Mushroom Taupe Polish: Chanel Particulière and Dupes

Ever since Chanel came out with Particulière, mushroom taupe polishes have become a big hit. You don't have to get Particulière to get into the trend though because there are many dupes and similar colors on the market. As I don't own most of the polishes I can't give you a swap comparison, just a general price comparison. I'll just list the polishes from most expensive to least and hope you will find one to your liking.

Please note that the images don't reflect the actual colors of the polish on your nails. There is no exact dupe for Chanel's Particulière, but I think Over the Taupe is a decent dupe. 

Chanel Particulière $23.00

A Little Holiday Surprise

Today, I came home for the holiday and found a little surprise from Eyeko:

Lip gloss in Knightsbridge and two nail polishes along with my ambassador cards and stickers.

Eyeko nail polishes in Vampire and Punk.

I am beginning to really enjoy Eyeko nail polishes. The colors are refreshing and consistency is great. The packaging is absolutely adorable. The polish dries fairly quickly even with two to three coats. Posh nail polish is next on my to buy list. I am just waiting on finishing my Christmas shopping list before making giant online orders. (As you can probably tell by now, I am big on the holidays.)

If you are interested buying Eyeko products, you can combine ambassador code E10427 and coupon code GLITTER (expires 11/25/2010) for two free makeup products with your purchase. One is a lovely glitter eyeliner and the other will be a surprise! Free shipping within Europe and with no minimum order. Free international shipping for orders over $55.


 I also received my new favorite lip balm in the mail:

Burt's Bees Rejuvenating Acai Berry Lip Balm

If you like Burt's Bees but haven't tried their acai berry one, I really recommend it. It smells delicious and is extremely moisturizing! As of late I have been using a combination of Nivea lip balm and petroleum jelly on my extremely dry lips, but after using Burt's Bees I probably won't need anything else. I have tried all of Burt's Bees lip balms and this one is by far my absolute favorite!

'Tis the season to wear sweaters

The coziness and warmth of sweaters truly speaks to the holiday spirit. I love to drape myself in sweaters around this time of the year. Here are some pieces I have been eying (refrain, refrain):

American Eagle Snowflake Toggle Sweater
Can't fail with snowflake patterns.

 

Victoria's Secret Cashmere Blends

The luxury of cashmere without the guilt.

ASOS River Island Wool Mix Fair Isle Knit Dress

How can one do without the sweater dresses?

Topshop Knitted Zigzag Sequin Jumper

Because I'm a copy Kat.

I saw Laura (lollipop26) with this sweater and decided that I really wanted/needed it. It's not my usual pick, but what can a girl do? I'm swooned.

Hope you're all hanging on well. Only one week until Thanksgiving!

eyelash eyelash Ebay - and Chanel!

For Halloween I decided to try some false eyelashes from Ebay for my costume. Though the shipping was almost immediate, it came from Thailand and didn't arrive soon enough for Halloween. (I had to run to the drugstore Halloween-eve.) I wasn't disappointed though because I paid only $1 and received 10 sets of eyelashes! Although the lashes I got were pretty long, they were not overly dramatic, which I really like. And for that kind of price, who can complain?

Upon initial sighting, I noticed that the materials were obviously plastic. They did not even feel like synthetic hair, just straight plastic. I was really turned off by that initially, but it turned out not being a problem at all. It didn't look much different from the synthetic ones you get in drugstores once you applied it on and added some mascara. It actually appeared glowier and healthier that the regular stuff. I used my own eyelash glue, Duo adhesive. It dries quickly and stays on all night. It smells pretty awful before it dries, but the adhesive is something I would definitely recommend. The eyelash glues that come with most lash kits (the one from Ebay didn't come with any adhesive) are generally horrible and should not be trusted.

False eyelashes are a special occasion kind of thing for me, but with ten sets just sitting around my vanity, may play with them more often from now on. Just look at the beautiful length in the after picture. I wish my natural lashes could be so vibrant and long! If anyone is interested, I would say to give these things a chance. There are many different lengths and sellers on Ebay. Although I don't think these lashes are anything to rave about, they are definitely worth a try for their price.

Just to sneak in a holiday gift idea: How fantastic is this limited edition Chanel nail lacquer trio in Particulière, Paradoxal and Steel? I would wear these babies all winter long. To buy or not to buy? As the set retails for $69 and I have dupes for all of these colors, I think I will pass on this and just savor the beauty of the image. Enjoy.

Marc Jacobs Greatest Hits

Marc by Marc Jacobs will celebrate its 10-year anniversary by launching a capsule Greatest Hits collection, featuring its most popular styles since the label began in 2001. The new line will land in stores in Spring 2011. Exciting news indeed.

I just ordered the Vain and Glorious Lip bag from MAC's holiday collection:  A mad mix of Mellow Mood Lipstick, In Synch Lip Pencil and Baby Sparks Dazzleglass altogether in a multi-tartan bag, heraldic crest and black patent corner detail with metal rivets. I don't know how I feel about the colors, but it isn't too bad a deal and the bag is just gorgeous. You know I have to test this out myself before seeing if this collection makes any good a gift. ;)

Is anyone else also buying from MAC's Holiday collection? Or is it not worth it? I am also wondering if anyone has tried and can recommend their Style Clan nail lacquer. I am liking the color, but am unsure of the consistency and finish.

Lancome Colors

I have been really into colored lipsticks lately. It seems that the days of the nudes are over (for now). I picked up two Lancome lipsticks earlier this week and have been love- love- loving them. I grabbed one in Classique Pink from the Spring collection and one in Coquette from the Fall 2010 collection. I also received the Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate and should be posting a review of it soon.

From left to right: Lancome Classique Pink, Lancome Coquette, Dior 512 Bronze Couture, Bobbi Brown 2 Pink Berry, Nvey 351 Eco Lip Color

Le Rouge Absolue Classique Pink is true to its name. It is a lovely vibrant yet natural pink lip color that goes on very smoothly. It is definitely more moisturizing than the Coquette. I like Coquette, but am a little disappointed in its texture. Although not drying, it definitely is not as moisturizing as I had expected it to be. It has a purple red hue while staying true to the pink/berry family. Its metallic highlights add some earthly brown, which I really enjoy.

Two other colors I have been wearing lately are Dior Bronze Couture and Bobbi Brown Pink Berry. Bronze Couture is similar to Coquette in color, but a little more on the bronze orange side. I find it surprisingly drying. Bobbi Brown's Pink Berry, on the other hand, is lovely to work with. It's a beautiful pink that glides right on. I usually don't wear pigmented colors, but I have been wearing more questionable colors:

Nvey Eco Lip Color in 351

It's a dark pinkish purple color. I feel so - grown up wearing this color. It really gives a darker, more mature appeal. The lipstick itself is very soft and easy to apply. The only problem is that it may be a bit too soft: always the first of my lip colors to melt when it gets hot. 

Lancome Classique Pink, Lancome Coquette, Dior 512 Bronze Couture, Bobbi Brown 2 Pink Berry

Holiday Giveaway (Laura Mercier and Smashbox)

CLOSED - Check Out New Giveaways!

Hey readers! Thanks for putting up with my lack of updates in recent weeks. The holidays are coming up and I have a new giveaway for my lovely followers. This giveaway will end December 18th at 11:59pm EST. Three people will receive Laura Mercier or Smashbox Christmas presents from Handmade Reviews :) Three winners will be drawn at random using random.org around December 18th. This is open internationally. Good luck!

Prizes

1. Laura Mercier Crème Cheek Colour in Oleander (Retail $22.00)

 2. Laura Mercier Sateen Eye Colour Duo in Plum Spice (Retail $22.00)

3. Smashbox Beauty Package includes full sized products and samples (Retail $25)


Disclaimer: The information you provide is kept confidential. In the case that you are the winner, only your username will be made public and you will be privately contacted through email. I purchased all the prizes myself with my own money. Nothing is free or sponsored.

Recent (and not-so-recent) purchases

My laptop has been freezing incessantly. It doesn't seem to be a hardware problem, but more of a problem associated with Windows Update. I will upgrade to Windows 7 in hopes of curing my laptop of its disease. Onto my recent splurges:

Fashion Haul

Floral Print Oxfords. I got these because... well, they are cute, aren't they? They're one of those things that can be really ugly or really cute depending on how you look at them, how you scrutinize and judge them, and how you wear them. I like pairing these with shorts and some white ankle socks or dark leggings. From Forever 21, these less than twenty dollars oxfords are not too comfortable because the material isn't great and a little hard on the feet. But these are so much better than the high heel boots I recently got so thumbs up to florals.

Feather Headband. A girl needs at least one cutesy headband in her collection. I don't accessorize my hair, so this is really my only headband at the moment. Admittedly, I don't wear it often and rarely wear it out. I got these from Asos. I don't understand how this UK company manages to deliver to the US for free regardless of order size, but most US retailers charge ~$10 for standard shipping?

Leopard Sunglasses. These shades give such an instant glam. I love wearing these out during the day. The leopard print design is chic and fun without being childish. They are definitely not an evening wear, but sunglasses aren't meant for that anyway. These cost ~$12 from Sunglass Warehouse. You can find this and many designer-inspired sunglasses from Sunglass Warehouse for less than $20.

Bl^nk London Scarf. I have mentioned it before and I cannot get enough of this scarf. Because it is handmade, the details are absolutely stunning and unique. My only concern is that when folded around my neck, the intricate details are not completely visible. I like to play with it and spread the scarf around in such a way that the floral and beading details are noticed by passerby. ;) It has proven itself very durable. This scarf and many like it can be purchased from the Remedi. I recommend you take a look at their online boutique. The collections they carry are absolutely stunning.

Robin Hood Halloween Costume. I was Robin Hood girl and had an amazing time. =) This costume came with dress, boot covers, feather hat, puff sleeves, belt and satchel. I bought it for about $80 from buycostumes.com with free shipping and used a 20% off coupon. It is a little pricey overall, but still a lovely costume.

Beauty Haul

Maybelline Eyeshadow in Indian Summer. The crease color is little too dark for my taste, but it is a lovely taupe black and blends well. The light shimmer is a nice soft lid color. I wouldn't wear this duo alone though. I am also guilty of having used the crease color as a foundation color to do a friend's Halloween makeup. :|

BareMinerals Matte Foundation in Medium Gold. I have tried the regular one and didn't like it quite too much. The matte one works much better for my skin although I don't think it is a great blending foundation. My skin has been bad lately, with one or two acne popping up every week or so. Since using this foundation, I haven't found any new acne though I can't say there is any other difference. I rather like the matte look for late night pictures, because I always find my skin, although dry, to be a little shiny when taking flash pictures at night. Although this foundation comes in spf 15, there seems to be no ghastly whiteness associated with it. It is very natural looking with little coverage, which I think is great for work and school.

BareMinerals Mineral Veil. This purchase was totally unnecessary. I don't find BareEssentials' mineral veil that different from drugstore ones and the price (~$20) is a bit much, but I thought I'd pair it with the foundation. Anyway, one of these things will last a long, long time.

CoverGirl Aqua CG Smoothers Tinted Moisturizer. When I am in a hurry, I rub this on all over my face and over my under eye concealer and jet out the door. It is light, sheer and goes on easy. Unlike regular moisturizers though, I don't find this very rich and comforting. It feels more like a light foundation than a tinted moisturizer. Maybe it is just me, but for something with so little coverage, I think it should feel a little richer, a little more soothing. Sometimes, I would rather just put on a light layer of foundation. I bought two of these at once, which may be a mistake. Summer is over and I don't think I will use this for any other seasons.

Almay Smart Shade Concealer. Sometimes I think it matches my skin perfectly but some days I think the color appears is a bit off. Maybe it is my body temperature? I don't know how this works, but I do like it in my collection. I rather like seeing it change color. Also, it is easy to use this on most of my friends and have it match their skin tone closely. It does make me wonder about their smart shade foundation. Has anyone tried it?

I am hoping to get back into blogging more often. It's difficult without a fully functional laptop though. Keep an eye out the following week for a new giveaway. I am thinking of some sort of holiday themed one. :)

Disclaimer: The leopard sunglasses and London scarf were sent to me for review consideration. I am not being compensated for this post. All opinions, as always, are my own. This post contains affiliate links.