Me voilà cher readers – I haven’t posted for a while because I’ve been in transit (considering the time of my last post, one might think I had come to Europe by slow boat), but I am back in the city of beauty and light and eager as ever to bring you looks, reviews, and ideas.

In the meantime, while flipping through my favorite guilty pleasure metro magazine, Grazia, I happened upon this little gem:

Le Bain de Wharton

This lovely bottle that looks like it came straight from the shelves of an ancient apothecary, these bath salts were inspired by the wonderfully luxurious world of Edith Wharton and her biting take on late XIXè century high society in New York. Made with salts from the Guérande marshes on the western coast of France and floral honey, this seems like an extravagant way to unwind after a long flight, or a long day. I can imagine myself inhaling the divine aroma in my bath whilst reading “The Custom of the Country”…..

Edith Wharton

The company, Jardins D’écrivains (the gardens of writers) has a number of products, each one inspired by the gardens of iconic writers in far flung locations – from Casanova in Venice to Kipling in Bombay. The range, manufactured artisanally in Paris, includes candles as well as bath products.

Le Bain de Wharton, 40 Euros: Jardins D’écrivains

Les Merveilleuses de Ladurée Summer 2012

Their first collaboration with Japanese makeup brand Albion proved to be a huge success with it’s delicately gorgeous packaging and feminine aesthetic.

Now, Ladurée has launched their Summer 2012 collection, with a range of eyeshadow palettes in “picnic in a garden” inspired shades, eyebrow palettes, and lip balms.

Laduree Summer 2012 Collection

Laduree Summer 2012 Collection – Eyeshadow

Laduree Summer 2012 Collection – Eyebrows

Laduree Summer 2012 Collection – Lip Balms

 

While the collection is technically only available in Japan, us unfortunate souls in the rest of the world can order the collection on ichibankao …. for a 30% markup.

My wallet will loathe me, but how could I ever possibly resist such gorgeousness? And before you ask, yes, I am a glutton for pretty packaging.

 

images via: http://www.chasingelixir.com/les-merveilleuses-de-laduree-summer-2012-collection/

Spring is… Springing?

Consider this a ‘bonus’ post – short and sweet, and I even bought candy just for the photos!

I imagine we’re all comfortably ready for spring, especially after this terrible Siberian winter in Europe, so what is more printemps appropriate than a lovely, dusty mint green, reminiscent of the signature ‘almond green’ of Ladurée and their macarons?

Wet n' Wild's 'I Need a Refreshment' with Essie's 'Set in Stones' on Ring Finger

Wet n' Wild's 'I Need a Refreshment' with Essie's 'Set in Stones' on Ring Finger

I picked up this Wet n’ Wild (I know, I know) megalast nail polish for next to nothing (about $1.99 USD) and loved how it was both mint and muted at the same time. While I love blue and green shades on my skin, this shade, ‘I Need a Refresh-Mint’ is easier to wear than my beloved Chanel Vernis in Nouvelle Vague, or MAC‘s Peppermint Patty Pink. While I won’t review this polish, it was worth the nearly nothing I paid for it, dries relatively quickly, and I am just in love with the color.

Wet n' Wild's 'I Need a Refreshment' with Essie's 'Set in Stones' on Ring Finger

On my ring finger, I jazzed things up a bit with one of Essie Polish’s new Luxe Effects Topcoats in ‘Set in Stones‘, a clear topcoat studded with both silver micro glitter and larger circular pieces of glittering silver sequins, giving a ‘jewellery’ effect to the nails.

Speaking of  Ladurée, have you seen their incredible makeup line that launched earlier this year in Japan? It won’t be hitting US or European shores until next year, but this collaboration with Albion, called Les Merveilleuses, looks good enough to eat – or to die for. Included in the collection is this incredible blush, housed inside a porcelain egg, with the color in rose petal shapes. Simply stunning! There is also a full range including a cameo blush, lip color and gloss, etc. The range will apparently be available on ichibankao.com, which ships hard to find Japanese brands to the US.

Laduree's x Albion, Les Merveilleuses Makeup Collection

Paperself Lashes

You may have seen Paperself lashes stocked in your local Sephora, but did you know that the company makes everything from lighting installations to furniture? The company was founded in London by an ingenious designer named Chunwei Liao, who seeks to create objects that combine the functional with the aesthetic, all with a green, eco-conscious bent. Before they made their big 2011 launch of their lashes at Sephora, they had been picked up by UK online mall, ASOS.com. I had ordered a pair of these lashes nearly 2 years ago, when they were still incredibly expensive and experimental, a little known brand who’s concept I enjoyed greatly.

Now, it seems, they’ve hit the big time, but the concept of their lashes has stayed the same – false lashes made of recycled paper, laser cut into delicate designs bearing Chinese symbolism. Recently selling for $19 USD a pair at Sephora US, I was pretty psyched to find them on sale for $9 each. I picked up two pairs – the Peacock lashes, for “auspicious and lucky days”, and the “under the Sea – Secret Treasures” lashes, a collaboration with female DJ collective, The Broken Hearts.

The photos really speak for themselves (and I haven’t had a chance to wear them yet). The lash strips are long and delicate, and do require a great deal of care removing them from the package, which is itself made of beautifully delicate origami paper, embossed in silver or gold. I love the concept so much that I might have bought these even if they were $59 a pair, not $9…. but while they’re on sale, you might as well jump at the chance.

Currently at Sephora.com

Paperself

Dior’s Garden Clutch Palette – Granville Garden

I’ve finally obtained the object of my cosmetic lust…. Dior’s Garden Clutch palette for Spring 2012.

As I mentioned in my post when the collection for Spring was announced, this is the first time in many years I’ve been excited about a Dior product, and this palette doesn’t disappoint.

The palette is beautifully crafted but smaller than I expected – slightly larger than my hand – though somehow that adds to the charm, as everything is in perfect, miniature detail. If you’re looking for something more feminine you’d be hard pressed to find it! The small clutch is covered in pink woven leather, with a silver Dior plaque and a sculpted silver rose closure. The small tag attached to this product, marked with Dior’s Parisian address gives this palette the feel of a piece of couture, a Dior bauble or a Dior handbag, and one has the impression of holding something rare in their hands.

Inside the palette are three eyeshadows and two glosses. On the left are the shadows, embossed with roses, the recurring theme for the Garden Party collection (the two eyeshadow quads are embossed with the same). The colors are a medium cool toned shimmering brown, a cool silvered pink and a sparkling mint, that applies more shimmering white than green. The shadows are very sheer but rich and apply smoothly, and full of sparkles. For those who enjoy matte eyeshadows, these are not for you. I was expecting to love the mint color (on the right) the most, but found myself drawn to the pink, which is complex and beautiful, looking alternately smokey silver, alternately cool pink.

On the right side of the palette, housed under a small silver ‘door’, are two glosses; on the left, a sheer pinked apricot and on the right, a lip plumper that looks bright pink but applies sheer with only a slight hint of color, giving a lovely sheen to the lips. The palette also contains a dual applicator, with a sponge tip for eyeshadow on one side and a lip brush on the other. Though the applicator is silver metal, I was disappointed with the sponge tip side, which I think cheapens the rest of the palette – Dior could easily have included a real eyeshadow brush with this luxury palette.

Natural Light, with 3 eyeshadows on left, 2 lipglosses on right

Swatched Indoors with flash, with 3 eyeshadows on left, 2 glosses on right

While the quality of the shades in this palette are beautiful, they are very sheer, which is appropriate for a spring color collection. I, like many who purchased this palette, however, feel that this is more collector’s item than anything else – I’m hesitant to use something so beautiful ! It’s a pleasure to see the craftsmanship of the house of Dior so expertly combined with their cosmetics, as it feels special, and personal. I’m so elated with this purchase, which with it’s pretty pastels, seems to harken to sunnier days in this very cold month of January.

The Garden Clutch palette is also available in Milly Garden, which includes shades of silver shadow. The availability depends on the retailer – mine was purchased at Neiman Marcus, for $75 USD.

Dior USA

Natural Light, with 3 eyeshadows on left, 2 lipglosses on right

Swatched Indoors with flash, with 3 eyeshadows on left, 2 glosses on right

Serge Lutens Sneak Peek !

Earlier this week I had the opportunity to take an exclusive look at the Serge Lutens boutique in Paris’ Palais Royal gardens. While I’m working on my review of the experience, I thought I’d share with you a sneak peek of the colors of their Fard à Levres from their ultra luxurious Beauty Essentials range:

From left: Mise à Mort, Roman Rouge, Pourpre Maure, Or Frêle, Rose des Glaces, Mauve de Swann, Votre Sienne, Compliment Beige, Couvre Feu, Garde Rose

From left: Mise à Mort, Roman Rouge, Pourpre Maure, Or Frêle, Rose des Glaces, Mauve de Swann, Votre Sienne, Compliment Beige, Couvre Feu, Garde Rose

From left: Mise à Mort, Roman Rouge, Pourpre Maure, Or Frêle, Rose des Glaces, Mauve de Swann, Votre Sienne, Compliment Beige, Couvre Feu, Garde Rose

Descriptions of the shades (all are opaque unless stated otherwise):

Mise à Mort (No. 1) is a true, matte, long wearing red, close to the color of blood. Mr. Lutens was said to have been inspired by the muleta used by Spanish bullfighters.

Roman Rouge (No. 2) is a slightly browned wine red in the pan, with distinct blue undertones, that pulls somewhat berry when on skin.

Pourpre Maure (No. 3) is a purpled wine color, not quite vamp dark but not quite bordeaux either.

Or Frêle (No. 4) is a very sheer gold with microscopic shimmer. This appears more glossy than lipstick – I would use it to layer over the other, more opaque shades.

Rose des Glaces (No. 5) is the sheer pink answer to Or Frêle – this reminds me a great deal of NARS‘ discontinued color, Sabrina.

Mauve de Swann (No. 6) is an elegant, feminine mauve with distinctly cool undertones. Application is somewhat sheer.

Votre Sienne (No. 7), inspired by the red of the Tuscan city of Sienna, is a brick, orange – red.

Compliment Beige (No. 8 ) is a slightly sheer, neutral nude ‘flesh tone’. Application is not as smooth as the other shades, but this can be layered for more opaque color.

Couvre Feu (No. 9) is a cool toned deep wine, that is somewhat similar to Roman Rouge, but deeper.

Garde Rose (No. 10) is a bold, hot pink ( neither cool, nor warm), reminiscent of Elsa Schiaparelli’s signature color.

These were wonderfully hydrating and long wearing – I tested Mise à Mort on Monday and got a solid 7 hours of wear (including through dinner) before any significant fading. My lips felt hydrated and almost as though I had nothing on – despite the nearly matte texture, these weren’t drying in the least.

The Fard à Levres (which is rechargeable) retails for 75USD and is available for purchase in the US at Barney’s New York.

I’ll be posting more about the Beauty Essentials line from Serge Lutens later this week, as well as the rest of the story of my visit to the boutique. Please stay tuned !

P.S. I also received several fragrance samples, and couldn’t help taking a photo of this adorable mini bottle of Féminité du Bois !

Féminité du Bois from Serge Lutens

Object of Desire – Dior’s Taillieur Bar Eyeshadow Palette

This isn’t exactly a new product, but it certainly is a tempting one. If you, like me, are attracted by anything vintage, and anything Paris, this might be a great collector’s item for you:

This actually popped up in my inbox today via MyLittleParis ! Presenting the Tailleur Bar, Dior‘s 5 color eyeshadow palette immortalizing the work of Réné Gruau, Christian Dior’s favorite fashion illustrator. His iconic illustration of the Bar Suit, from the legendary 1947 ‘New Look’ Dior fashion show, is immortalized in this palette and in his fetish colors – Anthracite Black, ‘Sighing Gray’, and ‘Happiness’ Pink.

At 82,50 euros, this little compact is a splurge, but certainly a collector’s item for fans of both Christian Dior and Rene Gruau.

Available on the Dior website:

www.dior.com

Dior Spring 2012 Garden Party Makeup Collection

As you may have realized by now from reading my blog, I’m a sucker for pretty packaging. I am capable of buying makeup palettes and products in shades and formulas that wouldn’t suit me in a million years if it’s housed in an attractive package.

You may also know that I’m not terribly fond of Dior cosmetics, and I feel their recent collections have been… well.. less than exciting (Holiday 2011, anyone?).

So it was with surprise and a great deal of excitement that I spied the photos for Dior‘s Spring 2012 Garden Party collection on one of my favorite beauty blogs.

Dior Garden Clutch

Granville Garden (mint/peach)

Milly Garden (silvers/pinks)

Dior 5 Couleurs Palette Garden Edition

Dior 5 Couleurs Palette Garden Edition

Dior Vernis Garden Party, apparently with a rose scent

Dior Rosy Glow, which changes color depending on body heat to create an individual flush

Dior Ultra Addict Gloss in 3 new shades

 

The shades are beautiful and the packaging is delectable – captures the essence of spring prettiness, that moment when all you want is a pair of espadrilles and a pastel sundress, perfectly.

While some of the shades in particular look like many of the other spring collections (the nail polish looks like Lancôme’s Spring 2012 nail polish, as well as the green toned 5 color eyeshadow palette). The embossing, also, seems to be a spring trend – showing up in blushes everywhere from Lancôme to Laura Mercier to Anna Sui. However, the heat activated blush and the rose scented nail polish are interesting formula ideas, something Dior has been lacking in for years – I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve been excited about Dior makeup since Dior Show hit the market. I’m especially excited about the Garden Clutch – hello, tulip click closure !

I would, however, liked to have seen a lipstick range from this collection. Lipstick is making a HUGE comeback, and I loved the  poppy lips shown on the runway at the S/S 2012 show:

Photo Courtesy Harper's Bazaar

What do you think? Are you excited about this collection?

Source: www.musingsofamuse.com/2011/10/dior-garden-party-makeup-collection-for-spring-2012.html

Objects of Desire

NARS Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set

nordstrom.com

Cire Trudon Marie Antoinette Candle

www.ombresportees.fr

Wheels & DollBaby Picnic Dress

www.wheelsanddollbaby.com

Nail Rock Half Moon Nail Wraps

www.asos.com

Taschen's Paris

www.taschen.com

TopShop Quilted Velvet Platforms

www.topshop.com

Bobbi Brown Holiday Eye Palette

www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com

Costes Parfum

www.hotelcostes.com/

 

 

 

Exciting Updates on the Nars Holiday 2011 Collection

Last week I hurriedly and excitedly posted about Nars‘ new holiday 2011 collection, featuring a revamped version of last year’s Bento Box lip paints.

Now, as of yesterday, Nordstrom is carrying the entire collection in the US – great news for beauty mavens across the pond, as it was first reported that the pots of lip color would only be available at the counters of the Bon Marché in Paris.

Taken directly from Nordstrom’s website, here is a detailed description of each set in the collection:

1. NARS Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set ($125)
NARS captures the drama and beauty of the kabuki lip in this exquisite coffret, named for the graceful, feminine dance of kabuki theater. Takebue, Ougi and Botan, three richly saturated shades, are accompanied by an elegant hand-spun wisteria-wrapped kabuki lip brush. A keepsake wooden bento box encases this specialty limited edition item.

Kudoki Kabuki Lip Set

2. NARS Hanamichi Kabuki Eyeshadow Palette  ($65)
NARS interprets the dramatic Kabuki eye with a modern and magnificent palette of high-impact, richly saturated hues for highlighting, shading and lining the eye. Accompanied by a hand-spun, wisteria-wrapped Kabuki eye brush and encased in an elegant pouch.

Hanamichi Kabuki Eyeshadow Palette

Also included in the collection are the ‘Karuko Kabuki’ nail polish quad (cherry red, deep black, pure white and sheer gold – which looks similar to the gold Nars polish used in the S/S 2012 Thakoon runway show) and a sextet of chubby color crayons, entitled ‘mei kabuki’ for the pivotal moment in traditional Japanese theatre of peak emotions and action.

It looks like everything is already sold out on Nordstrom’s website, but stay tuned, as hopefully they will restock ! Visit their site for more information:

Nordstrom US / International

My heart is fluttering at the mere sight of the eyeshadow compact and lip pot bento box… Are you reading this, Santa ? !

XX La Coquette