Sisley Paris: Urban Garden Autumn / Winter 2010-2011 Make-up Look

Yay!  I just got my first Sisley Paris newsletter!  They are coming out with their Autumn / Winter looks and they are so nice!  I really want to buy some Sisley cosmetics but knowing how expensive they are, I may try to find cheaper dupes.  As a point of reference, I believe Sisley skincare products is at least, if not more, as expensive as the La Mer skincare products.

Here are some of the looks they created.  I have linked the makeup tutorials under each picture, just click on the name of the look.

This look is by far my favorite because it's so simple and I would wear this look every day of winter if possible.  This look is called Winter Casual and was created using the following:

Eyes:

Phyto Kohl Star in Dark Amethyst 07

Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow in Dune 3

Phyto Mascara Ultra FaCil in Black 1

Phyto Sourcils Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Cappuccino 

Lips:

Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Toffee 10

Phyto Levres Gloss in The Glace 01

Blush:

Phyto Blush Eclat in Peach Duo 1

***

This is my second favorite.  It is called Fall Casual.  This look uses the same technique as in Winter Casual.

Eyes:

Phyto Kohl Star in Dark Amethyst 07

Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow in Jungle 6

Phyto Mascara Ultra FaCil in Black 1

Phyto Sourcils Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Cappuccino 

Lips:

Phyto Lip Shine in Sheer Toffee 10

Phyto Levres Gloss in The Glace 01

Blush:

Phyto Blush Eclat in Peach Duo 1

***

This look is called Fall Evening.

Eyes:

Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow in Jungle 6

Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow in Black Diamond

Phyto Kohl Star in Black Diamond 01

Sisley Touch in Copper Touch

Phyto Mascara Ultra Volume in So Black

Phyto Sourcils Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Cappuccino 

Lips:

Phyto Levres Gloss in The Glace 01

Blush:

Phyto Blush Eclat in Peach Duo 1

***

This look is called Winter Evening.

Eyes:

Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow in Midnight Blue 15

Phyto Ombre Eclat Eyeshadow in Black Diamond

Phyto Kohl Star in Dark Amethyst 07

Sisley Touch in Copper Touch

Phyto Mascara Ultra Volume in So Black

Phyto Sourcils Perfect Eyebrow Pencil in Cappuccino 

Lips:

Phyto Levres Gloss in The Glace 01

Blush:

Phyto Blush Eclat in Peach Duo 1

I'm pretty sure the model would be wearing some base makeup and powder.  Part of the Urban Garden collection is this Instant Perfect primer? Concealer?  See the product and read about it here.  It doesn't have a color selection, so I must assume that this is clear.  But it says it highlights the eyes... sooo????

What I love about all these looks is how simple they are.  There aren't all that many complicated steps to looking glamorous and chic.  I'd definitely wear these looks on date nights!

MAC, my small collection

I used my MAC liquid foundation (Select SPF 15 Foundation, NC30... is mine Studio Fix? I don't know, the bottle doesn't say) today because I felt it was too dry to use a powder foundation.  The weather changed so quickly!  It seemed that I was crying about the heat and humidity only last week; however it is now cool and dry.  Anyways, I thought that since I still have some MAC liquid foundation, I might as well get around to having an "overview" post about the very few MAC products I own.  I'm going to include some personal opinions as well.

I have stated before that I'm not very fond of the MAC liquid foundations.  I believe these are too yellow-toned even for people with yellow undertones.  I was watching a bridal tutorial on youtube a while ago.  The artist (Pixiwoo from the UK) used a MAC foundation and she ended up looking yellow.  I mean, her makeup was still beautiful, but her skin tone changed.  I've noticed the same thing happening with me.  Additionally, my particular foundation oxidizes and dries to a matte finish very quickly, so I need to be very fast with application.  In terms of matteness and coverage, this foundation is really very good.  However, I just feel so ambivalent about this foundation, as if I could probably find a better product out there that wouldn't turn me yellower.

In my last posting regarding MAC (blush in Cubic, satin), I stated that I am not too impressed with the brand except to say that they're marketing genius in that they've created a universal color matching system.  Well, I must take back my thoughts on the blush.  The more I use it the more I like it.  The blush color does seem more mature to me because it's a deeper color and not something girly pink, like some other blushes I've seen.  As the weather turns cooler and drier, and my skin grows paler, I believe this blush color becomes more flattering on me.  So, my conclusion is that this blush is better suited for the Autumn and Winter seasons.

The eyeshadows I bought in April of 2008.  The lady at the counter helped me choose these because I wanted something natural for my presentation.  A friend helped the lady choose the eyeshadow in Rice Paper (frost) for my highlight.  I really like Rice Paper!  The texture is smooth (mine looks crappy because I dropped it and it broke and I tried to repress it) and it gives a nice satin finish.  Unfortunately, when I wear this in the summer when I'm at my oiliest, it looks too shiny by the 5th hour.

The pink eyeshadow (Sweet Lust, lustre) is actually quite nice.  It's difficult to see when I have it on (that's natural for ya!) but recently I've started to use it as a highlight color.  I believe that maybe using a soft eyeshadow brush is not the best tool for this eyeshadow because the color is too frosty and the shimmers don't adhere to my skin or the brush hairs.  Thus, I get a bit of fallout on my eyelids.

These brushes I also bought in April of 2008.  The angled blush brush / contouring brush (# 168) has been a staple for either face powder or more recently blushes.  It's nice and soft, I like it.  The eyeshadow brush (# 239)is nice, but for some reason, I don't really use it much.  I don't know why.  haha..

Kate Contrasting Eyes / Visiting Mr. P's sister in October

This is an FOTD and demonstration of blue eyeshadow on my skin.  I've never believed I could pull off a blue eyeshadow, but this is actually better than okay.  I'm please to note that I don't look like I've been punched in the eye.  Hahaha!

This is the final look, plus hair all done.  Apparently, I underestimated the 300+ mile drive to Mr. P's sister because I didn't feel as fresh I look in this picture.  

Product Review: Jill Stuart Powder Foundation SPF 15 PA++

I am reviewing the Jill Stuart Powder Foundation SPF 15 PA++ in 103 today because I've really put this foundation through a rough test.  Essentially, I wore this to go see Mr. P's sister in Louisiana.  Her home is roughly 340 miles away, which is a 4.5, 5. or 6 hours drive depending on your speed, the frequency of pit stops, etc.  Because this was a round trip, I have spent 11.5 hours of my weekend driving.

Jill Stuart is a brand of cosmetics that is available only in Asia (hence the reason I say Asia has the best variety of great products).  Apparently, in terms of powder foundation, Jill Stuart offers THE Powder Foundation, as well as a Smooth Silk Powder Foundation, and Moist Silk Powder Foundation.  I believe the sample I have is of THE Powder Foundation.  This brand's website is not obvious in the first Google search, so here is the link.

I only have a sample that Sue Lynn sent me a while ago, but I'm sure it has not lost any of its efficacy.  Also, the reason why I bring up the sample bit is that the packaging of my product is not the same as the full sized product.  So, judging by the picture above and by the opinions of other beauty gurus, Jill Stuart has a keen focus on quality of product AND packaging.

Anyways...  On to my review!

What I really like about this powder foundation is that it comes in compact form.  Unlike bareMinerals, this powder foundation is easy to carry around and travel with.  We all have our own preferred methods of application, but what I like about Jill Stuart's Powder Foundation over bareMinerals' Matte Foundation is that JS's comes with an application sponge.  This means that for travel, on the go touch ups, convenience, JS has one up over the others.  

Unlike cream-to-powder foundation, the Jill Stuart Powder Foundation is a real powder with excellent coverage.  I wouldn't say it is full coverage, but it is definitely a medium coverage or above.  In my experience, cream-to-powder foundation has the potential to become very cakey because it is easy to over apply.  I suppose that there is the potential for every foundation to be over applied, but I can't see how anyone could make the mistake of applying too much of JS's Powder Foundation.  If the coverage doesn't give it away, then the matte finish would give you the idea that there is foundation there.

And unlike liquid foundations, the benefit of this powder foundation is that because it already is a powder, you don't need to dust it off with a finishing powder.  

I applied this over the highest parts of my cheekbones, forehead, nose, and chin because in the pan it looks like it has some sparkles.  It's not full out glitter, but it definitely doesn't look like it would be matte on the skin.  However, when you do apply it to the skin, it goes on matte and sets to a satin finish so you get a nice fresh and dewey glow.  On my cheekbones, this is okay.  On my T-zone, this is not okay.  Jill Stuart's powder foundation does not absorb oil as well as my Physician's Formula pressed powders.

Regarding texture, I really like this powder foundation's texture.  It's powder, as I've stated, but the texture is very smooth.  I suppose the only way I can describe it is that it's a powder that is creamy on the skin.  It doesn't feel drying like some powders can feel when you first apply it.  And, although it is not recommended to touch your face after putting on your makeup, the skin feels a lot smoother where I have applied the powder foundation.  

How did it last on the drive to and from Louisiana?  Excellent.  Other than for shine in the T-zone, which is a problem created by my overactive sebaceous glands, the powder foundation lasts a long time.  In fact, I have gone through a couple of blottings now and my skin stills looks fresh and even-toned as when I first applied it.  

How do I rate this?  In terms of "very highly," "it's okay," or "I'll use it up and not buy it again," I'll rate this very highly.  I think that I will do my best to keep this in mind for my next batch purchase of cosmetics.  ^_^

I'll link my FOTD here for Jill Stuart Powder Foundation reference.

That's it!

Shiseido The Skincare

I'm continuing with the Shiseido products and product lines that I've used.  I really am quite surprised, given the amount of products I've used from this company, that the brand isn't something that I consider a Holy Grail.

I think I should not use the term Holy Grail anymore.  Medieval history is so violent with death over the meaning and symbolism of THE Holy Grail that it seems diminutive to use "Holy Grail" to talk about a beloved beauty/cosmetic item.  ... ...  Maybe this is my Medieval Studies kicking in, refusing to be forgot through the passing of Time?  ...  ...

Okay, random thought aside, Shiseido's products and product lines are really good.  They are geared toward different "ages" of skin.  The Skincare - I'm basing this off of information I've gleaned over the years - is targeted for working women who would be in the prime of their lives.

This is a quick overview of some of the products from The Skincare product line.  I may add my thoughts, but keep in mind please that this is not a review.

Cleanser

Purifying Cleansing Foam, 125 ml

A refreshing deep cleansing foam, with purifying granules, that effectively removes makeup and dulling impurities while retaining essential moisture.

･Contains purifying granules with a gentle exfoliating effect.

I probably used this before my skin's age was mature enough to use this product (before 24 years old), but I always appreciate a cleanser that says "purifying" on it.  At the time, I was still going through acne breakouts so anything that "purified" my skin was great.  

The Skincare line also has a Cleansing Massage Brush that is really soft and comfortable and everything nice, but I was too cheap to buy that.  That decision was to my detriment.  I still dream about it!

Softener

Hydro-Balancing Softener, 150 ml

A gentle, alcohol-free lotion that instantly softens and rehydrates the skin for enhanced suppleness.

Moisturizer

Multi-Energizing Cream, 50ml

A luxurious restorative beauty treatment cream formulated with a complex of vitamins to intensively nourish, energize, and fortify skin in its fight against environmental stress and the visible signs of aging.

Excellent for all skin types, especially skin suffering from dehydration, dullness, or fatigue.

･Contains xylitol-enriched Phyto-Vitalizing Factor, a high-performance moisturizing and retexturizing agent that effectively softens fine lines and brings a noticeably younger look to skin.

I think the reason why The Skincare line didn't make a great impression with me was that I didn't realize that I had chosen the wrong type of moisturizer for myself.  I bought this because it said it would energize and nourish my skin...BUT it was way too rich for me to use every day and night.  When I think back on it, I probably should have just used it at night, but I was 22 back then and what did I know of skincare?  The Internet and YouTube was fairly new and not as informative as it is now.


Treatment 

Purifying Mask, 75 ml


A creamy, rinse-off facial mask formulated with Marine Mineral Clay to absorb dulling surface sebum and impurities and leave skin visibly refined and refreshed. Reveals radiant new skin for a more youthful look.

･Contains a unique combination of highly-porous Marine Mineral Clay, kaolin, and powder ingredients to absorb surface sebum and impurities and minimize the appearance of pores.


I don't remember much how the mask made my skin look and feel after using it but I remember I really LOVED this mask and I was VERY SAD when I ran out of it.  I think this is the one item from this line that I would go out and buy just to do a review of it.  Hahaha!

Protective Lip Conditioner SPF 10, 4g


A daily-care treatment that helps preserve the youthful appearance of lips through concentrated moisturizing and smoothing benefits and effective protection against UVA/UVB rays.

･Developed with exclusive Shiseido powder technology to give immediate visible improvement to lip radiance and tone.


I really liked the packaging.  It was metal, sturdy, and felt luxurious - the packaging, I mean.  With regards to the lip conditioner itself, I thought it was over priced, even if it did have SPF.  I think I paid $16 + tax.  If I had thought of it before, I would have saved the tube and inserted regular chap stick.  Ah, well, in my older age, I'm allergic to chap stick, so I have no idea what I'd use now.

Okay, this concludes this mini overview of The Skincare.  Looking through the website to get these blurbs and info, I really want to re-try some of these products and also pick up a few new items along the way.  Haha.  But I can't.  I need to get to 100 miles ran.

^_^