The Lorac Unzipped Palette ($40) has been getting a lot of play as a smoother alternative to the Urban Decay Naked Palettes (1 and 2) ($50). Lorac has packed ten (10) warm and cool powder neutrals, together with a mini-primer, into a lovely, coordinated package.

Inside is a cardboard palette, together with the mini primer. Lorac’s is wider and shorter than Urban Decay’s:

Inside, ten (10) neutral shades that range from warm to cool, shimmery and matte, with a mirror in the lid:

Closer (click to enlarge). You can see the names better in this picture:

This palette is a great palette for a wide variety of looks. There’s a little girl in me that gets so excited to see a palette with this much choice, almost like opening a new box of crayons:

The top row has:

• Undercover: A gentle cream color highlighter (a near-matte)
• Unbelievable: A metallic bronze
• Unattainable: A shimmery metallic gold
• Unconditional: a matte malt color that makes a good base shade
• Unbridled: a cool brown with a subtle sheen

•  Undiscovered: A warm metallic gold
• Unreal:  A metalllic rose gold/peach
• Uncensored: A metallic brown
• Unspoken:  A soft matte brown
• Untamed: A shimmery pearly brown

All shades in one:

Personally, I gravitate to the warm metallic shades. However, Megan’s first look with the palette used mostly the cool and the more matte shades (I’ve linked other blogger’s looks with the palette, below):

Closeup on closed lids:

Like some other bloggers who’ve reviewed the palette, we experienced a little fallout with some of the shades. I found the fallout far less than Urban Decay Naked 1. Megan and I both liked Lorac’s primer. The mini that comes in the package comes in a little squeeze tube. Although it comes out a skin toned shade, it dries clear after about a minute on the lids:

Overall, I would prefer Lorac’s Unizipped over the Urban Decay Naked Palettes, which I find a little too metallic and with more fallout that I’m willing to put up with. I find Lorac’s more wearable for my taste. Other reviews of the Lorac Unzipped are here:

• A Little Beauty Luxury (which compares the palette with the Urban Decay Naked 1
• Karen’s at Makeup and Beauty Blog
• Janella at BoldnBeautiful Makeup
• Beauty Beginner, which has a really good close-up of the shimmery, metallic shades on her lids

Overall, a nice, versatile summer palette. Because it’s in cardboard, you would need to be careful about tossing this into a suitcase without protection. The eyeshadow quality was smooth, soft, and impressive. It’s a nice palette to gift, or to tuck into a drawer, at a comparatively low price point. Recommended, if you are in the market for some summer shimmer.

Lorac Unzipped Palette was sent to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review.

Le Metier de Beaute’s Shades of Short Hills Kaleidoscope Eyeshadow Palette ($95) is a boutique limited release, sold at the Saks Fifth Avenue Counter in Short Hills, New Jersey. I’ve never been to Short Hills (I ordered mine by calling a counter there), but if the town is anything like this palette, I could be very, very happy there.

Shades of Short Hills is in the typical travel-friendly, packable cylinder that holds four generous pans. The lid holds a flip-up mirror.

Shades of Short hills has three shimmery shades with diamond-type shimmers, and one cool matte neutral malt shade to balance the sparkling texture of the rest of the palette.

The first layer is a cool beige with very subtle shimmer:

This color is a nice inner-corner highlighter or perhaps touched just beneath the brow arch.

Level 2 is a matte light, cool “cafe latte” beige-brown:

The third shade is a warm shimmery red-brown that reminds me of a discontinued Chanel shade called Chahut:

The last shade is a black that looks like its sprinkled with white diamonds:

The overall impression is a warm, neutral look that allows some drama and depth with the lower two shades.

Swatches:

Megan did an eye using the third warm brown shade as a liner, and then mixing the other shades on her lid. This went a little bit toward mauve when the colors were mixed on her lids:

Here’s the impression for a full look. Here, Megan is wearing Guerlain Noir G mascara (sample), MAC Early Morning MIneralized Blush (limited edition) and Guerlain Shine Automatique Lipstick in Rose Pompon (#264)(review forthcoming).

Overall, Le Metier de Beaute is consistent with the rest of the Le Metier line. The shades are subtle, crowd-pleasing neutrals with a touch of shimmer. I really love the Level 3 warm brown shimmery shade, and the fact that either of the two deep shades can be used as a liner. These shades can be applied quite lightly and sheerly, or layered more heavily. These shades are worn over Lorac Eyesahdow primer (this primer was sent to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review/the Le Metier palette was purchased with my own hard-earned francs).

Yesterday, I posted my first review of an Omorovicza product, the Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask, where I discussed some of the line’s origins and philosophy. I’ve also been using Omorovicza Gold Flash Firming Serum ($215). This lightweight, nourishing product is intended as an anti-aging product that uses gold and other active ingredients to re-texture and repair skin. Here is some of the line’s background about the ingredients in the product:

• Gold, a powerful anti-inflammatory, repairs accumulated micro-damage to strengthen the skin.
• Polypeptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide and Caprooyl Tetrapeptide) to strengthen proteins such as collagen and elastin for renewed elasticity and vitality.
• Vitamin C (Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate) to enhance skin tone and helps reduce the appearance of age spots; which also boosts the synthesis of collagen and elastin to help restore elasticity.
• Watercress extract and zinc promote brighter, more even, skin by inhibiting the production of melanin.
• Sodium Hyaluronate provides long lasting hydration to the skin.
• The ingredients are delivered via Mineral Cosmetology, a patented mineral delivery system designed to leave skin firmer, more supple and younger-looking.

The Gold Flash Firming Serum is very light in texture, it applies easily (no pilling), and absorbs into my skin within a few seconds. Other than adding the subtlest sheen on the skin, the product is invisible and the soft powdery citrus scent (which is extremely pleasant) fades quickly. It leaves no “emollient” feeling on the skin, so all skin types can use the product.

As you likely know, serums are intended to provide a long term effect–they are intended to restore, improve, and repair. Although many add hydration, those with dry skin typically add a separate moisturizer (a serum is not a substitute, but a supplement, to a moisturizer).

After using Omorovicza Gold Flash Firming Serum for two weeks, I found that the texture of my skin improved. If I look closely at my skin in bright sunlight, I can see that the product does seem to have strengthened and repaired portions of my skin that I may have stressed out by testing some harsher products (there’s an area on my cheek and near the bottom of my eye that look visibly better) My face feels firmer, and the skin has a healthy glow.

Ingredient list (click to enlarge):

The serum is very gentle and lightweight, typically I put it on first, followed by moisturizer on drier skin days, then sunscreen over it. It goes on like a dream, really. Beautifully formulated, gorgeous product.

 Omorovicza Gold Flash Firming Serum was provided to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review.

There are some experiences that can only be described as “pure luxury.” To me, luxury means that the construction and experience of a product makes one feel transported. For skincare products, I add that they must provide me with noticeable beneficial effects. Omorovicza Deep Mineral Mask ($113) exceeds my criteria.

If you are not familiar with Omorovicza, the line was founded by Margaret and Stephen de Heinrich de Omorovicza, a couple who met in Budapest, Hungary. While the couple was relaxing at Budapest’s ancient thermal baths, they discovered an effect of the mineral-rich, healing waters had on their skin. Working with a Nobel-prize winning laboratory of dermatology, Omorovicza Cosmetics developed Mineral Cosmetology, a delivery system that takes advantage of the healing properties of the Budapest mineral and delivers it to maximize the beneficial effects on the skin. According to the line, “the skin’s collagen and elastin production is boosted and a tighter lipid matrix locks in vital moisture. A gradual healing of micro-damage promotes a stronger barrier function and greater antioxidant defence against free radicals.” As one who has looked at anti-aging skincare literature, this is music to my ears. As many of you know, the reason that a child’s skin looks so fresh and moisturized is the natural collagen is in its most perfect state. As we age, free radicals can cause damage to our skin cells and our natural collagen is no longer doing the same level of work. Wrinkles, creases, and lack of the plump, hydrated look of youth can be the result.

The most difficult challenge to finding a good mask treatment is whether the mask can cleanse without stripping natural moisture. I think some of us (before we knew better) used to get inexpensive mud masks that stress the skin. Sometimes we buy separate masks–one for cleansing, one of healing, maybe another for deep moisturizing. I’ve been fortunate enough to have travelled to some very high-end spas where the products used have been superb. Some of these facials are well over a hundred dollars for a single session, but the pampering and the quality of the results keep me coming back, and sometimes picking up the products in the spa shop to continue the treatments at home.

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask is the best cleansing mask that I’ve ever used. The mask is very soft and luxurious. It has a slightly minty/eucalyptus scent that is very refreshing. The feel and scent of the product transformed me to a luxury spa experience. Despite the natural sources of the ingredients, it feels very refined and not at all dry or gritty.

There was a bit of a tingling for the first five or so minutes of using the product, which is completely normal. I left the mask on for about 20 minutes. When I removed it (I used a washcloth), my skin felt completely clean and completely moisturized. The skin looked moisturized without leaving anything at all behind. It gave my skin a moisturized glow after the mask was removed entirely. I now understand that healing aspects of the line–although the product was extremely gentle, my skin felt greatly improved.

If you’d like to treat and rejuvenate your skin, Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask is a top shelf, best in class treatment. If you’d love to get the spa experience (and results) at home, it is well worth the investment.

The line is available at Neiman’s, Bergdorfs, and Sephora. For more about Omorovicza, see their website which also sells the products. (Note that Omorovicza’s Mother’s Day offer is still on the site–choose any three products and get 30% off. I believe this may be up until Sunday 5/20, but please contact the company for details.)

Here’s a very short video about the product:

Ingredient list (click to enlarge):

Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask was sent to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review. 

On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, Chanel held its Cruise 2012/13 show at the gardens at Versailles. Tents were added to the already manicured, rich setting:

The clothing played with the Marie Antoinette theme, the last queen to occupy this opulent palace:

Fitting for the cruise season, the fabrics were much more casual that the brocades worn in Marie Antoinette’s day. The looks were dramatically modernized, yet still echoed the grander era of the palace’s former days:

Some looks that turn Marie Antoinette’s era into modern, lightly worn lace and fabric:

A bathing suit and coverup:

I love this collar detail:

This skirt appears to have a gold train on the back, very rich. Note the shoes:

Another look, this with a plunging neckline fitted jacket and gorgeous bag:

As long as I’ve been following Chanel, they seem to consistently do denim in this very polished fabric (not like the long-wearing American denim, or even the more textured denims from Japan). Here, in capris:

For backstage, I’ve obtained this information from British Vogue:  After preparing skin with Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Serum, Philips created a mostly matte complexion –  contoured with the Mouche de Beaute Highlighting Powder from the new collection and bold Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Rose Pétale. Filled-in brows were paired with dramatic pink eyes created using a new Ombre Essentielle Soft Touch Eyeshadow in Rose Favorite, whilst lips were kept simple with a little Rouge Coco Shine Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Evasion.

The models wore heavy, arched brows. There was no new nail color this time around, all reports state that Chanel Le Vernis in Tendresse (currently available) was used. Philips also applied little “CC” beauty marks on the models.

These beauty marks are made from velvet. There are conflicting reports over whether they will be separately available for sale to the general public. My guess (and the more recent report) is “no.”

The complete list of makeup used:

• The Complexion VITALUMIERE Moisture-Rich Radiance Fluid Makeup SPF 15
• ECLAT LUMIERE Highlighting Face Pen
• CORRECTEUR PERFECTION Long Lasting Concealer
• POUDRE UNIVERSELLE LIBRE Natural Finish Loose Powder
• EXCLUSIVE CREATION MOUCHE DE BEAUTE – “Versailles de CHANEL” Collection (available December 2012)
• The Eyes LIMITED EDITION OMBRE ESSENTIELLE in Rose Favorite – “Versailles de CHANEL” Collection (available at specific point of sales in December 2012)
• LE CRAYON KHOL Intense Eye Pencil in Clair
• CRAYON SOURCILS Sculpting Eyebrow Pencil
• RECOURBE CILS DE CHANEL Precision Eyelash Curler
• The Cheeks JOUES CONTRASTE Powder Blush in Rose Pétale
• Little black velvet CHANEL logo specially created for the show (will not be sold)
• The Lips ROUGE COCO SHINE Hydrating Sheer Lipshine in Evasion
• The Nails LE VERNIS Nail Colour in Tendresse

The classic black bow made a re-appearance in this model’s hair:

It’s very hard to get a sense of the movement of these clothes from the still images. I’m including this little interview of Karl Lagerfeld about the show, so that you can see how lightly these are constructed (perfect for the cruise season).

Well, beauty lovers, what did we think? Did we love? Or did we love it not?

Le Metier de Beaute’s On the Coast Palette ($95) was a “don’t blink or you’ll miss it” release on Saks.com about two weeks ago. Because so many more wanted to purchase it, they company has promised to replenish the stock of the palette. Here is the former onsite link, although I don’t know for certain whether Saks will use the same page when the re-stocking occurs.

I’ve been reaching for this palette more days than not since it arrived. It’s extraordinarily easy to use. Typically, I use the lightest color as a lid wash (up to the crease), then choose either the second or third level to put into the cease. If I have a few more seconds, I’ll add the blue as a liner. Done. Polished. Shimmery. Pretty. Although you could easily layer these shades, I think they work quite well on their own, blended together.

The first layer is a shimmery beach sand color, a cool-toned beige that is quite close to my natural skin color:

The second layer is a shimmery taupe:

The third is a shimmery rich bronze:

The fourth layer is a medium shimmery blue:

First set of swatches:

Additional swatches:

Final set, very similar but just because:

Overall, this is a highly usable, high quality neutral palette. As you may recall, this palette was originally produced to commemorate the line’s addition to Saks.com, and I believe it serves that purpose well.  The colors are true crowd-pleasers, versatile, and will look good on a variety of skin-tones.

I almost didn’t post this review, because I know that some are unhappy that the palette was produced in a boutique quantity for national release. I have found the palette extremely useful, so I thought I’d go ahead (actually, I’m sort of in love with it). It’s a great everyday palette, true to its coastal theme (a vibrant purple-blue instead of the blue would have added an edge, but I’m not complaining. The blue is a gorgeous blue). Indeed, the colors are so friendly that some might check their Le Metier stash to see whether they might own some of these colors already. Having said that, I’m happy to pack my On the Coast with me on future trips. The versatility of this palette makes it well worth the tiny amount of space it’s going to occupy. Well done, Le Metier!!

]]> http://cafemakeup.com/2012/05/16/le-metier-de-beaute-on-the-coast-palette-swatch/feed/ 8 http://cafemakeup.com/2012/05/15/hourglass-no-28-primer-serum-review/ http://cafemakeup.com/2012/05/15/hourglass-no-28-primer-serum-review/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 18:50:43 +0000 Amy http://cafemakeup.com/?p=15594 [...]]]>

Hourglass Nº 28 Primer Serum ($65) is a best-in-class primer for dry skin. According to Hourglass, the “28″ in the name refers to the key ingredients in the primer, which includes 14 essential oils, 10 lipid-rich plant oils, and 4 vitamins. I’m no stranger to using rich and essential oils on my skin, having used Rodin’s legendary Olio Lusso for the past year whenever my skin feels dry and in need of nourishment. I’ve finally learned that even my combo-oily skin can benefit from the caring properties that well-chosen oils can bring.

Unlike Olio Lusso, Hourglass Nº 28 Primer Serum is a true primer intended to act as a hydrating base for foundation. In my opinion, the ideal user for this product has dry (or combo-to-dry) skin, and is concerned about anti-aging because the treatment properties are an important part of this treatment. The scent is light and pleasant, to my mind it seems like a slight floral with a touch of sandalwood. I find the scent far more pleasant and unobtrusive compared to Olio Lusso. I didn’t notice the scent after about 1/2 hour after application (and that’s being generous).

The product applies as a sheer liquid. With this product, you do not need very much to get a velvety base–I used at most three little droplets. It absorbs quickly. My liquid foundation applies like a dream over it, giving me a very smoothly textured base. I used Nars Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30++, as well as Burberry’s liquid and Chanel’s Perfection Lumiere.  These foundations lasted all day. I was surprised to find that my skin did not feel “oily” in any way–rather, the finish was more velvety. Truly a “best in class” primer.

Using so little, I can see that this bottle is going to last a very long time. Note that, according to Hourglass, the Nº 28 Primer Serum can be used as a night treatment and even to put on the ends of your hair as a conditioning treatment.

Some of you may be wondering how this compares to another of my favorite primer, Burberry Fresh Glow Luminious Fluid Base.  These really do serve two different purposes.  The Burberry is intended to add a glowy highlighter to the skin, but not to add any skincare properties. On the other hand, the Hourglass is completely sheer (no added glowy bits), but is intended to treat and moisturize. I really love both for different reasons, and I think you can see that those with dryer skin types (or those who live in dryer climates) are really going to love the moisturizing benefits of Hourglass Nº 28. And (because I know your wondering)–no breakouts from the Hourglass primer. Trust me, it’s always a concern.

Bottom line: Loved this best in class primer.

Ingredient list (from Sephora.com): Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Dimethiconol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Ceramide 3, Sphingolipids, Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) Oil, Rose Hips Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Sweet Almond (Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis) Oil, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Oil, Olive (Olea Europaea) Oil, Hazelnut (Corylus Americana) Oil, Borage (Borago Officinalis) Seed Oil, Kukui (Aleurites Moluccana) Nut Oil, Cherry (Prunus Avium) Pit Oil, Tocopherol, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Linoleate, Panthenyl Triacetate, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Ascorbic Acid, Octyldodecanol, Dioctyl Succinate, Peg-8, Tridecyl Stearate, Neopentyl Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Lithospermum Officinale Root Extract, Octyldodecyl Myristate, Citric Acid, Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia) Oil, Geranium (Geranium Maculatum) Oil, Rose Geranium (Pelargonium Roseum) Oil, Vanilla (Vanilla Planifolia) Oil, Clove (Eugenia Caryophyllus) Oil, Orange (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis) Peel Oil, Petitgrain (Citrus Reticulata) Oil, Amyris (Amyris Balsamifera) Oil, Benzoin Siam Absolute, Lemon (Citrus Medica Limonum) Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Oil, Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Leaf Oil, Bois De Rose (Aniba Rosaeodora) Oil, Cedar (Thuja Occidentalis) Leaf Oil, Ylang Ylang (Cananga Odorata) Oil.

Hourglass Nº 28 Primer Serum was sent to Cafe Makeup without charge for consideration for review.

Lately I’ve been using very emollient eye creams (ah, the joys of beauty blogging!) Guess what’s in emollient eye creams? You guessed it–oil! Guess the best way to remove mascara (even waterproof mascara)? You guessed it again–oil!  The combination of an oily moisturizer and mascara is a recipe for disaster because you are wearing the mascara and a removing agent at the same time. Some eye creams gave me raccoon eyes as early as 10 a.m. Not a good situation, trust me. I decided to skip right over waterproof formulations and go the distance. I  checked out a fiber mascara.

Because I wasn’t sure that I’d like this type, I made a minimal investment of $8-9 at a drugstore to try out L’Oreal’s Voluminous False Lashes. I thought that if this worked well, I could go for some of the fiber mascara’s sold at Sephora (see here and here) and perhaps on some of the Asian makeup sites.

So, what’s the deal with fiber mascaras?

• Your lashes are coated in little fibers like this (from the L’Oreal package):

• Fiber mascaras tend to be super-waterproof  (although very hard to remove)
• Some are said to give a more dramatic effect

For the L’Oreal, I found that the claim of super-waterproofness was solid. I was able to put drops into my eyes without any problem whatsoever. Even the most emollient eye cream did not create any smudging. These are truly all-day lashes.

As mascaras go, I found that the L’Oreal fiber was respectable but not the most dramatic or volumizing that I’ve ever used. It has a dry texture. The first coat is devastatingly natural looking (if you want a natural look, you won’t be quite as crushed). I usually built up using three coats toward a pretty good everyday eye. It’s no Armani or Guerlain. But it is absolutely smudge-free.

As is common with this type of mascara, removal is a challenge. I used the Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover from Target ($10). I soaked a cotton pad with the remover, held it over my closed eye for about 20 seconds, and then the mascara came off easily by gently sweeping the cotton pad over the mascara. I found that this remover worked better for me than my traditional Shu cleansing oil.

The Sonia Kashuk smells has a vague rubbery smell. You know the smell that Barbie heads have, when they’re new? It’s unavoidable, think back. Yeah, pretty much that same smell. I may switch to the Lancome Bi Facil Eye Makeup Remover when the Sonia Kashuk runs out.

Thanks for reading about my little fiber mascara adventure. I’m going to use up a few more of my standard mascaras, then likely try another fiber brand from Sephora later this year. And invest in the Lancome remover.

Summer 2012 promises to be the summer of bright nails. Pictured here (top to bottom):

• Deborah Lippmann ‘Run the World (Girls)’ Neon Mini Nail Lacquer Set ($45/ currently at Nordstrom)
• Essie Poppy-Razzi Collection for Summer 2012 ($8 each)
• Thakoon for Nars ($18 each, now available on Nars website) (Lal Mirchi is only available online and at the 413 Bleecker Street Boutique)
• Le Metier de Beaute Ressort ($18, on Neiman’s website and elsewhere)
• China Glaze Summer Neon ($7 each retail/ available June 2012)
• Dior Summer Mix (available Summer 2012)
• Color Club Take Wing Collection (around $3 each, available now). Swatches on Scrangie’s blog.
• Zoya Beach Collection ($8 each/$48 for the entire set). Available now on Zoya.com.

They all look so good–it’s going to be so hard to choose!  Will you get into the bright citrus trend?