Too Faced "Pardon My French" Summer 2014 Collection Review

Hello lovelies!

 I bring to you today a little bit of the luxury and glam of the French Riviera with Too Faced Cosmetics "Pardon My French" Summer 2014 collection. I HEART the eyeshadow palette for this collection, much more so than I thought I was (refer to makeup palette obsession in last post) as well as many of the other new goodies offered within the collection.

What's new and what's re-vamped? In the re-vamped category Too Faced presents us with the eyeshadow palette from the past two Summer collections that comes in a totally cute zipper bag that also includes a full-sized Perfect Eye Waterproof Eyeliner in Black as well as travel sized version of the ever popular Shadow Insurance eyeshadow primer and Lash Injection Mascara in Black. 

I purchased the original Summer palette two years ago, and I still pull it out when Summer rolls around because it has the perfect shades to enhance the tans we inevitably get, plus it includes three really fun shades to create a gorgeous "mermaid" eye! (I am also slightly obsessed with bright eyeshadow colors and glitter...though not necessarily together) It also has really pretty neutral shades that you can throw on when heading out when you don't have time to fuss with too many shadow colors.

As far as the Perfect Eye Waterproof Eyeliner, it's one of the very few black eyeliners I have that I actually used up and threw away (just to clarify: I buy, receive and am gifted many black eyeliners and mascaras that I try and don't care for and stash away for an emergency. Then there are those that I realllyy don't like and toss almost immediately. Then there are the coveted HG status ones that I use until there is literally no product left and re-buy them) and repurchased. Twice. It's that good. For the Shadow Insurance, I feel it is on the same level as Urban Decay's Primer Potion. They are both thin, colorless eyeshadow primers that glide on smoothly and leave a powdery finish when set. I recommend it to anyone who wears eyeshadow and also experience creasing. Because of it's lightweight nature it doesn't settle in to lines or creases and your shadows will stay fresh. It will take your looks to another level. Promise. I love everything about the Too Faced Lash Injection...except the smell. It thickens and volumizes your lashes which is perfect for the "It's hot and I don't want to put on tooo much makeup but I definitely need to put on something" look, but one just has to get past the smell.

Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick ( $21, www.toofaced.com )

The Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick are on board with the new opaque lip color trend. They come in 6 delectable shades and in my opinion work for all skin tones. On a day-to-day basis, I generally wear more makeup on my eyes and wear a light lip so OF COURSE I love Peony since it's the perfect pinky-peach color. I do sometimes love to wear a brighter lip so Fuschia and Ruby are must haves as well. If you are a little braver, Violet it gorgeous but you must rock it with some attitude!

Too Faced Brow Envy Kit ( $39, www.toofaced.com )

So I have a thing about brows. Firstly, I've been slightly obsessed with getting my old shape back after the waxing incident of '05, but in general I just love a good brow. I remember back in the day when Too Faced had their old boxed Brow Envy kit and thought it was pretty good then. Well, they've made it waaayyy better. It's smaller and more compact and made from tin which makes it more durable and easier to travel with. Just like before it come with three stencils, a pair of mini tweezers, a mini spoolie, and a mini angled brush to apply the products. I love the kit because in my own life I use two brow powders and a highlighting pencil. For travel this is super convenient and I don't have to sacrifice my brow routine.

Too Faced Bonjour Soleil Summer Bronzing Wardrobe ($44, www.toofaced.com )

One would think that bronzer in the Summertime is redundant. Many moons ago, I used to think the same (ahhh...youthful ignorance) I'm here to say that is not so. As responsible ladies and gentlemen, we should all be wearing sunscreen year-round, especially in the Summertime. Therefore (hopefully?) our faces aren't going to match our bodies and we have to compensate for that. Unless you want buy new shades of foundation everytime you get a little sun (and if you do, I'm all for that...it gives me an excuse to try a new foundation without feeling like more of a product hoarder bronzer is going to be your best friend. This new bronzer palette covers your entire wardrobe of color plus a highlighter blush (no one wants to look over bronzed..gotta add some dimension back in to the face). The cute lil kabuki brush is super soft so it won't create streaks on your face but rather buff everything into the skin so the glow looks like it is coming from within. 

Too Faced A La Mode Eyes Eyeshadow Palette ( $36, www.toofaced.com) 

My favorite (shocker) piece from the collection is the A La Mode Eyeshadow Palette. Where do I begin to describe the beauty that is this. Firstly, I've been mainly switching between this and the Lancome Azur Chic palette from their Summer collection for my everyday go to shadows. I love every single color. They are velvety and well-pigmented and last all day without creasing. For an everyday look, I use Jardin in my crease with Cannes below it and blending the two together well. I then place Soleil in the outer corner and lower lid and buff. I then add Cote D'Azur on the lid for a little depth. Lastly I add just a touch of St. Tropez on the brow bone for some shimmer to and to bring everything together. 

For a nighttime look, I take it up a notch. I still apply Jardin to the crease, but then I add Soleil right below it to add some depth. I then apply Monaco to the lid for a punch of color. I then take De La Mer and apply to the the inner 1/3 and outer 1/3 of the lid to make a sort of stacked smokey eye. I then bring the De La Mer underneath the lower lash line and blend it well. In the tear duct I pop La Croisette on to pull the colors together and Riviera to the brow bone. In short, this is palette is fabulous and you need it. 

 The Too Faced Summer 2014 collection has resurrected some old favorites that received a glamorous makeover, and created new gems that are a must have for your makeup wardrobe. All in all, I was very impressed with the collection and urge you to grab a few items before they are gone.

Lancome Cosmetics Summer 2014 French Riviera Collection Review

Hello lovelies! Spring is definitely here (my watery eyes and runny nose will confirm it for you!) and that means that all of our favorite cosmetics companies have rolled out their Summer color collections. I don't know about you, but Summer and Fall definitely tend to be my favorite seasons for color collections. I think it is because they include a mix of warm, coppery and bronzy colors that have pops of jewel tones to accompany them.

In any case, Lancome's French Riviera 2014 Color Collection captures my heart and get's my approval. Let's take a look at the collection, shall we??

Definicils Waterproof ($27.50 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

Ahhh Definicils. I am definitely a lover of  Lancome mascara's on a daily basis. And when the temperatures rise and the humidity along with it, you will want a good waterproof mascara. And you will get it all and more with this mascara. Definicils separates and lengthens your lashes, great for that doll-eyed look and for more casual summer days.

Star Bronzer ($35 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

I do enjoy a good bronzer. Especially since my coloring can change from day-to-day depending on how much sun I tend to get. While I am slightly crazed enough to own about 15 different foundations ranging in finishes and shades, I don't generally lug more than one when on vacation or in my beach bag for when I get ready to go out after being at the beach all day (usually in Santa Monica when spending the day with the boyfriend). That's why having a handy dandy loose bronzer is sooo perfect. You just press the button on the bottom once for a sheer wash of color, or you can layer if you want to bring out more color on the cheeks and forehead. The color isn't super orange  either and it give just the right amount of glow (no one realllllyyy wants to be super matte looking in Summer anyway, right?). I can tell you that the pressed version of this bronzer saved my life while on vacation in Hawaii when we spend all day lazing on the beach and when we got ready to go out for the night, I applied my foundation which matched PERFECTLY the day before, and I looked like I was wearing a beige mask. In just a few hours I baked like 4 shades darker. In a burst of panic, I grabbed my kabuki brush and my trusty Lancome bronzer and buffed away like I was in a race. A few layers later, I matched my body and it wasn't heavy or cakey. It was perfect. I'll never forget that evening and will always speak praises of this bronzer line!

Gloss in Love ($27.00 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

I'm pretty picky with my glosses (shocking, I know). I can't really stand overly stick ones and yet I don't really care for super liquid-y runny ones. Lancome glosses I have found are very light-weight and the ones featured in the Summer collection are just dreamy. First off, they both have sparkle. I forgot to mention I almost always go for the shimmery glosses before creamy ones. Scarlett Starlet is a brighter pinky-red that I think compliments a tan and brightens the face. Fizzy Rosie is a much lighter and softer peachy rose that does that opposite of Scarlett Starlet. While it still compliments a tan due to it's peach undertone, the paleness of it enhances that depth of a tan and just looks gorgeous on anyone. It's the perfect gloss to toss it in your bag use all Summer long.

Baume in Love ($26 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

There are four colors featured for the French Riviera collection. O Honey, Berry Crush, Peche Pout and Very Cherry. My favorite of the four is O Honey as it is a soft nude color that will work with anyone's skin tone. I do also really like Very Cherry as the Baume in Love line lipcolors are not super dense or heavily pigmented, which means they are also very wearable. Very Cherry gives a pop of color and moisture without worrying you will look like Courtney Love in her Hole days (if you don't know what the heck I am talking about...just Google it. I'm not THAT old...) Peche Pout is definitely for lighter skin tones as I think it could look a little cadaver like if you are rocking a deeper, warmer coloring. But it's still very pretty nonetheless. Now Berry Crush is gorgeous, but not for the weak of heart. As with any fashionable color, (Berry Crush is a tip of the hat to the color of the year, Radiant Orchid) it takes a certain confidence to pull it off. If you are going to wear this color, WEAR it! What's great about a shade like this is that you don't need to wear much makeup on the rest of the face. Some tinted moisturizer, mascara, bronzer and you are good to go!

Star Bronzer Palette ($42 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

As I stated earlier, I love me some pressed Star Bronzer. Well, imagine my shock (then subsequent excitement) when I saw that not one but TWO bronzers were showcased in Lancome's Summer Collection. The Star Bronzer Palettes features a delicious peachy/terracotta blush, a bronzer and and a golden peach highlighter. It's just gorgeous. The colors blend so well into the skin and create the ilusion of an amazing cheekbone (and if you already have amazing cheekbones, then well they will just look out of this world). What I love about the palettes is that while everything is very pigmented, the colors glide on soft and all glowy like. No high shimmer and no muddiness. I want to sleep with it under my pillow. Love it!

Vernis In Love ($15 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

I'm a big fan of Gel nail polish. I love the hi-shine and the wearability. I don't like that it weakens my nails and renders them useless for like a month after getting them removed. Why I really like Vernis in Love in general is because it's suupppeerrr shiny. It's like gel...but not. It doesn't ruin my nails and they last fairly well. There are three colors showcased for the French Riviera Collection: Golden Riviera, Marine Chic and Nuit D'Azure. My favorite of the three is Marine Chic. Blue is my favorite color and Marine Chic is like a deep sapphire that I could look into for hours. Golden Riviera is my second favorite (I think I've mentioned my love for all things glittery and shimmery before, no?) as it is a metallic gold. I wear the Marine Chic on every nail then on the ring finger I used Golden Riviera so I can be like all cool kids on Instagram with their fancy nails (pfftt... I wish...) but it looks amazing that way. Don't get me wrong I love Nuit D'Azure as well but it is a bit brighter and I feel like It looks better on the toes than on the hands. However, I see lots of gents and gals rocking bright colors on their hands so if you are one of those awesome people, then go for it!!

Le Stylo Waterproof ($27 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

So how cute is it that Lancome mimicked the colors of their nail polish with the Le Stylo Waterproof eyeliner colors?!? I love it when lines do that. If you have never tried Le Stylo Waterproof, shame on you (just kidding...maybe...) you are in for a pleasant surprise. With the exception of a few choice lines, I find that most waterproof crayon style liners are dry, chunky and tug unnecessarily on my delicate eye area. Not the case with Le Stylo Waterproof. They are creamy liners that glide on easily and once they set, really do last all day with little to no smudging. The colors offered in the collection are: Minuit, Marine Chic and Golden Riviera. Since I own about 10 different types of black eyeliner, Minuit is my favorite of the three. It's got even just a hint of deep navy blue but it's mostly black. Marine Chic is a brighter blue which I LOVE to pop in my waterline for fun (and when I don't have time to do something fancy with my eyeshadows). I wish that Golden Riviera had more glitter but for the average (normal) consumer, it's perfectly metallic-y and I feel probably the most versatile as you can use it on the upper lashline for a eye brightening effect, in the waterline for an eye widening effect, or on the lower lash line for a more sophisticated "I-know-how-to-do-fancy-eye-makeup-tricks" type of look. I suggest you grab all three. You will thank me later.

Color Design 6 Pan Palette in Azur Chic ($51 http://www.lancome-usa.com/ )

Ahhhh...the piece d' resistance of the entire collection. Ok, let me preface this entire review with the following statement: I have a major love with collecting eyeshadows. Especially palettes. It's kind of like makeup hoarding. I hoard eyeshadow palettes. 

Now that that's out of the way, let me tell you how much I heart this palette. Firstly, look at these colors!! So there are three metallic colors, two shimmery colors, and one matte shade. I've created soooo many looks with this palette. I'm a little confused with the shade names ( I would have named a couple of them differently...) so I will also describe the color along with the name in case I confuse you as well. The first shade on the top row is supposedly Navy Nautique (see??? Why would you put "Navy"in the name when color on the opposite side of the row is Navy?) It's a gorgeous metallic taupe shade that reminds me of silver that's been aged. I love wearing this on my lid with a damp (oh yes, did I mention you can use these wet too??) brush so that it looks like I have melted metal on my eyelid. The second color on the first row is called Blue L'Ete and is also metallic in quality. This shade is VERY much like Metallic Cobalt from Stila's Magnificent Metals Foil Finish Eye Shadow collection. I actually layer the two (because yes, ONE layer of metallic powder blue shadow with a sliver finish just isn't enough for me) and it's ammmmaaazzinggg! It's a color that looks SO good on brown eyed and blue eyed ladies. The last color on the top row is (I think?) Cote D'Azur. See what I mean about the names? It COULD be "The Blue Coast"....ugh. Anyways. The matte blue shade was a perfect choice in my opinion. I have used this shade to create a stacked smokey eye, I've used it as a smokey liner and I've used it to smoke out the lower lash line. It's just so versatile. 

On the second row, the first color is Sunset Eclat, a softly shimmery nude color. I pop this on my brow bone because it's not too shimmery and not at all matte. Looking at my palette it's also the most used color by far. Next to that is Citadelle which is a buttery golden yellow. It's so gorgeous! I've also used this just on the lid, in the tear duct and in the center of the lid when creating aforementioned stacked smokey eye look. I think it's the most versatile color because it's not too deep to use in the tear duct or the brow bone (if you wanted a base for a very bronzey eye) and with this shade a little does go a long way. Last, but certainly not least, is Cafe Creme. This is the perfect amount of warmth in a hazelnut-esque brown. It's not very deep or muddy in color. It's quite a bright brown. I love the fact that it's metallic. You could use it in the crease but I think it's best used on the lid or on the lower lash line. The only color I would have added to this palette was a matte transition shade (a la Swiss Chocolate from MAC) otherwise Lancome got it just right with this palette. C'est Magnifique! 

I hope you lovelies enjoyed my thorough review of the Lancome French Riviera Summer Collection. Look for my next post where I review (and show pictures of my eye!) the Too Faced A La Mode Eyeshadow Palette. 

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Rebecca Liceaga

Professional Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator, Entrepreneur and Avid Beauty Reviewer

Twitter:https://twitter.com/labeautyeditor

I know it's been forever since I posted last, but what's 8 months between friends? I promise I'll make it up to you ;)

Anyhoo, on to the fun stuff!

AG Hair Cosmetics Curl Trigger Curl Defining Spray $19.99



Spring is around the corner and soft, carefree, slightly messy beach-y curls are one of the hair trends of the season. AG's Curl Trigger is just the product to help control, define and enhance curly and wavy hair types.

Bonus: Can be used as a refresher spray if your hair gets a little limp throughout the day.

I personally really love the product as my hair can't decide if it's straight, wavy or curly. With Curl Trigger I get really pretty waves all over my hair and if I spray it on damp hair and then blow dry with a diffuser after, I get much more defined curls.

I compare this product to Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray, but I have to say that I like the way Curl Trigger smells much better.


Too Faced Romantic Eye Palette $35



I received this palette awhile ago but I've been using it on a weekly basis since. The minute I saw the colors I thought how perfect this palette is for wedding looks. Then I saw the shadow names and realized "oh...Too Faced meant this to be a bridal palette too..." :) With names like "I Do", "First Dance" and "Ever After" how could it not be? These colors are soft and feminine, perfect for Spring. My favorite look by far is the Classic look that combines a pale pink, a shimmery lilac and a deep eggplant with sheen to it.

For professional use, these seem fairly easy to depot and would be a great addition to a bridal palette. For personal use, these shadows are super pretty and easy to wear and blend. I also think these would be a cute bridesmaid gift too!

Mario Badescu Herbal Hydrating Serum $30



We all know and love Mario Badescu for his Drying Lotion. It's amazing! I really don't know why I overlooked the other gems in his line, but I got to try some out and my new favorite skin care treatment of the moment is Mario Badescu's Herbal Hydrating Serum.

Most of the serums I tried in the past were nice, but they usually left my skin feeling slightly tacky after initial application (the exception being Merle Norman's Energizing Concentrate, love that stuff!) which I personally can't stand. My rule of thumb is if I don't like the way it looks/feels/smells on myself, there is no way I am putting it in my kit and subjecting my clients to them. What's so cool about the Hydrating Serum is that it's a gel that is instantly absorbed by the skin and gives a cool, fresh and perfectly moist feeling. Love it!

Bonus: If you have oily skin, this can be used as your moisturizer

Tomorrow: Three more products reviewed by moi that I think you will really love!

Beach Bodies, Beach Sexy

I can definitely say Summer has officially arrived in Southern California! ( I know many other places across the nation have experienced this lovely weather for awhile, but it seems we have just ended the "June Gloom" cycle so it's sunny and HOT!)

Inevitably, the sultry warm weather brings with it shorter hemlines and cute strappy sandals. During the rest of the year, I tend to wear jeans religiously so it's no wonder that my legs are generally 5-6 shades lighter than the rest of me when I decide to break out the shorts. Not to fear, Victoria's Secret has created a line of bronzing lotions and powders that will make everyone think that I (and anyone else in the same boat) tan equally all over, year round.

My two favorites from the collection? Flawless Airbrush Instant Bronze Body Spray ($12) and Sun Dust Bronze Shimmer Body Powder ($12). The Airbrush Instant Bronze Body Spray has a heavenly smell that takes me to the white sandy beaches of Hawaii and it goes on light as a veil that doesn't leave a sticky residue. The color is also nice as it isn't your typical "oompa loompa" orange that many bronzing products sport. The Sun Dust Bronze Shimmer Body Powder is a cute touch to add on top of the Airbrush spray for a sexy shimmer that's perfect for a night out.

If you are looking for something to give your tan a little nudge without having to expose yourself to damaging UV rays, then you should definitely check these out! Guess what? VictoriasSecret.com has the entire Beach Sexy on sale for 2/$20, so go stock up!

Chiffon Magazine "Glisten" Issue

Take a look at the beauty product spotlight I wrote for this months issue of Chiffon Magazine. Definitely some yummy products that will get you glistening from head to toe!

www.chiffonmagazine.com

Urban Decay $5 Sale!

Get your favorites before they are gone!! Urban Decay is having a $5 sale on their Ultraglide Lipglosses, Loose Pigments and Smoke Out Eye Pencils.

When I last checked at about 12 pm this afternoon, all colors were still available (but who knows how long that will last).

I personally love the Ultraglide glosses, but since all of Urban Decay's products are fantastic, you should definitely check them all out!

Victoria's Secret Secret Moment's Fragrance and Bodycare Collection

Hello lovely readers!
So Spring is definitely in the air and I am ALL for that! I'm tired of the chilliness and can't wait for the sunshine to make a permanent appearance. That said, I also love the new makeup and body care collections that come out this time of year.

Starting now you can experience the romance that is the Victoria's Secret Secret Moment's collection. Consisting of five scents, you will be sure to find one to match your mood and your senses tingling. Here's the breakdown:




Girls' Night
-Pink Peony and Waterlily Notes
-A light and flirty scent, 100% girly

Island Escape
-Reminiscent of beaches and paradise, this scent has notes of fresh ocean air mixed with coconut and sugarcane
-Exotic and sheer, perfect to channel summertime

At First Sight
-A romantic, flowery scent of Violet and Bergamot
-Soft and feminine, just right for a date or evening event

Room 504
-Naughty and sensual with a sultry blend of Amber and Passionfruit notes.
-A sexy scent that's a go for a night in or an evening at the club.

Good Day Sunshine
-A fresh burst of Peach and Blue Freesia that awakens the senses
-Happiness in a bottle

I'm loving these scents and I know you will too!