look, Christian Dior Parfums has collaborated for the very first time with the Swarovski House to create an exceptional Star Product using the legendary Aurore Boréale crystal : “Cristal Boréal”. The oval pendant, inspired by the shape of the neo-Louis XVI chairs that Christian Dior loved, is adorned with 52 Swarovski crystals of which 4 are Aurore Boréale.
This pendant contains a crystal-effect gloss declined in one easy-to-wear shade: Pink Crystal. A true makeup jewel for precious iridescent lips.
This jewel-toned eyeshadow feature light-reflecting qualities and subtle colors for a delicate, shimmering effect. Embossed with a “crystal pattern” effect. Available in “Precious Purple” and ”Pure Silver .
5-Colour Iridescent Eyeshadow, available in “Smokey Crystal” and “Precious Crystal”.
Words cannot express how much I covet this entire collection! I’m a huge fan of pastels on the lids. When applied correctly, they really offer a beautiful yet subtle alternative to the “natural look”. For once, the model looks beautiful (as opposed to weird) in the promotional photos! Looking at her in the promo, actually makes me want to go out and buy this entire collection, right down to the silver nail polish she has on her nails. The packaging is heartbreakingly gorgeous as well! This entire collection strikes me as very decadent. The backstory is delightful, and even the name sounds beautiful. So to recap, impressive name, short history story, pretty colors, and bling’d-out packaging. Kudos Dior! This is why I’m a long-time fan. Other reasons why I think this collection is worth my upcoming paycheck, it’s Dior, it’s a Holiday Collection, and it’s Limited Edition. ‘Nuff said. You know what? I should have just led with that.
Any of you lovelies find anything in this collection worth parting with your paycheck for? Do share!
Chanel Holiday ‘09 Collection: Cage Dorée de Chanel
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: December 17, 2009
Inspired by Mademoiselle Chanel’s fascination with the brilliant plumage of exotic birds, the Holiday Makeup Collection is a flight of fantasy for face and fingertips.
Yeah, because everyone associates the Holidays with exotic birds. When I think Christmas, I think birds of paradise.
Shimmering Tweed Highlighter
Delicately ‘woven’ shades of gold, bronze and copper powder highlighter bring a luminous, party-perfect glow to cheeks and décolleté. Limited Edition
Classic Chanel. Either you will love this or hate this. There is no inbetween. Personally, I hate it. Enough with the tweed. Honestly, this looks like some serious skin disease.
Quadra Eye Shadow
LES 4 OMBRES Quadra Eye Shadow puts the focus on eyes with new Bird of Paradise, a tropical-bright quartet of aqua, yellow, green-gold and copper shades, which can be toned down or played up, depending on your mood. Limited Edition.
Not a fan of the aqua. The makeup on the model’s eyes looks very “Kuwaiti”. Verdict: Fail!
Professional Eyeliner Duo
Mistake-proof, powder-based eyeliner duo mimics the precision of a liquid eyeliner and the smudged look of a kohl pencil. New now: Celadon-Lamé, a rich green-black. Limited Edition.
Sounds intriguing. I can’t wait to try this out!
Sheer Colour Lipshine SPF 15
Sheer colour and creamy texture on lips balances Holiday’s exotic eye shades: Galapagos, a lustrous coral; Tasmania, an exquisite pink; Grenada, a soft, subdued fuchsia; and limited-edition Maldives, a warm, ultra-wearable peach.
They all look so pretty, especially Maldives!
High Shine Sheer Concentrate
New shades of this water-light gloss – Colibri, a shimmering pearl; Hirondelle, a vibrant pink; and Canari, a bright, citrusy coral – wear comfortably while delivering a sheer wash of sensuous colour
Canari looks gorgeous!
Nail Colour
From understated, elegant neutrals to bright pops of colour, nails shine with celebration-worthy shades of LE VERNIS Nail Colour. Yours to discover: limited-edition Trapèze, a radiant silver-beige; Mica Rose, a tender pink; and Orange Fizz, a vivid coral
I simply adore Trapèze! It just looks so elegant. Orange Fizz sounds like fun as well!
Apart from Trapèze, I can live without this collection. The entire collection is neither awful nor great. It’s just ok.
The Body Shop Winter ‘09 Collection
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: December 14, 2009
What a terrible scent!
Vanilla during the holidays? Shocker.
Booooring!
The disappointments just keep on coming.
I was picking up a few things from the Avenues when I noticed the Holiday Collections on display at The Body Shop. I absolutely adore The Body Shop! I first discovered The Body Shop way back when I was in the eighth grade. A fellow classmate was wearing a rich shade of brown lipstick which complimented her dark coloring and big brown eyes beautifully. The fact that she had ginormous (a la Jolie) lips didn’t hurt, either. At first she wouldn’t tell me (little girls are the meanest) but after hounding her, she eventually fessed up that her lipstick shade was courtesy of The Body Shop.
On one of my family’s many excursions from the chalet to Fahaheel, I convinced my parents to take me to The Body Shop, where I purchased both the lipstick in the exact same shade as my peer (using tween logic, it made perfect sense that if it looked that good on my classmate, it would definitely look good on me) and a lip balm whose main ingredient consisted of honey. The lipstick looked horrid on me (I can’t pull of brown lipstick because although they are full and pouty, my lips are small) but at the time, I didn’t know that and I wore it with pride until I eventually lost interest and actually lost it somewhere.
Now the honey lip balm on the otherhand was something else completely. When applied, it had no color, only a little bit of shine. I loved how it did not minimize the appearance of my already small lips, unlike the lipstick. I also loved how my lips felt after applying the lip balm. I did not realize that this is what lips felt like when they were moisturized. I loved that when I licked my lips, they didn’t taste bad and chemical-y like with the lipstick, but sweet like candy, or in this case, honey. Most of all, I loved the subtle scent of honey. To top of it all off, after applying it for the millionth time in all five minutes, it started to sting a little, turn my lip color a pink-ish red, and plump them up. Apparently, I was experiencing an allergic reaction or what I now know to be “lip plump“. In the later years (eleventh grade), I would go on to also buy my first liquid foundation, and first make-up brush from The Body Shop. To top it all off, there was never any buyer’s remorse. The Body Shop went “green” before it was the “in” thing to do. They used recycled items (remember those brown bags that mentioned all the good stuff they did on the back?), claimed that their products were “inspired by nature” (hence the honey), were against animal-testing, supported several causes, gave back to several charities, and the list goes on.
As I said before, I adore The Body Shop. I look forward to purchasing their new bath & body products as well as their cosmetic products, especially their seasonal collections. I still have “Brilliance Powder” in Cranberry Airelle, and the Vanilla Spice “Shimmer Lotion” (heady scent of vanilla and cinnamon with gorgeous golden shimmer) from several winters ago. Now those were hits!
I have come to expect great things from The Body Shop so imagine my surprise when I take a whiff of their new products and all I can smell is chemical-y scents. The Black Velvet Apricot was the worst. In theory, anything with Vanilla would smell great so I don’t know how they managed to botch the Vanilla & Nutmeg up but somehow they did. As for the Cranberry, yes it’s a wonderful scent, and yes it’s very Christmas-y but come on. Push the envelope a little. Enough with the repeats. That said, kudos on the packaging! Maybe this is a blessing in disguise? If the scents were actually good I might have purchased the entire collection of all three just because of the gorgeous packaging.
All good things must come to an end
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: December 13, 2009
- In: General| Gossip
- 2 Comments
Oh, my beautiful Kuwait! For every step you take forward, you are shoved several steps back. My heart aches for your misfortune, for mine, and for my fellow brethren.
It has been confirmed that in accordance with the new rules, cosmetic items will no longer be allowed to ship to Kuwait. The only other alternative is to get the consent of the Ministry of Health (if you are up for a game of hide-n-seek), and signing ALOT of papers. Even then, there’s a huge chance you won’t get permission.
Several months ago, I ordered perfume online. Customs confisticated it. I swallowed that. What’s more, I never ordered perfume again. Then came the rumors (publicity stunt?) about the price increase at Aramex. I swallowed that too. Now this?
With the perfume, I understood completely. Some perfumes contain alcohol. The price increase? Someone wants to make a profit. Fine. I even took it in stride when my shipments started arriving at my doorstep a month or so late, regardless of the fact that I payed extra (priority shipping) to get my things in my US mailbox sooner.
No more ordering cosmetics online… ever? Now this I cannot swallow. How ridiculous is it that unless you are a store owner in Kuwait, you are not allowed to order makeup online? How absurd is it that this rule applies to the entire country? What makes this even more pathetic is that we are the end of 2009 not 1999.
Some of the prohibited items:
- Liquid Material including but not limited to Shampoo, body lotion … etc
- Corrosives (e.g. nail polish)
- Deodorant (aerosols)
- Disinfectants
- Essential oils (e.g. Eucalyptus, tea tree)
- Flammable liquids and flammable solids
(e.g. perfume) - Hair coloring/bleaches
- Hairspray (aerosol)
- Nail polish remover
Technical Difficulties
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: December 9, 2009
LuLu ♥’s Makeup is currently experiencing technical difficulties. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Come back, soon!
Crescent Row
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: November 12, 2009
I stumbled upon the whimsical Crescent Row trio at the Benefit Cosmetics counter at Sephora the other day. The perfumes were in vintage-y cocktail shaker bottles (inspired by a cocktail shaker excavated from the founders’ (Jean and Jane Ford) grandmother’s belongings from the 1920s) housed in mini-doll-house packaging, each scent representing a different type of lady.
Gina lives to seduce
to tempt and flauntand knows you should always
get what you wantso sinfully sexy
her allure is unjustbut as they say…
“all’s fair in love and lust.”Woody Oriental
top notes: pink pepper, bergamot, tangerine
middle notes: peony, wild raspberry, white lily
bottom notes: patchouli, tonka bean, vanilla bean
Her playful wink
and mischievous smilethe flirtatious side
of her innocent styleno thought or worry
of what’s meant to befirst laughter, then love
“…along came leelee”Woody Floral
top notes: cassis, melon, citrus
middle notes: black violet, lily, jasmine
bottom notes: blonde wood, amber, santal
She lives in a dream
more dazzling than fictionimaginary yet real
she defies all predictionan incredible girl
Sofia draws you right into where the everyday ends
“and magic begins.”Oriental Floral
top notes: mango, freesia
middle notes: sheer lily, jasmine sambac, peony petal
bottom notes: musk, white caramel, vanilla bean
This darling trio was inspired by Benefit Cosmetics Founder’s (the unbelievably creative twins, Jean and Jane Ford) visit to Bath, England where they stumbled upon the exclusive Royal Crescent, a residential road of 30 homes laid out in a crescent. The brand envisioned three girls (Gina, LeeLee, Sophia) as neighbors, living on Crescent Row. I took this quiz and found out that I’m a “My Place or Yours Gina” which was initially the scent that I favored out of all three. Which one are you?
Forever 21 now sells makeup!
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: November 8, 2009
If clothing stores were restaurants, Forever 21 would be a trendy fast food joint, satisfying and inexpensive. That said, in their bid to take over the retail world (contemporary line, and plus-size line) they are now delving into the realm of cosmetics with a new makeup line called “Love & Beauty”. Again, emphasis on the glitter.
Now we’ll be able to get our cheap makeup fix the same place we get our cheap fashion fix! What do you lovelies think?
Twilight Beauty
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: October 31, 2009
Inspired by the Twilight Saga book/movie franchise, the people behind Duwop have created a new cosmetic brand “Twilight Beauty”. The two lines that have debuted appropriately in time for Halloween are “Luna Twilight” aimed at the more mature fans, and the less costly “Volturi” which is geared towards the younger fans (extra emphasis on glitter and such).
Luna Twilight
Luna Twilight reflects the mood and spirit of the beloved book and film series with the highest caliber products and visually stunning packaging. Gold shining through the translucent black represents the light coming through the darkness, the power of Edward’s love for Bella despite the obstacles that stand between them. Haunting trees wrap the componentry to recreate the forest backdrop of so many of the story’s romantic moments. The line was created for everyone from the Twilight enthusiast to women looking to highlight their own radiance. Every aspect of Luna Twilight embodies the beauty of this truly timeless tale.
Volturi
The Volturi represent the largest and most powerful reigning coven in the acclaimed novel’s vampire world. Their unquestionable authority evokes such reverence that they have been marked the “royal family” amongst all vampires, remaining unopposed for centuries. The Volturi and their kind are creatures of supernatural beauty that transcend time. Being in their presence stirs up feelings of respect, fear, and awe. The crest of the powerful Volturi family is the centerpiece and logo of the brand, appearing on every item of the line. The line has a sharp clear prismatic quality halved with a solid timeless black, symbolizing the never ending struggle between good and evil, right and wrong, love and lust.
I myself am a Twilight fan but even I think this is a bit much. I will admit though that the tree branch silhouttes on the packaging of the “Luna Twilight” collection is quite pretty. There’s a fuss being made over the four color palettes based on the female characters. The only thing that really appealed to me was the star product “Twilight Venom”. I purchased it a month or so ago but it looks so pretty erected on my dresser that I haven’t had the heart to use it yet.
Twilight Venom
Twilight Venom is a shimmering crimson lip stain suspended in a venom-laced lip conditioner with an intensely potent bite. Its exhilarating formula plumps and hydrates with argan oil, avocado oil, olive oil and vitamin E.
What do you think? Twilight Beauty, is it for everyone or only the die-hard fans?
Frizz-Ease
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: October 30, 2009
- In: Hair| Review
- Leave a Comment
Frizz-Ease® Hair Serum Extra-Strength Formula for Coarse/Extremely Frizzy Hair
Blocks frizz all day.
Instantly and dramatically transforms coarse, wiry, unruly frizz for ultra-sleek, purely polished, super-shiny results.
Protects and prolongs the life of color treated hair.
A high-potency blend of silicones infused with Aloe and Vitamin E.
Leaves dry, defiant hair extremely supple, easy to manage and healthy-looking.
Repels humidity to help prevent weather-related frizz.
Contains sunscreen.
The first rain sprinkles (I’d hardly call them showers) of the season has been absolutely delightful. The accompanying humidity? Not so much. Although the humid weather has been wreaking havoc on my friends’ and co-workers’ hair, mine still remains frizz-free thanks to John Frieda and his Frizz-Ease Hair Serum (Extra Strength Formula). When I straighten my hair, this magical potion keeps it that way, straight, silky, and sleek, regardless of the humidity. It also makes my natural curls soft and bouncy.
I just dab a little in my palm, and rub my hands together in a circular motion so the serum is distributed evenly. Then I work it through my still-damp-from-showering hair. Then I straighten it using a flat-iron. The final step is to apply the serum again, post-straightener. If I’m going for curls, I skip the last two steps and just let it air-dry.
Be warned: Using too much will make your hair look oily/greasy and using too little will have no effect making your hair susceptible to frizz. Experiment a little until you find the right balance. Also, girls with naturally fine hair will not be able to get away with using this particular serum. It will make their hair look oily/greasy as well. On the bright side, they don’t really need it.
I got mine from Europe so as you can see the packaging is a little different but still holds the same amount 1.69 fl. oz. (50 ml). The European version comes in a fun, test-tube-looking dispenser as opposed to the more common stout yet wide dispenser. Both versions have a purple-lish tint that photographs as blue. Sadly, neither version is very travel-friendly. There is no discernable scent. Basically, this stuff is a God-send.
Sephora Double-Ended Brush Collection
Posted by: Miss LuLu on: October 23, 2009
On my latest trip to Sephora (The Avenues) these adorable duo-brushes in cheerful colors caught my eye. How cute are they?
I purchased the pink and the purple double-ended color dipped makeup brushes but I plan on purchasing the entire collection. What about you?
Double-Ended Perfect Complexion Brush
What it is:
A high-quality, two-in-one foundation and powder brush.What it does:
Sephora Brand Double-Ended Perfect Complexion Brush is a makeup bag must-have designed to create a flawless result. This essential is twice as nice with a side that specializes in cream and fluid foundation and a side that works wonders with powders.What else you need to know:
With its pretty-in-pink brush fibers, this multitasking tool makes primping all the more fun and colorful.Double-Ended Grab’n Go Brush
What it is:
A high-quality, two-in-one powder and eyeshadow brush.What it does:
Sephora Brand Double-Ended Grab’n Go Brush is a brilliant solution for complete eye and face makeup. The soft, orange brush fibers aren’t the only bright thing about this must-have tool. Grab this go-getter and you have an eyeshadow brush for applying light-colored shadow over the entire eyelid and a powder brush for applying loose powder or compact foundation on the other—all in one hand!Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush
What it is:
A high-quality, two-in-one tool that makes achieving a smoldering-eye look a snap.What it does:
Sephora Brand Double-Ended Smokey Eye Brush is equipped with a slanted eyeliner brush and a smudge dome, both in a posh and pleasing purple, which promises to create a downright stunning stare. Line the length of your upper and lower lashes with the slant end for a seductive start. Use the smudge end to draw darker shadow to the exterior of the eye or to outline the eye with a thick, bold line.Double-Ended Every Day Eye Brush
What it is:
A high-quality, two-in-one eyeshadow brush and blender for successful shading.What it does:
Sephora Brand Double-Ended Every Day Eye Brush is a must-have eye makeup tool that is enchanting in orange. The colorful brush fibers aren’t the only bright thing about this eye-catching essential. Now you can apply shadow all over the lid and blend your way to fabulous effects with darker shadows—all with one bound-to-be-beloved brush.Double-Ended Winged Brush
What it is:
A high-quality, two-in-one smoky-eye and pointed eyeliner brush.What it does:
Sephora Brand Double-Ended Winged Brush is a one-tool ticket to seriously sophisticated eye makeup. Don’t be fooled by the mellow feeling of its soft-textured, light yellow, synthetic fibers—this must-have means beautiful business. Use the eyeliner end to draw a fine line and apply cream or powder shadow with the complementary shading and blending end.What else you need to know:
Need a hand to get along your gorgeous way? Check out the step-by-step instructions that are included in the packaging!
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